24-Hour Fiji Visit For The Queen

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will spend less than 24 hours in Fiji early in February when they pass through on their way to Australia and New Zealand. They will be at Suva for about five hours, and at Lautoka only long enough to meet civic dignitaries.

They are scheduled to arrive at Nadi Airport about 9.40 p.m. on February 1, and drive to Lautoka soon after disembarkation. After meeting the Mayor of Lautoka and town councillors they will embark in the Britannia, which is expected to arrive at Suva about 11 a.m. next day.

They will inspect a guard of honour mounted by the Fiji Military Forces, and, after presentations, will drive through the centre of Suva to Albert Park where a parade of youth will welcome them. If the weather is fine the Queen and the Duke will drive in an open vehicle through the ranks of the children.

From Albert Park they will go to Government House grounds where there will be a Fijian ceremony of welcome, open to the public. After lunch at Government House the Queen will hold an investiture. The Royal couple will then return to the Britannia, which is expected to leave for New Zealand about 4 p.m.