Prince Andrew to visit Manila

Prince Andrew to visit Manila

MANILA (AFP): Britain's Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, will visit the Philippines from Dec. 19-20, the British Embassy said yesterday.

The prince, a lieutenant commander in the Royal Navy, is scheduled to meet with Philippine President Fidel Ramos, Defense Secretary Renato de Villa and newly installed armed forces chief Gen. Arnulfo Acedera, the embassy said in a statement.

It said the visit, the second of a member of the British royal family this year, is expected to "boost ties between the Philippine and British armed forces." He will be given military honors at the armed forces headquarters, the embassy said.

Prince Andrew's uncle, the Duke of Gloucester led a 23-member business delegation to the Philippines in October.