A plane carrying members of the Royal Family has been forced to make an emergency landing. It is understood the British Airways flight to Gibraltar had to return to London following technical issues.
Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, were supposed to be on their way to the British Overseas Territory for a trip. The royal pair were due to touch down later this afternoon, before walking down Main Street from the Convent to City Hall at 4pm, the Mirror reports.
According to the airline's tracker, flight BA940 was due to be delayed until 5.20pm after it returned to the UK. A British Airways spokesman said this afternoon: "Our pilots decided to return to Heathrow as a precaution due to a minor technical issue, and the aircraft landed normally. The issue has now been fixed and the aircraft is due to depart again shortly. We'd like to thank customers for their patience and understanding."
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A statement from the Convent in Gibraltar said: "The Earl and Countess of Wessex's arrival in Gibraltar has been delayed slightly, after their flight was diverted safely back to the UK due to a technical issue. Alternative arrangements are being made for The Royal Highnesses' arrival in Gibraltar later today and the programme will be adjusted accordingly. Further information will be provided in due course."
It comes after the Spanish government had protested against the Wessexes' visit to Gibraltar. The territory is situated in the south of the Iberian island and is part of the UK. However, Madrid still claims the territory as part of Spain and its future border arrangements are currently the subject of talks between Britain and the European Union.
Spanish diplomatic sources said the country's Foreign Ministry had "expressed its unease" at the visit. Spain believes it "is not appropriate" against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations.
