55-576: Gaston Alfonso Browne (born 9 February 1967) is an Antiguan politician serving as the prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda and leader of the Labour Party since 2014. Before entering politics, he was a banker and businessman. Browne was born on 9 February 1967, days before the Associated State of Antigua was established, in the Villa area of St. John's . His life as a teenager was extremely tough. As
110-626: A "young British prince much admired by Estonians", adding the party "would be most honoured if you would accept this rare request". Buckingham Palace declined the offer, saying that it was "a charming idea but a rather unlikely one". Edward is a Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter , an Extra Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle , a Knight Grand Cross of
165-643: A Bachelor of Arts degree from Cambridge University . After a brief stint in the Royal Marines , he worked as a theatre production assistant at the Really Useful Theatre Company before assisting in television production. He later formed his own company, Ardent Productions. Edward stepped down from the company in 2002 to begin full-time duties as a working member of the royal family , and undertook engagements on behalf of his mother. He holds patronage with over 70 charities and organisations, including
220-799: A child, he lived in Point with his paternal great-grandmother, who was in her eighties at the time, partially blind, poor and aging. After her death he grew up in Point, another impoverished area. After completing his secondary education, Browne attended the City Banking College in the United Kingdom, where he graduated with a BSc in banking and finance. Later, he attended the University of Manchester , acquiring an MBA in Finance. Following graduation, Browne secured
275-676: A letter to newspaper editors, in which he denied any wedding plans and asked the media to respect their privacy. Edward proposed to Sophie on holiday in the Bahamas in December 1998 and their engagement was announced on 6 January 1999. Edward proposed to Sophie with an Asprey and Garrard engagement ring worth an estimated £105,000: a two-carat oval diamond flanked by two heart-shaped gemstones set in 18-carat white gold. Their wedding took place on 19 June 1999 in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle . This
330-532: A member of the Commonwealth regardless of the outcome. Browne is married to Maria Bird-Browne , niece of the second prime minister Lester Bird . He had three children prior to that marriage. The couple have a son, Prince Gaston Browne, and a daughter born in September 2020. Served as Chief Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda
385-626: A position with the Swiss American Banking Group, a major banking consortium in Antigua and Barbuda that comprises offshore and onshore banks and a trust company . He eventually advanced to the position of Commercial Banking Manager. He entered politics in 1999, being elected to parliament for the constituency of St. John's City West . In his first term he was appointed Minister of Planning, Trade, Industry, Commerce and Public Service Affairs. Browne challenged and defeated Lester Bird in
440-530: A production assistant on musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera , Starlight Express , and Cats . While there he met actress Ruthie Henshall , whom he dated for three years. Edward's first foray into television production was the programme The Grand Knockout Tournament , informally known as It's a Royal Knockout , on 15 June 1987, in which four teams sponsored by him, his siblings Anne and Andrew, and Andrew's wife Sarah competed for charity. The programme
495-618: A range of selected partner charities, and will expand its remit beyond supporting children and young people. In July 2019, the Earl and Countess visited Forfar on their first official visit to the royal burgh since the Queen granted Prince Edward the additional title Earl of Forfar in March 2019. The Earl was presented with 'Earl of Forfar' tartan , which was designed by Forfar's Strathmore Woollen Company to celebrate their new titles. In 2020, he took over
550-413: A republic. Following the death of the Queen , Browne announced that he would call for a referendum on the country becoming a republic within three years, saying "This is not an act of hostility or any difference between Antigua and Barbuda and the monarchy, but it is the final step to complete that circle of independence, to ensure that we are truly a sovereign nation." He added that the country would remain
605-437: A sudden placental abruption ; and James Mountbatten-Windsor (then Viscount Severn, now Earl of Wessex), born on 17 December 2007. Edward's children since 2023 are styled as the children of a duke , rather than as Prince/ss and Royal Highness . The family's country seat is Bagshot Park ; their office and official London residence is at Buckingham Palace . The Earl and Countess of Wessex established their foundation,
SECTION 10
#1732852245440660-739: A trustee of the DofE since 1988 and of the International Award since 2006. Edward later went on to become Chair of trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award in 2015, and was named patron of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in 2023. He has promoted the charity's work on different occasions. Edward is also a trustee of the International Award Association, which "encompasses the DofE UK and all its other 61 National Award Authorities across
715-737: A visit to sites affected by the volcanic eruptions in Montserrat. In 2013, the couple visited South Africa. The Queen appointed the Earl of Wessex as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland for 2014. In 2015, for his contributions to projects associated with badminton, Edward was awarded the President's Medal by the Badminton World Federation President Poul-Erik Høyer . In May 2016,
770-553: Is an honorary member and patron respectively. The Earl and Countess of Wessex represented the Queen at the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's Accession to the Throne of Brunei in October 2017. In February 2018, the Earl and Countess toured Sri Lanka , participating in the 70th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo . In April 2018, the Earl visited Australia to attend
825-584: Is literally a rubble" with no water or phone service; he said there had been only a single fatality. The government had almost completed the evacuation of the entire island; nearly 1,800 people were transferred to Antigua. On the same day, the first of three cargo planes arrived from the US, with over 120,000 pounds of relief for Barbuda, paid for by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and by donations from Martin Franklyn and
880-497: Is optimistic to think anything can be rebuilt in six months ... In my 25 years in disaster management, I have never seen something like this." During a visit by the Earl and Countess of Wessex for the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee , Browne asked the Earl if the couple would use their diplomatic influence to support reparations for slavery to Caribbean Community nations, and announced that his country would become
935-620: Is the head of government of the Antigua and Barbuda . The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda is appointed by the Governor-General under the terms of the Constitution. The executive branch of government is established in section 68 of the constitution, and it is vested in the monarch. The prime minister is appointed by the Governor-General. The prime minister must either be a member of
990-712: Is the most recent child to be born to a reigning British monarch. His birth was the only one witnessed by his father. He was baptised on 2 May 1964 in the private chapel at Windsor Castle . As with his three older siblings, Charles , Anne , and Andrew , a governess was appointed to look after Edward and was responsible for his early education at Buckingham Palace before he attended Collingham College , Kensington (then known as Gibbs School). In September 1972, he joined Heatherdown School , near Ascot in Berkshire. Later, as his father and elder brothers had done before him, he moved to Gordonstoun in northern Scotland , where he
1045-511: Is where the money is". The criticism prompted him to issue a statement, clarifying "that offending the British public was the very last thing I would have wanted to do". In 2011, close associates of Jonathan Rees , a private investigator connected to the News International phone hacking scandal , stated that he had penetrated Edward and Sophie's bank accounts and sold details about them to
1100-541: The Sunday Mirror . Until his marriage, Edward was known as "His Royal Highness The Prince Edward". On 19 June 1999, he became "His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex". Buckingham Palace announced the intention that Edward would eventually be created Duke of Edinburgh , a title then held by his father, Prince Philip, once it had merged in the Crown upon the death of both his parents. On 10 March 2019, his 55th birthday, Edward
1155-679: The British royal family . He is the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh , and the youngest sibling of King Charles III . He was born 3rd in the line of succession to the British throne and is now 14th. Born at Buckingham Palace during the reign of his mother, Edward studied at Heatherdown School and completed his A-Levels at Gordonstoun before spending part of his gap year teaching at Wanganui Collegiate School in New Zealand. He then went up to read history at Jesus College, Cambridge , graduating in 1986 with
SECTION 20
#17328522454401210-938: The Coleman Company in the US. Also on 8 September, Browne discussed Barbuda's urgent needs with Administrator Mark Green of the United States Agency for International Development . USAID had already sent a Disaster Assistance Response Team and continued to coordinate with the government and relief organizations. Browne's government was facing a massive challenge. An estimate published by Time indicated that over US$ 100 million would be required to rebuild homes and infrastructure. Philmore Mullin, Director of Antigua and Barbuda's National Office of Disaster Services, said that "all critical infrastructure and utilities are non-existent – food supply, medicine, shelter, electricity, water, communications, waste management", adding "Public utilities need to be rebuilt in their entirety ... It
1265-742: The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) scheme, attending Gold Award ceremonies around the world. In September 2007, the Earl visited Israel in his capacity as Chairman of the International Council of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award to attend a number of events organised by the Israel Youth Award program, an affiliate of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award . Edward was himself a recipient of the Award's gold medal in 1986 for "a 60-mile, four-day trek from Blair Atholl to Tomintoul " that he had planned. He has been
1320-921: The Edinburgh International Festival , the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire , the Production Guild, and the National Youth Theatre . The Earl of Wessex assumed many duties from his father, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as Prince Philip reduced his commitments before retiring from royal duties. Prince Edward opened the 1990 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand and the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia and became vice-patron of Commonwealth Games Federation in 2006, picking up his father's ceremonial duties who had served as president. He has also taken over his father's role in
1375-634: The National Youth Theatre , the Sport and Recreation Alliance and the British Paralympic Association . His charity work focuses on the arts , athletics , and the development of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award , which centres around fitness, wellbeing and community service. Edward was given the title of Earl of Wessex prior to marrying Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999. They have two children: Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and James Mountbatten-Windsor, Earl of Wessex . Edward's mother conferred him
1430-448: The University of St Andrews , which went against industry guidelines regarding the privacy of members of the royal family; William's father (Edward's elder brother Charles) was reportedly angered by the incident. In March 2002, Edward announced that he would step down as production director and joint managing director of Ardent to concentrate on his public duties and to support the Queen during her Golden Jubilee year. Ardent Productions
1485-528: The XXI Commonwealth Games and attend fundraising events for those participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award challenges. Twenty years after its inception, the Wessex Youth Trust changed its name to the Earl and Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust, managed by the private office of the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Forfar. The trust will continue to develop sustainable relationships with
1540-473: The 12-month training. Media reported that Prince Philip, who was the Captain General Royal Marines , was displeased, but Prince Edward later said that his father had not put undue pressure on him to change his mind. Others stated that Philip was the most sympathetic family member toward his son's decision. Buckingham Palace said that Edward's decision came after "much consideration" and that he
1595-472: The Earl visited Ghana . Alongside President Mahama, he presented young people with the Head of State Awards for their participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Scheme. In September 2016, Edward travelled to Chile as a part of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award's diamond anniversary, and visited projects by British and Commonwealth Fire and Rescue Company and Chilean-British Culture University, of which he
1650-505: The Governor-General on appointments to the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda . [REDACTED] This article incorporates public domain material from documents of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda . Served as Chief Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh (Edward Antony Richard Louis; born 10 March 1964) is a member of
1705-447: The Governor-General revokes his authority. The Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda regulates that the prime minister must be a member of the House of Representatives who is the leader in the House of the political party that has the support of the majority of members of the House of Representatives. If there is no party that has an undisputed leader, or no party that maintains the support of
Gaston Browne - Misplaced Pages Continue
1760-743: The Grenadines, and Antigua and Barbuda to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee . Their planned visit to Grenada was postponed after talks with the island's government and governor-general , and the couple expressed their hopes to visit the country on a later date. In 2022 and in recognition of his role as patron of the Production Guild, the Earl of Wessex Award was created as part of the Guild's inaugural Talent Showcase to recognise UK film and TV organisations who have created "a successful way of inspiring local talent or skills, widening access or being more inclusive." After he
1815-414: The House and the leader of the political party with the support of the majority of the House's members; or the member of the House who, in the opinion of the Governor-General, is most likely to command the support of the majority of members of the House, if it appears to him that such party does not have an indisputable leader in the House or that no party commands the support of such a majority. Additionally,
1870-518: The Prime Minister fails to resign from office or advise the Governor-General to dissolve Parliament within seven days of the resolution's passage. If parliament is dissolved, and a prime minister must be appointed, a person who was a member of the House immediately before the dissolution may be appointed as Prime Minister or any other Minister, and a person who was a member of the Senate immediately before
1925-470: The United States and a documentary Edward made about his great-uncle Edward VIII (the late Duke of Windsor) in 1996 sold well worldwide. Nonetheless, the company reported losses every year it operated, with the exception of one when Edward did not draw a salary. An Ardent two-man film crew later allegedly invaded the privacy of Edward's nephew, Prince William , in September 2001, when he was studying at
1980-749: The Wessex Youth Trust, in 1999, with a focus on helping, supporting and advancing registered charities which provide opportunities specifically for children and young people. His patronages include: the British Paralympic Association , the International Real Tennis Professionals Association, the Commonwealth Games Federation , BadmintonScotland , the Tennis and Rackets Association , City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, London Mozart Players , Haddo House Choral and Operatic Society, Northern Ballet ,
2035-471: The additional title of Earl of Forfar in 2019. On Edward's 59th birthday in 2023, his brother Charles III granted him the title Duke of Edinburgh as a life peerage , a dukedom previously held by their father, who died in 2021, then briefly by Charles himself. Prince Edward was born at 8:20 p.m. on 10 March 1964 at Buckingham Palace , London, as the third son and the fourth and youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh . He
2090-510: The dissolution may be appointed as any Minister other than Prime Minister. The Governor-General may authorize another member of the Cabinet to perform those functions (other than the functions conferred by section 74(2) of the constitution) when the Prime Minister is not present in Antigua and Barbuda or is unable to do so due to illness or because of the restrictions of section 73(4) of this Constitution. That member may perform those functions until
2145-562: The globe". He was also Chairman of the DofE's international council and in 1999 founded the International Special Projects Group "to provide a capital fund to broaden the reach of the Award". In 2018, Edward, as patron of the Tennis and Rackets Association, played on all 50 real tennis courts around the world and raised over £2 million for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. In June 2011, Edward visited Baltimore to meet
2200-663: The jewels to be sold, and the proceeds used for the benefit of the Bahraini people . In February and March 2012, the couple visited the Caribbean for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee . The itinerary consisted of Saint Lucia ; Barbados , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ; Grenada ; Trinidad and Tobago ; Montserrat ; Saint Kitts and Nevis ; Anguilla ; Antigua and Barbuda . Highlights included Independence Day celebrations in Saint Lucia, addressing Senate and Assembly of Barbados jointly, and
2255-560: The leadership race for Labour Party in November 2012 with a margin of 213 to 180, and was appointed as leader of the opposition in December 2012. Gaston Browne led the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party to victory in the 12 June 2014 general election , after 10 years in opposition, winning 14 out of 17 seats. Browne was sworn in as prime minister on 13 June 2014. He defeated Baldwin Spencer's UPP , which had ruled for 10 years. Browne also held
Gaston Browne - Misplaced Pages Continue
2310-456: The majority of the House of Representatives, the Governor-General may appoint a member that is most likely to maintain the support of the majority of the members, and who is willing to hold the role of prime minister. If a prime minister must be appointed while Parliament is dissolved, then, a person who was a member of the House of Representatives immediately before the dissolution may be appointed as prime minister. The prime minister advises
2365-522: The nominee ought to be open to serving as prime minister. Only the Prime Minister or, in his absence, the Minister the Prime Minister appoints in that regard, may call the Cabinet to order. Under section 73 of the constitution, the Governor General must revoke the appointment of the Prime Minister in the event that the House passes a resolution declaring its lack of confidence in the Prime Minister and
2420-529: The office of Minister of Finance . On 6 September 2017 Hurricane Irma swept through Barbuda. Gaston Browne stated that the Category 5 storm had destroyed 95% of the structures and vehicles. Initial estimates showed that at least 60% of the island's residents were homeless because of the disaster. All communications with Barbuda were completely down for a time; most of the communications system had been destroyed. On 8 September 2017, Browne said: "Barbuda right now
2475-545: The patronage of London Youth from his father who had held the position for 73 years. In February 2022, Edward was appointed president of the Royal Windsor Horse Show , a position previously held by his father Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh . In the following month, he visited Kenya to oversee the progress of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award in the country. In April 2022, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Forfar toured Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and
2530-637: The students and staff of the Living Classrooms Foundation and encourage them to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award's programme. In December 2011, the Earl and Countess of Wessex visited troops in Afghanistan. On the same trip, the royal couple visited Bahrain , and received two gifts of jewels from the Bahraini royal family and Prime Minister . Given concern about human rights abuses in Bahrain, this gift attracted controversy, with calls for
2585-501: The university despite poor A-Level results caused some comment. Edward graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree ( Lower Second Hons ). After graduating in 1986, Edward joined the Royal Marines , who had reportedly sponsored his tuition at Cambridge on condition of future service. He had signed up to join the Royal Marines in September 1983. In January 1987, he dropped out of the commando course having completed one-third of
2640-678: Was a departure from the weddings of his elder brothers, which were large, formal events at Westminster Abbey or St Paul's Cathedral , and had ended in divorce. On his wedding day, Prince Edward was created Earl of Wessex , with the subsidiary title of Viscount Severn (alluding to the Welsh roots of the Countess's family), breaking from a tradition whereby sons of the sovereign were created royal dukes . Sophie had an ectopic pregnancy in 2001. Edward and Sophie have two children: Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor , born prematurely on 8 November 2003 due to
2695-633: Was accused in the media of using his royal connections for financial gain, and the company was referred to by some industry insiders as "a sad joke" due to a perceived lack of professionalism in its operations. Andy Beckett , writing in The Guardian , opined that "to watch Ardent's few dozen hours of broadcast output is to enter a strange kingdom where every man in Britain still wears a tie, where pieces to camera are done in cricket jumpers, where people clasp their hands behind their backs like guardsmen. Commercial breaks are filled with army recruiting advertisements". Ardent's productions were better received in
2750-426: Was appointed head boy in his last term. Edward obtained a C-grade in English and two D-grades in history and politics at A-level , and after leaving school spent a gap year abroad, working as a house tutor and junior master for two terms at the Wanganui Collegiate School in New Zealand. Upon his return to the United Kingdom, Edward studied at Jesus College, Cambridge , where he read history. His admission to
2805-570: Was created Duke of Edinburgh on his 59th birthday, Edward and Sophie visited Edinburgh to meet with members of the Ukrainian and Eastern European communities in the city, some of whom were displaced following the Russian invasion of Ukraine . Edward became patron of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award upon being raised to the dukedom. In 1999, Edward was criticised by Labour MPs John Cryer and Lindsay Hoyle for comments he made during an interview with The New York Times , in which he stated that in Britain "They hate anyone who succeeds" and "America
SECTION 50
#17328522454402860-401: Was criticised by the media and the public, and it was later reported that the Queen was not in favour of the event, with her courtiers having advised against it. The programme raised over £1,500,000 for its selected charities. In 1993, Edward founded the television production company Ardent Productions. Ardent was involved in the production of a number of documentaries and dramas, but Edward
2915-519: Was granted the additional title of Earl of Forfar for use in Scotland . On his 59th birthday, 10 March 2023, Edward was created Duke of Edinburgh, thus becoming "His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh". His ducal title is not hereditary, so it will revert to the crown on his death. In 1994, the Independent Royalist Party of Estonia , aspiring to make Estonia a monarchy, sent a letter to Queen Elizabeth II requesting permission to crown Prince Edward as King of Estonia. The letter had called Edward
2970-425: Was leaving with great regret "but has concluded that he does not wish to make the service his long-term career". After leaving military service, Edward opted to pursue a career in entertainment. He commissioned the 1986 musical Cricket from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice , for his mother's 60th birthday celebration, which led to a job offer at Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Theatre Company , where he worked as
3025-434: Was voluntarily dissolved in June 2009, with assets reduced to just £40. Edward met Sophie Rhys-Jones for the first time in 1987 when he was dating her friend. They met again at a promotion shoot for the Prince Edward Summer Challenge to raise money for charity in 1993, and the two began their relationship soon afterwards. In December 1993 and amid growing speculation about whether they were planning to marry, Edward wrote
#439560