The following statement was issued by the Gibraltar Government in answer to press questions:

"The formal complaint by the Spanish Government to the HRH The Princess Royal’s visit to Gibraltar on Monday is incomprehensible.

Gibraltar is British Sovereign Territory and a part of Her Majesty’s Realms. According to Spain the Treaty of Utrecht remains valid and under the Treaty, the effect of which they not only claim recognise, but indeed rely on at the United Nations, Spain ceded Gibraltar to Britain in perpetuity. There is therefore no rationale or credible basis for Spain’s objection.

The Gibraltar Government deeply regrets that the Spanish Government should think that our commemoration of 300 years of our history of our links of Britain and of our British Sovereignty is offensive to the Spanish people.

The Gibraltar Government similarly regrets that, whilst professing "respect and affection" for HRH The Princess Royal, the Spanish Government should nevertheless seek to embarrass her by embroiling her visit in unnecessary controversy.

The Gibraltar Government calls on Gibraltarians to give HRH an enthusiastic, warm and loyal welcome to Gibraltar during this our Tercentenary celebrations.