Prince William arrives in Falkland Islands

As Prince William began a six-week tour of duty with his RAF Search & Rescue Squadron, Argentina’s vice-president made a proclamation in which he claimed that his presence was an act of “bravado” to detract attention from Scotland’s bid for independence. In the past week tensions between Britain and Argentina have risen significantly following the deployment of one of the Royal Navy’s most powerful warships to the area. Argentina’s foreign ministry has suggested the Duke has arrived as a “conqueror”, while Navy sources have warned Buenos Aires that its entire air force would be wiped out if it tried to attack. Yesterday Amado Boudou, Argentina’s vice-president, said: “It seems the population is having a bad time and they are trying to cover up that situation with this bravado. “I repeat, I think this has to do with internal political questions which [Britain] has to resolve, very complicated issues which range from high unemployment to the matter of Scottish separatism. “In Europe they are trying to cover up problems such as unemployment and social dissatisfaction by seeking issues which have high media impact. “They are seeking to cover up daily reality with a matter which is very far away from London, such as the Malvinas (the Argentinian name for the disputed islands).” Speaking on Argentina’s La Red radio station, Mr Boudou was also asked about reports that Buenos Aires has put pressure on Chile to stop weekly flights to the Falklands, which pass over Argentine airspace. He said there had been “a very firm response from all the countries in our region” over the issue. Last night David Cameron’s official spokesman said: “Clearly, we hope that the flight will not be cut, but there are also RAF services from London to the Falklands and these will continue.” As Prince William arrived in the Falklands, his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, met drug and alcohol addicts on a private visit to a clinic which is run by the charity Action on Addiction, of which she is patron. By choosing patronage of an addiction charity as one of her first official roles, she is following in the footsteps of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, who became patron of Turning Point in 1985.