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STORY: Britain's Prince Harry addressed the Bahamian people on Sunday in a speech in a downtown Nassau square crowded with admirers.

"The Bahamas holds a very special place in Her Majesty's heart. Her love for this realm and you, the Bahamian people, stretches back over decades, right to that first visit in 1966. During the 60 years of my grandmother's reign, The Bahamas has flourished," he said from atop a sun-soaked stage in front of the country's Parliament building.

This is Harry's first visit to The Bahamas, an independent nation that is part of the Commonwealth of Nations and recognizes Queen Elizabeth II as head of state.

While on stage, Harry received gifts from The Bahamas, including a portrait of himself painted by a local artist.

The third in line to the throne, this overseas tour, which also includes stops in Belize, Jamaica and Brazil, is Harry's first time representing the queen abroad.

Harry then cut the ribbon to officially open an exhibition of photography depicting his grandmother's royal visits to The Bahamas.

After touring the outdoor exhibit amid a sea of photographers, Harry walked through the square to a Royal Bahamian Defence Force boat, where he was met by saluting service members.

From the dock, the prince speeded away on board a patrol boat for military exercises around several of The Bahamas' further outlying islands.

Prince Harry will depart for Jamaica on Monday and complete his tour in Brazil on March 8.

The Diamond Jubilee is being celebrated throughout 2012 to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's ascension to the throne.