A snowstorm in England has delayed the visit of Prince Edward, the earl of Wessex, who was scheduled to arrive in the island yesterday afternoon.

England is struggling with the heaviest snowfall to hit the country in nearly two decades. Among the hardest-hit regions are London and surrounding areas, causing major travel disruptions and widespread cancellations.

The British media yesterday said the heavy snow had disrupted many parts of the London transportation system, and hundreds of schools had been forced to close.

All activities which were planned for the arrival of the earl have been cancelled. These include the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award Ceremony that was scheduled for today at King's House.

The earl was expected to present some 22 youths with gold medals at what would have been a lavish ceremony.

The National Award Authority, in a release yesterday, said the weather conditions in England have made it impossible for Prince Edward to travel to Jamaica to present the awards.

"He was also expected to participate in other activities in support of the award programme in Jamaica and these have been cancelled," the release stated.

Prince Edward was also expected to make floral tributes at National Heroes Park, in addition to a visit to the Bustamante Museum, courtesy call on the governor general and a private awards dinner at the home of John Issa.

He was scheduled to depart Jamaica on February 4 for the Cayman Islands.