Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to Daystar Evangelical Church March 26, 2022 in Great Abaco, Bahamas. Abaco was dramatically hit by Hurricane Dorian. It damaged 75% of the houses on the island chain and resulted in tragic deaths. During their visit to the church, they will learn firsthand what it was like to be on the island when the hurricane hit and how people came together to support one another during an incredibly difficult time. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen. The 8-day tour will take place between Saturday March 19th and Saturday March 26th and is their first official tour abroad together since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.
Chris Jackson/Getty Prince William and Kate Middleton
As Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Caribbean tour comes to a close on Saturday, the Duke of Cambridge has released a landmark statement reflecting on the future governance of the Caribbean nations.
“I know this tour has brought even more focus to questions of the past and future. In Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas, people have to decide that future,” says William.
And whatever the future holds for the countries William and Kate visited this week, the Duke of Cambridge reiterates his hope that the 54-nation Commonwealth – the voluntary association of mostly former colonies loosely linked to Britain – continues “will create a better future” for its people.
“Travelling abroad is an opportunity for reflection. You learn so much. What concerns the prime ministers. The hopes and ambitions of school children. The daily challenges faced by families and communities,” William began his explanation.
“I know that this tour has brought questions about the past and the future even more into focus. In Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas, it is up to the people to decide that future. But we really enjoyed spending time with the communities in all three countries to learn more about the issues that matter most to them.
“Catherine and I are committed to service. For us, that doesn’t mean telling people what to do. It’s about serving them and supporting them in the way they see fit best, using the platform we are fortunate to have.
“For that reason, tours like this reinforce our desire to serve the people of the Commonwealth and listen to communities around the world. Who the Commonwealth chooses to lead its family in the future is not what I have in mind. What matters to us is the potential the Commonwealth family has to create a better future for the people who make it up and our commitment to serve and support as best we can,” he concluded.
The story goes on
Kate Middleton and Prince William
Chris Jackson/Getty Images Prince William and Kate Middleton
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It’s been a difficult week for the royal couple. While they’ve been met with smiles and cheers everywhere, there’s also been an undercurrent of controversy. The tour has featured protests against colonialism and calls for the removal of William’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, as head of state in Jamaica.
At the start of the tour and following protests in Jamaica, William, 39, expressed his “sadness” at the “disgusting” history of slavery that is shaming Britain – although for some he didn’t go far enough and did in fact apologize.
On Friday night, William gave another speech, acknowledging that “relationships are developing” between the UK and the Caribbean countries, but “friendship endures”.
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Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attend a Governor-General’s Reception at the Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas on March 25, 2022.
Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage Kate Middleton and Prince William
Williams’ explanation came on Saturday as he and Kate wrapped up their eight-day tour with trips to the Bahamas. They visited islands still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, met local people and saw pioneering coral reef restoration work being carried out.
Aware of the protests and voices of opposition – as well as calls for redress for Britain’s role in the slave trade – both William and Kate listened as they toured the three countries this week.
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The statement was released as the couple prepared for their final departure from the Bahamas to return home to their children in time for Mother’s Day in the UK