William and Catherine started their journey in Belize and then traveled to Jamaica and the Bahamas. In countries that are part of the Commonwealth, there have been demonstrations against their arrival due to, among other things, colonialism and past slavery. The prince raised the subject in a speech in Jamaica. William offered no apologies, but said he “regretted” the UK’s role in this.
During the trip, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness also told the prince that the Caribbean island wanted to become independent. William responded to this in a speech in the Bahamas on Saturday. “We proudly and respectfully support your decisions about the future. Relationships develop. Friendship lasts.”
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In his statement on Saturday, he said William was aware that the trip had raised “questions about the past and the future.” “In Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas, it is up to the people to decide that future. But we have enjoyed spending time in all three countries and learning more about the issues that matter most to them.”
The prince asserts that he and his wife are in the service of the people. “For us, this does not mean that we are telling people what to do. It is about serving and supporting them the way they see fit and using the platform we are fortunate to have.”
