01of 17
Anti-Colonial Protests
Kate Middleton and Prince William.Karwai Tang/WireImage
Prince William and Kate Middletonwere forced to cancel one of the first outings on their Caribbean tourafter protests broke outahead of the couple’s arrival in Belize.
02of 17Shaking It OffPrince William and Kate Middleton.JOHAN ORDONEZ/AFP via Getty (2)Thecouple quickly pivoted—their smiles betraying no hint of the underlying tensions — as they attended a lively beach party with the Garifuna community in Belize. They joined in the festivities, dancing the local “punta.““I said [to William], ‘I’ll hold your hand, and we will dance together,’ " says Cynthia Ellis-Topsey, an ambassador for the Garifuna nation who was among those teaching the royals at the party. “It was beautiful. [Kate] was a bit nervous, but she certainly appreciated the children.”
02of 17
Shaking It Off
Prince William and Kate Middleton.JOHAN ORDONEZ/AFP via Getty (2)
Thecouple quickly pivoted—their smiles betraying no hint of the underlying tensions — as they attended a lively beach party with the Garifuna community in Belize. They joined in the festivities, dancing the local “punta.”
“I said [to William], ‘I’ll hold your hand, and we will dance together,’ " says Cynthia Ellis-Topsey, an ambassador for the Garifuna nation who was among those teaching the royals at the party. “It was beautiful. [Kate] was a bit nervous, but she certainly appreciated the children.”
03of 17Playing TouristsKate Middleton and Prince William.Samir Hussein/Pool/WireImageWilliam and Kate looked like a pair of tourists in casual clothes and sunglasses as they toured the ancient Mayan ruins at an archaeological site deep in the Chiquibul Forest of Belize.“Wow,” Kate exclaimed as she took in the view during their visit, which their tour guide Alan Moore called “important.”
03of 17
Playing Tourists
Kate Middleton and Prince William.Samir Hussein/Pool/WireImage
William and Kate looked like a pair of tourists in casual clothes and sunglasses as they toured the ancient Mayan ruins at an archaeological site deep in the Chiquibul Forest of Belize.
“Wow,” Kate exclaimed as she took in the view during their visit, which their tour guide Alan Moore called “important.”
04of 17
Going Glam
Samir Hussein/WireImage
On their final night in Belize, the couple attended a special reception at the Mayan ruins of Cahal Pech. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met with community leaders, well-known Belizeans, and members of the government throughout the evening.
05of 17
A Call for Reparations
Kate Middleton and Prince William arrive in Jamaica.Chris Jackson/Getty
A protest calling for slavery reparations took place in Jamaica’s capital city of Kingston as the couple landed in the Caribbean country.
06of 17Trench Town VisitSamir Hussein/WireImageTheir first major stop in Jamaica was a visit to Bob Marley’s former home in Trench Town, which saw them play the drums with local musicians, take a selfie with the Jamaician bobsleigh team and take part in a soccer game.While they were greeted with cheers from the crowds that gathered, they were criticized for pictures that made the rounds of them shaking hands with young fans through a fence.
06of 17
Trench Town Visit
Their first major stop in Jamaica was a visit to Bob Marley’s former home in Trench Town, which saw them play the drums with local musicians, take a selfie with the Jamaician bobsleigh team and take part in a soccer game.
While they were greeted with cheers from the crowds that gathered, they were criticized for pictures that made the rounds of them shaking hands with young fans through a fence.
07of 17’We’re Moving On’Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his wife Juliet Holness.Alamy Stock PhotoJamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness directly addressed his country’s intention to break away from the British monarchy during a meeting with the couple.“There are issues here, which as you know, are unresolved, but your presence gives us an opportunity for those issues to be placed in context, to be out front and center and to be addressed as best we can,” he told William and Kate. “But Jamaica is, as you would see, is a country that is proud of its history and very proud of what we have achieved. And we’re moving on and we intend to… fulfill our true ambitions and destiny to become an independent, developed and prosperous country.”
07of 17
‘We’re Moving On’
Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his wife Juliet Holness.Alamy Stock Photo
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness directly addressed his country’s intention to break away from the British monarchy during a meeting with the couple.
“There are issues here, which as you know, are unresolved, but your presence gives us an opportunity for those issues to be placed in context, to be out front and center and to be addressed as best we can,” he told William and Kate. “But Jamaica is, as you would see, is a country that is proud of its history and very proud of what we have achieved. And we’re moving on and we intend to… fulfill our true ambitions and destiny to become an independent, developed and prosperous country.”
08of 17Kate Glitters in GreenKate Middleton.Samir Hussein/WireImageFor a reception in Jamaica,Kate Middletonwore a sparkling green Jenny Packham gown, paying homage to the color of Jamaica’s flag. She wore her hair in a chic updo and accessorized her look with emerald jewels on loan from the Queen.
08of 17
Kate Glitters in Green
Kate Middleton.Samir Hussein/WireImage
For a reception in Jamaica,Kate Middletonwore a sparkling green Jenny Packham gown, paying homage to the color of Jamaica’s flag. She wore her hair in a chic updo and accessorized her look with emerald jewels on loan from the Queen.
09of 17
William Expresses His ‘Sorrow’
Prince William speaking in Jamaica on March 23, 2022.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Prince Williamexpressed his deep “sorrow” for the horrors of the slave trade — and the role that Britain played in it in a landmark speech in Jamaica.
“I want to express my profound sorrow. Slavery was abhorrent. And it should never have happened,” he said.
“While the pain runs deep, Jamaica continues to forge its future with determination, courage and fortitude,” he continued. “The strength and shared sense of purpose of the Jamaican people, represented in your flag and motto, celebrate an invincible spirit.”
10of 17Echoes of Post-Colonial ToursQueen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in Jamaica in 1953 (left) and Prince William and Kate Middleton in Jamaica on March 24, 2022.PA Images via Getty Images; Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty ImagesWilliam and Kate echoedQueen ElizabethandPrince Philipwith a ride in an open-top Land Rover. Looking uncomfortable at times — they rode away from a Jamaican commissioning parade standing high in a Land Rover, creating an image that harkened back to the Queen’s post-colonial tours.
10of 17
Echoes of Post-Colonial Tours
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in Jamaica in 1953 (left) and Prince William and Kate Middleton in Jamaica on March 24, 2022.PA Images via Getty Images; Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty Images
William and Kate echoedQueen ElizabethandPrince Philipwith a ride in an open-top Land Rover. Looking uncomfortable at times — they rode away from a Jamaican commissioning parade standing high in a Land Rover, creating an image that harkened back to the Queen’s post-colonial tours.
11of 17
A Rainy Start
Prince William and Kate Middleton.Samir Hussein - Pool/WireImage
The Duke and Duchess started theirfirst full day in The Bahamaswith a special visit to a local school amid a torrential downpour.
“We seem to have brought the weather with us!” William joked.
In a speech Kate gave at the school, she gave her kids a special shout-out.
12of 17Royal JunkanooKate Middleton.Karwai Tang/WireImageDespite the rain, they were determined not to disappoint the well-wishers — or miss the Junkanoo street festival — that had been awaiting them on Bay Street in Nassau, The Bahamas.As the clouds began to clear, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge ventured out for the first walkabout of their Caribbean tour.Charisma Thompson, 46, who was there with friends, chatted with William during the lively parade in Parliament Square.“He said, ‘Thank you for your patience and sorry for the weather,’ and we said, ‘It’s not your fault,’ " Thompson shared. “We told him we love him and Kate and we didn’t mind waiting. He was loving the excitement and you could see it was exciting for him.”
12of 17
Royal Junkanoo
Kate Middleton.Karwai Tang/WireImage
Despite the rain, they were determined not to disappoint the well-wishers — or miss the Junkanoo street festival — that had been awaiting them on Bay Street in Nassau, The Bahamas.
As the clouds began to clear, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge ventured out for the first walkabout of their Caribbean tour.
Charisma Thompson, 46, who was there with friends, chatted with William during the lively parade in Parliament Square.
“He said, ‘Thank you for your patience and sorry for the weather,’ and we said, ‘It’s not your fault,’ " Thompson shared. “We told him we love him and Kate and we didn’t mind waiting. He was loving the excitement and you could see it was exciting for him.”
13of 17Royals Set Sail!Chris Jackson/GettyThe competitive Duke and Duchess of Cambridge faced off in a sloop race at the Royal Nassau Sailing Club.The race involved six boats, with a presentation on shore after for the top three finishers — including theSusan Chase, William’s boat!The future king got a pat on the back from his wife when they both returned to the dock absolutely soaked from the rain but looking invigorated.
13of 17
Royals Set Sail!
Chris Jackson/Getty
The competitive Duke and Duchess of Cambridge faced off in a sloop race at the Royal Nassau Sailing Club.
The race involved six boats, with a presentation on shore after for the top three finishers — including theSusan Chase, William’s boat!
The future king got a pat on the back from his wife when they both returned to the dock absolutely soaked from the rain but looking invigorated.
14of 17Kate Channels CinderellaSamir Hussein/WireImageKate MiddletonandPrince Williamstepped out forone final night of glamourto attend an evening reception at Baha Mar Resort on the white sand beaches of Cable Beach in Nassau.Kate wore a shimmering turquoise bespoke silk duchess satin gown with hand-tied bows at the shoulder from British designer Phillipa Lepley that paid tribute to her host country’s flag — and gave her the ultimate Cinderella moment.
14of 17
Kate Channels Cinderella
Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamstepped out forone final night of glamourto attend an evening reception at Baha Mar Resort on the white sand beaches of Cable Beach in Nassau.
Kate wore a shimmering turquoise bespoke silk duchess satin gown with hand-tied bows at the shoulder from British designer Phillipa Lepley that paid tribute to her host country’s flag — and gave her the ultimate Cinderella moment.
15of 17Shifting ViewsPrince William.Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage)Prince Williamaddressed the growing calls for change in the Caribbean in a speech he gave at the reception.“With Jamaica celebrating 60 years of independence this year, and Belize celebrating 40 years of independence last year, I want to say this: We support with pride and respect your decisions about your future,” he said. “Relationships evolve. Friendship endures.”
15of 17
Shifting Views
Prince William.Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Prince Williamaddressed the growing calls for change in the Caribbean in a speech he gave at the reception.
“With Jamaica celebrating 60 years of independence this year, and Belize celebrating 40 years of independence last year, I want to say this: We support with pride and respect your decisions about your future,” he said. “Relationships evolve. Friendship endures.”
16of 17Kate Gets AdventurousPrince William and Kate Middleton.Samir Hussein/Pool/WireImageFor their final day in The Bahamas, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge traveled to Abaco’s main island and visited a Fish Fry — a quintessentially Bahamian culinary gathering place that is found on every island in The Bahamas.During the outing, William and Kate met vendors who prepared a taste of Bahamian cuisine, including the local favorite — conch salad.“I’m a little bit more adventurous than William is!” Kate said as she stepped up to sample a piece of conch.The royal had one reaction to the taste after she expertly took a bite.“That was lovely,” Kate said.
16of 17
Kate Gets Adventurous
Prince William and Kate Middleton.Samir Hussein/Pool/WireImage
For their final day in The Bahamas, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge traveled to Abaco’s main island and visited a Fish Fry — a quintessentially Bahamian culinary gathering place that is found on every island in The Bahamas.
During the outing, William and Kate met vendors who prepared a taste of Bahamian cuisine, including the local favorite — conch salad.
“I’m a little bit more adventurous than William is!” Kate said as she stepped up to sample a piece of conch.
The royal had one reaction to the taste after she expertly took a bite.
“That was lovely,” Kate said.
17of 17An Unprecedented StatementKate Middleton and Prince William leave The Bahamas on March 26.gettyAsPrince WilliamandKate Middleton’s tour came to an end, the Duke of Cambridge has released a landmark statement, reflecting on the future governance of the Caribbean nations.“I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future. In Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon,” he said.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 body of mostly-former colonies loosely linked to Britain — will continue to “create a better future” for its people.
17of 17
An Unprecedented Statement
Kate Middleton and Prince William leave The Bahamas on March 26.getty
AsPrince WilliamandKate Middleton’s tour came to an end, the Duke of Cambridge has released a landmark statement, reflecting on the future governance of the Caribbean nations.
“I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future. In Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon,” he said.
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 body of mostly-former colonies loosely linked to Britain — will continue to “create a better future” for its people.
source: people.com
