William acknowledges the Caribbean’s republican movement; Charles set to stand in for Queen
Prince William gives an extraordinary statement on the future of the Commonwealth, as Prince Charles could step in for the Queen at the opening of British parliament in May.
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Prince William and wife Kate have returned home from their controversy laden visit to the Caribbean with an unexpected statement from the future king.
Acknowledging the rising republican sentiment in the area that saw Barbados become a republic in December, with Jamaica and Belize tipped to follow suit, Prince William said he and Kate were “committed to service”.
In the statement – being described by some royal watchers as unprecedented – the prince said the eight-day trip to Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas had highlighted “questions about the past and the future”.
“Foreign tours are an opportunity to reflect. You learn so much,” he said.
“What is on the minds of Prime Ministers. The hopes and ambitions of schoolchildren. The day-to-day challenges faced by families and communities.
“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.
“But we have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with communities in all three countries, understanding more about the issues that matter most to them.
“Catherine and I are committed to service. For us that’s not telling people what to do. It is about serving and supporting them in whatever way they think best, by using the platform we are lucky to have.
“It is why tours such as this reaffirm our desire to serve the people of the Commonwealth and to listen to communities around the world. Who the Commonwealth chooses to lead its family in the future isn’t what is on my mind.
“What matters to us is the potential the Commonwealth family has to create a better future for the people who form it, and our commitment to serve and support as best we can.”
Originally designed to be a celebration of the Queen’s seventieth year on the throne, the tour was marred by protests about British colonisation and anti-royalist sentiment.
On the eve of their return to the UK, Prince William addressed a reception held in their honour.
“I want to say this,” he said. “We support with pride and respect your decisions about your future. Relationships evolve, friendship endures.”
Meanwhile, Prince Charles is tipped to stand in for the Queen at the state opening of British parliament in May, as ill-health and mobility issues continue to plague the 95-year-old monarch.
The Queen is yet to officially confirm she will not be attending the opening, but plans are reportedly being made for Prince Charles to read the Queen’s Speech on the day.
She has missed just two state openings of parliament in her 70-year reign, when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew in 1959 and in 1963, when she was pregnant with Prince Edward.
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