Prince William’s visit to the Caribbean has been met with accusations of a “colonial tour”.
Prince William Friday said the British Royal Family would support the Bahamas’ decisions about its future, on the third stop of a Caribbean tour that has sparked protests in a region that weighs increasingly heavily on its future relations with the British monarchy.
At a reception hosted by the Governor-General of the Bahamas in Nassau, William — whose official title is the Duke of Cambridge — noted the impending 50th anniversary of the former colony’s independence from Britain.
“And as Jamaica celebrates 60 years of independence this year and Belize 40 years of independence last year, I want to say this: We proudly support and respect your decisions about your future,” said William.
“Relationships evolve. Friendship lasts.”
Prince William and Kate’s tour was to mark the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.
But instead, it faced protests and accusations that it was a “colonial tour.”
In Jamaica on Tuesday, placarded protesters outside the British High Commission demanded the monarchy pay reparations before the royals arrived and apologized for its role in the slave trade that brought hundreds of thousands of Africans to the island to toil in inhumane conditions.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness then pointedly told William in front of television cameras that the nation was “progressing” as an independent country.
The visit follows mounting calls for Jamaica to follow Barbados and become a republic by dumping the Queen as head of state.
During that trip, William expressed his “deep sadness” about the history of slavery, calling the practice “repulsive”.
“It should never have happened,” he said.
But so far, the British royal family has not issued a formal apology.
The visit came as Britain is increasingly confronted with its colonial past, particularly the memorials to historical figures associated with the slave trade.
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