Prince William says he respects any country’s decision to become a republic

Prince William says he respects any country’s decision to become a republic

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have spent the past week traveling through three Commonwealth kingdoms – Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas – on a journey aimed at celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne.

His unprecedented remarks came at the end of a tour that has been plagued by negative headlines and raised questions about the monarchy’s continued role in the region.

Last November, Barbados severed its last remaining colonial ties to London, removing the Queen as head of state and inaugurating its first president, Sandra Mason.

In a statement issued by Kensington Palace on Saturday, the Duke said overseas tours were “an opportunity to reflect.”

“You learn so much. What are prime ministers thinking about. School children’s hopes and ambitions. The daily challenges that families and communities face,” he explained.

The Cambridge family visits a fish fry - a culinary gathering place found on all islands in the Bahamas on March 26 in Great Abaco, Bahamas.

But in an open admission, William continued: “I know this trip has brought even sharper focus on issues of the past and the future. In Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas, it is the future that the people must decide. But we have really enjoyed spend time with communities in all three countries and understand more about the issues that matter most to them. ”

William reiterated his commitment to service, along with his wife Catherines, before adding: “For us, it’s not about telling people what to do. It’s about serving and supporting them in the way they like best, by to use the platform we are lucky to have. “

William and Kate during a visit to Trench Town, the birthplace of reggae music, on day four of their tour.
The second in line to the British throne said royal tours confirmed their desire to “serve the people of the Commonwealth and listen to communities around the world.” He then signaled that he would not mind if someone outside the royal family in the future took over the leadership of the Commonwealth, the 54-member large group of mostly former British territories.

“Who the Commonwealth chooses to lead its family in the future is not what I’m thinking. What matters to us is the potential of the Commonwealth family to create a better future for the people who form it, and our commitment to to serve and support as best we can. “

People demand compensation for slavery outside the entrance to the British High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica on Tuesday.

William and Kate’s first official visit to the region was marked by problems. The couple was told by Jamaica’s prime minister on Wednesday that the country is “moving” and will achieve its “true ambition” to be “independent”.

A day earlier, a group of anti-monarchy protesters had gathered in front of the British High Commission to demand an apology from visiting royals over Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.

Earlier in the trip in Belize, a royal engagement was also canceled due to reported opposition from local residents.

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