Prince William Reflects on the Future of the Commonwealth
Prince William is reflecting on the future of Belize, Jamaica, and the Bahamas upon the completion of his and Kate Middleton's Caribbean tour.
The Duke of Cambridge released an unprecedented, candid statement regarding the island countries' future governance. In the statement, released on the last day of their cross-country tour, the royal seemed to directly address the criticism that the royals have received on the tour from the countries' residents, expressing that their future is "for the people to decide upon."
"Foreign tours are an opportunity to reflect," he said. "You learn so much. What is on the minds of Prime Ministers. The hopes and ambitions of school children. 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," he continued. "But we have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with communities in all three countries, understanding more about the issues that matter most to them."
He also spoke on the future of the Commonwealth of Nations—the voluntary association of 54 countries, nearly all of which were formerly under British rule—and referenced its future leadership.
"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," he said.
He continued, "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."
The prince's statement caps off a rocky official tour, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were met by protests across the Caribbean, in which locals called out Britain's history of colonialism and racism. William expressed his "profound sorrow" for his country's past and called slavery "abhorrent" during a Wednesday speech in Jamaica, and later said during a Friday reception in Nassau, Bahamas, that the royal family stands by any country that wishes to part ways with the British monarchy.
"Next year, I know you are all looking forward to celebrating 50 years of independence – your Golden Anniversary. And 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. Relationships evolve. Friendship endures," he said Friday.
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