Slavery: Prince William issues apology during Commonwealth tour

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with the Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness and his wife Juliet Holness, March 23, 2022. AFP - RICARDO MAKYN

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The year 2022 marks the 70th of Elizabeth II's accession to the throne.

For the occasion, the royal family is touring the Commonwealth countries.

This week, Prince William, second in line, and his wife are touring the Caribbean. 

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With our correspondent in London

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“

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This is Prince William's response to calls to apologize for Britain's involvement in the slave trade.

Since the beginning of his visit to Jamaica, demonstrations have been organized and a hundred notables have signed an open letter demanding an apology.

Protest in Kingston during a visit by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Jamaica, Tuesday, March 22, 2022. AP - Collin Reid

But protocol made it difficult for the Duke of Cambridge to do more than appear contrite.

Inspiration for independence

At the end of last week, part of the Caribbean tour of William and Kate had to be canceled.

The couple was to go to Belize in particular, but demonstrations demanding recognition of the slavery heritage of the British Empire led to the cancellation of this step.

The Cambridge trip is also dominated by the question of the future of this part of the Commonwealth.

During the reception in Kingston, the Jamaican Prime Minister explained to the Prince that his country hoped to become prosperous and independent in the short term, that is to say a Republic, without the Queen as head of state.

Barbados is the last country to leave the Commonwealth, last November.

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• UK

• Elizabeth II

• Slavery

• Belize

• Barbados

• Commonwealth