Britain's Prince William hints at support for Caribbean nations becoming republics
Prince William, the grandson of Britain's Queen, said he supports and respects any decision taken by Caribbean nations about their future, as Belize, the Bahamas and Jamaica consider severing ties with the British monarchy.
At the end of a tour with his wife Kate, which saw protests against the legacy of the British Empire, William acknowledged that the relationship between the three Caribbean countries and the Crown is changing.
"Next year, I know you are all looking forward to celebrating 50 years of independence - your golden anniversary... as Jamaica celebrates 60 years of independence this year, and Belize celebrates 40 years of independence last year," he added in a speech in Nassau, capital of the Bahamas. , I would say: We proudly support and respect your decisions about your future.
Relationships evolve.
The friendship continues.”
His speech was the clearest indication that the royal family would support the three countries' abandonment of the Queen as their head, similar to the decision Barbados made last November.
Buckingham Palace usually says such matters are up to local residents and politicians to decide.
The tour of William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, highlighted the waning of support for the monarchy in the Caribbean.
During the trip, there were protests and demands for Britain to pay reparations and an apology for slavery.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness also told Prince William directly at a meeting on Wednesday that his country wanted to be independent.
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