In the Caribbean, the tour of Prince William and Kate Middleton turns to discomfiture
Kate Middleton, Prince William and Admiral Antoinette Wemyss Gorman, who heads the Jamaica Defense Force, at Kingston Airport.
AFP - RICARDO MAKYN
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
In the Caribbean, the tour of Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton has just ended.
The grandson of the Queen of England Elizabeth II visited several Commonwealth countries in this region, an international organization bringing together the former British colonies.
The objective is to strengthen the links between the Crown and its former colonies, on the occasion of the 70 years of reign of Elizabeth II.
But the operation is not really a success.
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It is not for lack of having tried: since his arrival last Sunday, Prince William has multiplied the pledges of good faith.
During his last stopover, Friday March 25 in the Bahamas, he gave a speech to Prime Minister Philip Davis.
"
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 regarding your future '
” he said.
It must be understood that the Crown will support the three states even if they decide to no longer recognize Queen Elizabeth II as their sovereign.
Funny way to celebrate his 70 years of reign.
“
Colonial look
”
This concession badly hides the fiasco of this tour.
Earlier this week, the princely helicopter was prevented from landing in Belize, where protesters gathered.
They were protesting against the "
colonial aspect
" of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's visit.
It's the same story in Jamaica, the second stopover, where the prince was greeted by signs on which one could read: "
Excuse you
".
A reference to slavery in which the Crown participated.
At the heart of the outcry, a symbol, a photo.
William and Kate Middleton shake hands with several Jamaican children, but a fence separates them.
This tour was supposed to strengthen the ties, it only had the effect of further alienating the Caribbean from the Crown.
►Also read: Slavery: Prince William apologizes during a tour of Commonwealth countries
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Belize
Jamaica
UK
Commonwealth