According to a senior royal journalist, Prince William has essentially just called on the Bahamas to use 50 years of independence next year to step down from the monarchy and elect a president if they so wish. Richard Palmer said Prince William delivered the speech on the penultimate day of a tour in which politicians and protesters called on Caribbean countries to leave the monarchy. William said: “I want to say this – we proudly support and respect your decisions about your future. Relationships are evolving. Friendship endures. “ The reporter said that the main part of William’s speech reflected what the couple and their entourage heard during a tour designed to celebrate the Queen’s 70th birthday in three of her kingdoms – Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas. . “And of course the last part: Friendship endures.” In a way, it does not differ from what the Queen, Charles and other kings have been saying for years. “I was in Australia in 2006 when Buckingham Palace reported that the Queen was telling Australians that it was up to you,” Palmer said. See what he said in his speech: “Next year, I know you are all looking forward to celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of your 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 proudly support and respect your decisions for your future. Relationships are evolving. “Friendships endure.”
