William, the second in line to the throne, made the comments after an eight-day tour of Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas, during which he and his wife Kate were celebrated and criticized as “deaf” for perpetuating images of the colonial sovereignty of Britain.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holnes told the kings that his country intended to become a democracy, removing the British monarch from the post of head of state.
“I know this tour has brought even more intense questions about the past and the future,” William said in a statement reflecting the end of their tour on Saturday. “In Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas, this future belongs to the people.”
William, whose official title is Duke of Cambridge, said he and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, wanted to serve.
“Catherine and I are committed to serving. For us, this is not about telling people what to do. It is about serving and supporting them in whatever way they believe best, using the platform we are fortunate to have.”
William and Kathryn attend a reception hosted by the Bahamas governor on the seventh day of their Caribbean tour in Nassau on March 25. (Paul Edwards / Reuters)
The young kings visited the three nations as representatives of Queen Elizabeth II, who is celebrating the 70th anniversary of her reign this year. During these seven decades, he was head of state for the United Kingdom and 14 “kingdoms” that were once colonies of the British Empire and are now independent countries.
The royal couple welcomed protesters who apologized for Britain’s role in enslaving millions of Africans and reparations for the damage caused by slavery. During a speech in Jamaica, William expressed his “deep regret” over the slavery, but did not apologize.
A woman holds a protest sign during a visit by Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, to Nassau, Bahamas, on March 25. (Dante Carrer / Reuters)
William acknowledged the changing nature of ties between Britain and its former colonies during a speech Friday night in Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas.
“We proudly support and respect your decisions about your future,” said William. “Relationships evolve. Friendship endures.”
CLOCKS Prince William expresses “deep regret” for the slavery, but does not apologize:
Prince William does not apologize for slavery during Jamaica visit
In a speech to the Jamaicans, Prince William expressed “deep regret” over Britain’s role in the slave trade, but did not apologize. 2:02
Whatever the former colonies decide to continue their relationship with the crown, William said he wanted to continue to serve them through the Commonwealth, a voluntary union of 54 countries with historic ties to Britain. The queen was head of the Commonwealth throughout her reign, and Prince Charles, William’s father, is her appointed successor.
William acknowledged that he might not follow in their footsteps.
“What the Commonwealth chooses to lead its family in the future is not what I have in mind,” he said.
