William said the foreign tours were an “opportunity for reflection” and he and his wife pledged to “serve and support” the people of the Commonwealth, not “tell them what to do”, in a statement posted on the account. of the couple on Twitter. After William signaled on Friday that the United Kingdom would “proudly and respectfully” support any decision by Jamaica, Belize or the Bahamas to secede from the British monarchy, he issued a statement acknowledging that the tour had brought “a stronger focus on past. and the future “. The couple visited the three countries during a weekly tour to celebrate the queen’s platinum jubilee and were met with calls for reparations for slavery and outrage over the Windrush scandal. William wrote that the couple “learned so much” from foreign tours, such as “what the prime ministers have in mind” – an obvious reference to statements by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who suggested to the couple that his country could become a democracy. Holnes said Jamaica was “moving forward” and aiming to “fulfill our true ambitions and destiny as an independent, developed, prosperous country.” William wrote: “I know this tour has raised even more questions about the past and the future. In Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas, this future belongs to the people. “But we really enjoyed spending time with the communities in all three countries, understanding more about the issues that matter most to them.” He said he and Kate were “committed to the service”, adding: “For us this is not about telling people what to do. It has to do with their service and support in whatever way they think best, using the platform that we are lucky “. William said tours like the one they just completed “confirm our desire to serve the people of the Commonwealth and to listen to communities around the world.” He wrote: “What the Commonwealth chooses to lead its family in the future is not what I have in mind. “What matters to us is the potential of the Commonwealth family to create a better future for the people who shape it and our commitment to serve and support as best we can.” Speaking at a reception in the Bahamas capital, Nassau, on Friday, where Prime Minister Philip Davis was invited, William acknowledged that the three states’ relationship with the royal family was changing. “Next year, I know, you are all looking forward to celebrating 50 years of independence – your golden anniversary,” he said. “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 about your future.” Reacting to the couple’s statement on Sunday, Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, activist and author of This is Why I Resist: Don’t Define My Black Identity, wrote on Twitter: “This thread shows that Prince William is insincere and shows zero intention for Reconciliation / Truth and Justice for enslaved / colonized nations. He lacks a good judgment on racial and social injustice and his “service” seems effective. The opportunity to lead #RoyalVisit was lost. “
