Prince William held ‘emergency crisis talks’ as he prepared to break major royal policy following controversial tour
Prince William directly addressed the future of the commonwealth on his final night in The Bahamas
Prince William reportedly held “emergency crisis talks” as he prepared to break a major royal policy following his controversial Caribbean tour.
- The Duke of Cambridge is said to have held “crisis talks” before making his final speech on his and Kate Middleton’s Caribbean tour.
- It’s claimed Prince William wishes to break the royals’ “never complain, never explain” approach if there's something that needs to be said by the monarchy.
- This royal news comes as it was revealed Prince Charles is to replace the Queen with this important duty usually performed by the monarch.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Caribbean tour was their first joint overseas trip since the pandemic and had plenty of memorable moments, including Prince William’s dancing in Belize. However it wasn’t without controversy and some even declared Prince William and Kate were “not welcome” in Jamaica amid slavery reparation protests in the country.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s trip, which saw them visit Belize, The Bahamas and Jamaica, continued to spark debates surrounding colonialism and Britain's colonial past more specifically. And according to the Daily Mail, Prince William reportedly held “crisis talks” with senior royal aides before making a remarkable statement on their final evening.
Just hours before the couple flew home Prince William made a speech directly addressing the republican sentiments that had been circulating ever more strongly. In it, the Queen’s grandchild announced that the Royal Family would “support” and “respect” the decisions of commonwealth nations surrounding their futures.
“Next year, I know you are all looking forward to celebrating 50 years of 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," he declared during an event hosted by the Bahamian governor-general.
"We support with pride and respect your decisions about your future. Relationships evolve. Friendship endures."
The future King’s statement came months after Prince Charles visited Barbados as they celebrated becoming a republic. Prince William’s decision to discuss and “support” the possibility of more commonwealth countries doing the same is one that likely astonished many, but reportedly “needed” to be done in his eyes.
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“He was keen to be heard and certainly thought there was a need to get ahead of the raft of negative headlines,” a senior palace source claimed to The Mirror.
“He said he needed to make it clear that any of the Caribbean nations he had visited were totally free and completely supported in any decision they may make in the future to choose their own destiny.”
Meanwhile another source suggested to the Mail that the longstanding unofficial royal policy of “never complain, never explain” stoicism is over and done with, as far as Prince William is concerned.
“The prince believes that for him, the days of "never complain" are over,” they alleged. “He definitely won’t be speaking out regularly but believes if the monarchy has something to say, then it should say it.”
The Cambridges’ Caribbean tour took place during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year and has certainly been a thought-provoking trip in the eyes of many people across the world.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
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