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Prince William and Kate’s Tour Was Meant to Secure the Monarchy in the Caribbean. Instead, It’s Raising New Questions About Its Future

T he British royal family is facing embarrassment on the international stage this week as protests disrupt Prince William and Kate Middleton’s tour of former British colonies in the Caribbean. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge began their week-long visit to Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas March 19.

Officially, the trip was meant to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, celebrating 70 years on the throne. Many observers say the trip was meant to persuade the three countries to keep the Queen as head of state, and not to follow Barbados, which transitioned to a republic last November. But growing calls to cut formal ties with the Queen and campaigns for slavery reparations have ignited a reckoning with the region’s colonial past.

How is Prince William and Kate’s visit sparking controversy?

Prince William and Kate arrived in Jamaica, the second stop of their trip, on March 22. Only a day later, The Independent reported that the Jamaican government had begun the process of transitioning the island nation—which is the largest English speaking country in the Caribbean—to a republic.

The news arrived at a difficult moment for the royals. The day before the couple’s arrival in the country, one hundred Jamaican academics, politicians, and cultural figures signed an open letter calling for the royal family and British government to apologize and pay reparations for subjecting the island to colonial rule and slavery.

“We are of the view an apology for British crimes against humanity, including but not limited to the exploitation of the indigenous people of Jamaica, the transatlantic trafficking of Africans, the enslavement of Africans, indentureship and colonialization is necessary to begin a process of healing, forgiveness, reconciliation and compensation,” the letter said.

The letter’s consignatories describe Prince William and Kate as “direct beneficiaries of the wealth accumulated by the royal family…from the trafficking and enslavement of Africans”. In reference to the Queen’s Jubilee, the letter reads: “We see no reason to celebrate 70 years of the ascension of your grandmother to the British throne because her leadership, and that of her predecessors, has perpetuated the greatest human rights tragedy in the history of humankind.”

The group, called the Advocates Network, staged a protest March 22 outside the British High Commission in Kingston to coincide with the couple’s arrival. Demonstrators held banners reading “#SehYuhSorry and make REPARATIONS.”

The following day, Prince William stopped short of an apology, instead expressing “profound sorrow” for the “appalling atrocity of slavery” during an address to Jamaica’s prime minister March 23.

“Slavery was abhorrent and it never should have happened,” he said . “I strongly agree with my father, the Prince of Wales, who said in Barbados last year that the appalling atrocity of slavery forever stains our history.”

The Advocates Network issued a statement in response, calling the Prince’s words “unacceptable,” adding: “There was no responsibility taken! No call out of centuries of British bloody conquest and plunder.”

Events in Jamaica weren’t the only controversy for the couple on their tour. They canceled their first major engagement the day before touching down in Belize, the first stop on the trip. William and Kate were due to visit a cocoa farm March 20 but locals staged a protest against the visit, objecting to the couple’s plans to land their helicopter on a nearby football pitch without consultation, the Daily Mail reported .

The protests were part of a wider land dispute between indigenous communities and Flora and Fauna International (FFI), the conservation charity that William supports as patron. Locals allege that the charity controls their communal ancestral lands, lost in the colonial era, as “private property,” according to the report. Demonstrators carried banners reading ‘Prince William leave our land’ and ‘Colonial legacy of theft continues with Prince and FFI’.

Why is the Queen still head of state in 14 independent countries?

Queen Elizabeth II is not only the monarch of the U.K., but also of 14 other countries , including Canada, Australia, and Papua New Guinea, known as the Commonwealth realms. They are distinct from the Commonwealth of Nations , a group of 54 countries that were once part of the British Empire—the majority of which no longer recognize the Queen as sovereign.

The nations of the Commonwealth realms are constitutional monarchies—the Queen is a symbolic head of state but the countries are ruled by elected governments. The Queen is not involved in governing but she does still have some constitutional duties, such as approving new governments and legislation, which are carried out by a royal representative.

Although the Queen’s position in these nations is mostly symbolic, the U.K. government noted that the monarchy forms part of Britain’s outsized influence on the world.

In November, Barbados became the first country to remove the Queen as head of state since Mauritius in 1992. Dame Sandra Mason, the island’s governor-general since 2018, was named as president-elect of the nation. “The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind,” she said .

Debates about abolishing the monarchy have rumbled on for decades in other Commonwealth realms. Both Australia and the Caribbean nation St. Vincent and the Grenadines held failed referendums on becoming republics, in 1999 and 2009 respectively. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Arden, told the Guardian in 2018 that she expected the country to transition to a republic in her lifetime.

According to Barbadian political analyst and pollster Peter Wickham, certain Commonwealth realms may struggle to relinquish the monarchy even if the public and government want it. Barbados was able to become a republic because its constitution allowed the government to take the decision independently. In countries like Jamaica, it can only happen through a referendum with a two-thirds majority. “I don’t believe it will ever happen because the referendum will be manipulated by political parties,” Wickham says, drawing comparisons with the divisions caused by the U.K.’s Brexit referendum.

Why do campaigners no longer want the Queen as head of state?

Although the Queen’s role in Commonwealth realms is largely symbolic, attitudes towards the royal family are varied and complex. Wickham says that although Elizabeth herself is quite popular in many Caribbean countries, she is perceived as “not really relevant.”

“We don’t have a problem with her or even monarchy as such,” he says. “Most of us think she’s all the way in England and there’s no reason why we should maintain her as head of state.”

Some believe that keeping the Queen as head of state undermines independence, and only serves to perpetuate colonial subservience. “Imagine being given independence, and then to be told as an adult nation, that the Queen still had a stake in Jamaica and that the island is not really free. It is still an infant colony,” Jamaican-born British writer and academic Dr. Velma McClymont told TIME.

Calls for republicanism have been growing in Jamaica, which celebrates its 60-year anniversary of independence from Britain this year. According to leader of the Jamaican opposition, Mark Golding, the killing of George Floyd in 2020 and the subsequent Black Lives Matter protests reignited conversations around national identity in Jamaica, whose population is over 90% Black.

“There are strong feelings that the royal family should apologize for their involvement with the slave trade and the plantation system which our people went through for a few hundred years,” Golding tells TIME. “I think it would enhance the cohesiveness of the relationship going forward.”

Golding says that although William and Kate’s trip to Jamaica may have been more “fraught” than they expected, he hopes it was a revelatory experience for the couples at the center of the royal family’s future. “I hope that they will realize that a better future can be assured by some introspection and reflection on the past, and the role of the institution of which they are now key members.”

Further to an apology, many campaigners demand compensation for the centuries of human rights violations that still impact former colonies today. CARICOM, an intergovernmental organization of 15 Caribbean countries, unanimously passed a 10-point plan in 2014 calling on European countries to compensate former colonies for centuries of exploitation and slavery. The demands include a repatriation of the descendants of slaves and debt cancellation. The body, which includes Jamaica and Barbados, says that the subjugation of former colonies by European governments is “the primary cause of development failure in the Caribbean.” Golding agrees, attributing issues of economic and healthcare inequality in Jamaica to the legacy of colonialism.

“Today, Jamaicans are still struggling and relying on remittances from relatives abroad, McClymont says. “I’m 65 years old this year, and I’ve been sending remittances [from the U.K.] to rural Jamaicas since I was 17 years old.”

Another issue influencing public opinion in former British colonies is allegations of racism made by Meghan Markle, the first biracial woman to marry into the royal family.

“Suddenly, all of us who before didn’t really take much notice of the royal family began to see what was happening to Markle,” McClymont says. “She was vilified as a Black woman and no statement of support was made by the [royal] family.”

Markle’s allegations were so damaging the royal family was forced to respond. The Queen issued a statement calling them “concerning,” while Prince William defended the monarchy, saying, “We’re very much not a racist family.”

What does the future hold for the British monarchy around the world?

Despite a string of royal controversies in recent months—from Prince Andrew’s settlement in a sexual assault lawsuit to allegations of a cash-for-honors scandal at Prince Charles’ charity—public opinion of the Queen herself remains high. But the same may not be true of her heir. A poll conducted by Ipsos Mori of over 2,000 British adults found that the Queen, who in February tested positive for COVID-19 , is more than three times more popular than her immediate heir, Prince Charles.

Read more: Who’s Paying Prince Andrew’s $16 Million Settlement to Virginia Giuffre? What to Know About Royal Finances

Some royal observers have suggested that the Queen is investing in Prince William and Kate, aged 39 and 40 respectively, as future leaders of the royal family. The couple are twice as popular as Charles who, at 73, may not be on the throne as long as his mother. The Caribbean tour was a crucial test of the monarchy’s relevance in the modern era—the scale of the opposition William and Kate faced may well trouble the Queen.

Ultimately, however, Barbadian political analyst Wickham believes the future of the British monarchy outside the U.K. is less an issue of royal popularity than it is about countries’ national identity. “This is not about Queen Elizabeth herself. It’s not about an individual,” he says. “It’s really about us moving in a different direction.”

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Gaffes and Miscues Mar a Royal Tour of a Republic-Minded Caribbean

The trip by Prince William and his wife, Catherine, the duchess of Cambridge, dramatized how rapidly Queen Elizabeth II is losing her grip on distant dominions where she is still head of state.

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By Mark Landler

LONDON — In Belize, a visit to a cocoa farm was scotched after residents protested. In Jamaica, the prime minister declared his country was “moving on” from the British monarchy. In the Bahamas, the couple arrived to demands from a group calling for slavery reparations that they acknowledge Britain’s economy “was built on the backs of our ancestors.”

For Prince William and his wife, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge , it has been a turbulent tour of the Caribbean — one that has dramatized, through a pileup of gaffes and miscues, how rapidly Queen Elizabeth II is losing her grip on these distant dominions, even when she sends her most popular proxies.

Barbados cast off the queen as head of state last November, and Jamaica seems emboldened to follow suit, though it would require a referendum to amend the island’s constitution. William, second in line to the throne, got a taste of how the mood toward the monarchy has changed in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and a renewed call for reparations for Britain’s role in the slave trade.

“We intend to fulfill our true ambitions and destiny as an independent, developed, prosperous country,” Jamaica’s prime minister, Andrew Holness, said on Wednesday as a po-faced William looked on.

On many stops of their tour, the couple was greeted warmly, even jubilantly. But even those encounters were marred by off-key images. During a military parade, William, resplendent in a white dress uniform, rode with his wife, also in white, in the same open-top Land Rover that carried the queen and Prince Philip in 1962. To some locals, it was a caricature of a colonial proconsul inspecting his troops.

In Trench Town, the Kingston neighborhood famous as the home of Bob Marley, the couple tried their hand at reggae and mixed with friendly crowds. But the enduring image of the stop was likely to be them touching the fingers of children stretched through a chain-link fence — the kind of public-relations gaffe that afflicts other members of the royal family but has rarely tarnished this couple.

The dissonance is about more than poor stagecraft, according to scholars and royal watchers. Sentiment toward the royal family has shifted perceptibly in the Caribbean since the killing of Black people by the police in the United States inflamed a long-simmering debate in Britain and its former colonies about the legacy of empire. Barbados’s decision to remove the queen was a tipping point.

“Barbados is seen as the conservative of the Caribbean,” said Richard Drayton, a professor of imperial history at Kings College London, who spent his childhood on the island. “So, when Barbados takes a step like this, it creates space for other Caribbean countries to move in that direction.”

Both major political parties in Jamaica support becoming a republic, though there are legal hurdles that make it more complicated than in Barbados. Guyana led an earlier wave of republicanism in the Caribbean, dissolving its ties to the queen in 1970. Trinidad and Tobago followed in 1976, and Dominica in 1978.

Elizabeth, 96 next month, remains head of state of 15 countries in the Commonwealth. While she has a reservoir of popularity in the Caribbean, particularly among older people, Professor Drayton said many were impatient for a public acknowledgment by the monarchy of its role in the slave trade, which was conducted under royal imprimatur by the Royal African Company in the 17th and 18th centuries.

William’s father, Prince Charles, spoke candidly about the stain of slavery when he was on hand for the ceremony at which Barbados became a republic. By all accounts, William went even further, though he stopped short of a formal apology.

“I want to express my profound sorrow,” he said at a dinner in Jamaica. “Slavery was abhorrent, and it should never have happened.”

Given the charged atmosphere, Professor Drayton said Buckingham Palace miscalculated by choreographing the couple’s visit as a traditional royal tour. The idea was to send William and Catherine, who are among the most popular royals in opinion polls, to represent the queen during her Platinum Jubilee (she stopped traveling overseas several years ago). Catherine, more commonly known as Kate, still got good reviews in the London tabloids.

“This is a very old strategy on the part of the royal household to cement its hold over the dominions, to make the charismatic presence of the crown visible,” he said. “The assumption they could simply send out members of the royal family to press the flesh and charm the crowds reflects a lack of clear thinking.”

The royal family has grappled with questions about race since last year, when the biracial, American-born wife of Prince Harry, Meghan, told Oprah Winfrey in a sensational television interview that a member of the family had expressed concerns about the color of their baby’s skin. Asked bluntly whether his family was racist, William said no.

While the Harry-and-Meghan show did not intrude on the William-and-Kate tropical tour, royal watchers said the repeated references to racial issues served as an illustration of what was lost when Harry and his wife gave up their royal duties and relocated to California. On a visit to Africa before the split, Meghan electrified crowds that had never seen a British duchess who looked like them.

“If this tour had been led by Harry and Meghan, it would probably have gone down a lot better than William and Kate,” said Ed Owens, a historian who has written about the relationship between the media and the monarchy. “Harry and Meghan were, if you like, the monarchy’s silver bullet, making it more palatable.”

Still, given the deeper historical trends, it is unlikely that even they would have kept the queen’s realm from shrinking further. Professor Drayton predicted Jamaica would be a republic in two years, possibly followed by Belize, though its situation was complicated by security concerns about its neighbor, Guatemala.

“The hesitations about doing this are now gone,” he said. “That particular ship has sailed.”

Mark Landler is the London bureau chief. In 27 years at The Times, he has been bureau chief in Hong Kong and Frankfurt, White House correspondent, diplomatic correspondent, European economic correspondent, and a business reporter in New York. More about Mark Landler

Prince William and Kate Middleton Will Set Off on Caribbean Royal Tour

The pair have taken inspiration from Queen Elizabeth and the late Prince Philip's previous tours.

Prince William and Duchess Kate will embark on a Caribbean tour this weekend.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's eight-day tour will include visits to Belize, the Bahamas, and Jamaica, conducted on behalf of Queen Elizabeth. In addition to marking Will and Kate's first joint official overseas tour since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the visit to Jamaica echos the monarch's first visit to Jamaica when she was a new queen 70 years ago.

"These are three countries with which Her Majesty has had an extremely warm relationship following multiple visits throughout her reign," a palace spokeswoman says. "Those trips have helped to provide inspiration for many of the engagements that Their Royal Highnesses will carry out during their tour."

"As well as thanking the people of Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas for their support, across this eight-day tour, the Duke and Duchess's program will focus on celebrating the rich cultures that are unique to these three countries," the spokeswoman adds.

The Belize portion of the tour has had a recent schedule change, with the duke and duchess canceling one of their first outings . The pair will skip a planned visit to a cocoa farm in on the foothills of the country's Maya Mountains Sunday, after Indian Creek villagers staged a protest Saturday regarding colonialism and the use of a football field by the royals for landing their helicopter.

"Indian Creek was one of several sites being considered. Due to issues in the village, the Government of Belize activated its contingency planning and another venue has been selected to showcase Maya family entrepreneurship in the cacao industry," the Government of Belize said in a statement to People . Per the outlet, Kensington Palace declined to comment.

After three nights in Belize, the couple will continue to Jamaica, where they will celebrate the "seminal legacy of Bob Marley," per the palace. They will then head to the Bahamas to take part in The Bahamas Platinum Jubilee Sailing Regatta at the Royal Sailing Club in Nassau. The club was close to the heart of the late Prince Philip, who was a Honorary Commodore then Honorary Life Member of the sailing club.

Both Prince William and Duchess Kate will also take time to champion their causes on the trip. On Grand Bahama Island, the couple will meet with Earthshot Prize winner Coral Vita, and see the organization's ground-breaking ideas for restoring and preserving reefs. The visit will be their first time visiting an Earthshot finalist, after the inaugural ceremony last October.

They are also set to visit Jamaica's Shortwood Teacher's College, which conducts research in the field and trains students to become early childhood education practitioners. The visit will mark the second time that Kate has brought the work of her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood abroad, after her visit to Denmark last month.

Quinci LeGardye is an LA-based freelance writer who covers culture, politics, and mental health through a Black feminist lens. When she isn’t writing or checking Twitter, she’s probably watching the latest K-drama or giving a concert performance in her car.

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Caribbean Commonwealth Tour: When is it and why the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are visiting?

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are currently making a Commonwealth tour of the Caribbean to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee .

The week-long trip marks the return of William and Kate ’s royal presence overseas as the first official tour abroad since their March 2020 visit to Ireland before the pandemic.

The last private trip the pair took with their three children was to Jordan in 2021 – but this official junket will see the children continuing their education at home.

Here are the stops on the Cambridge’s first official Caribbean tour and what they might get up to:

When is the tour?

The tour begann on March 19 in Belize and ends in Jamaica on March 26.

Where will the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit?

The first stop on their tour is Belize , where the Queen is head of state, which was surveyed by an advance party of the Cambridge’s representatives in January.

A source on the Ambergris Caye island told the Mail: “William and Kate might visit the Caye and also go to mainland Belize. It’s all anyone here is talking about. We are so excited.”

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will also visit Jamaica and the Bahamas on their seven-day trip across the islands.

What is the purpose of their trip and what will they be doing?

Throughout their visit the Duke and Duchess will celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, as well as learning about the Caribbean response to the pandemic.

Other causes close to their hearts include ecological progress with the Royal Foundation’s work on the Earthshot Prize, mental health and early childhood education on the islands.

Kensington Palace said their trip will include a Belizean visit to “historic Mayan sites and celebrate the rich culture of the Garifuna community”, a special “junkanoo parade” performance in the Bahamas and a meeting with “ground-breaking” Jamaican musicians.

During their trip to Jamaica they will also visit the Jamaican Defence Force and celebrating the seminal legacy of Bob Marley.

Are there any other royal tours this year?

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Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, will in April embark on their own Caribbean tour to Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Prince Charles and Camilla are expected in Ireland and Princess Anne in Papua New Guinea.

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Prince William and Duchess Kate’s Royal Tour in the Caribbean: See Photos From Their Trip

To mark Queen Elizabeth II ’s 70th year on the throne, Prince William and Duchess Kate embarked on an overseas trip to tour the Caribbean.

“Throughout the tour, The Duke and Duchess will meet a wide variety of people from each country, including children, young people and families, frontline workers, service personnel, leaders from government, business and the charity sector as well as inspiring conservationists, and the early years workforce,” the royal family’s official Instagram account stated on Sunday, March 20, the second day of their trip. “Their [program] will also touch on a number of themes that are close to Their Royal Highnesses’ hearts and a key focus of their work with The Royal Foundation, including The Earthshot Prize, mental health and the importance of early childhood to lifelong outcomes.”

During their time in Belize, the trip took an unexpected turn when William, 39, and Kate, 40, canceled their first outing at a sustainable cocoa farm in Indian Creek. The decision came amid protests about indigenous rights and colonialism.

Ahead of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s arrival , local villagers staged a protest and noted their frustration with the royals’ arrival on their land. At the time, village youth leader Dionisio Shol explained why William and Kate’s helicopter arrival created an issue for the locals.

“For us it really hits right at home because of the treatment. The organizer said we had to let them use the football field and that people were coming to our village and it had to look good. But they didn’t want to divulge who,” Shol told the Daily Mail. “That’s where the first issue arose. These are high-profile people, we respect them, but they also have to be giving respect to the community leaders. Giving community leaders commands did not sit well with the community.”

The palace responded to the concerns with their own statement to The Guardian , explaining, “We can confirm that due to sensitive issues involving the community in Indian Creek, the visit has been moved to a different location. Further details will be provided in due course.”

Following the delay, William and Kate continued with their travels in both Belize and to other countries in the British Commonwealth.

“Catherine and I are delighted to be here in Belize at the beginning of our first official visit to the Caribbean . I am honoured to convey the very warmest wishes from my grandmother, The Queen of Belize, on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee,” the duo’s official Instagram account stated on Monday, March 21. “In our short time here, Catherine and I have been lucky enough to witness some of the extraordinary biodiversity that you so lovingly nurture here in your jungles and your reefs.”

The U.K. native concluded: “Alongside this environmental diversity, yesterday we also had a taste of Belize’s wonderful cultural diversity – from Mayan chocolate to Garifuna drumming. And yes, you even got us dancing!”

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William and Kate, who share children Prince George, 8, Princess Charlotte, 6, and Prince Louis, 3, also used their platform to highlight how the government of Belize is attempting to combat climate change.

“Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world,” their social media account shared alongside a video of William and Kate diving at South Water Caye on Tuesday, March 22. “While the effects of climate change are evident, the Government of Belize and communities across the country deserve huge recognition for their efforts to restore this incredible marine environment – with a commitment to protect 30% of it by 2030.”

Scroll down for highlights from William and Kate’s Caribbean tour:

Credit: Zak Hussein/Pool/Shutterstock

Prince William and Duchess Kate's Royal Tour in the Caribbean: See Photos From Their Trip

To mark Queen Elizabeth II ’s 70th year on the throne, Prince William and Duchess Kate embarked on an overseas trip to tour the Caribbean. “Throughout the tour, The Duke and Duchess will meet a wide variety of people from each country, including children, young people and families, frontline workers, service personnel, leaders from government, business and the charity sector as well as inspiring conservationists, and the early years workforce,” the royal family’s official Instagram account stated on Sunday, March 20, the second day of their trip. “Their [program] will also touch on a number of themes that are close to Their Royal Highnesses’ hearts and a key focus of their work with The Royal Foundation, including The Earthshot Prize, mental health and the importance of early childhood to lifelong outcomes.” During their time in Belize, the trip took an unexpected turn when William, 39, and Kate, 40, canceled their first outing at a sustainable cocoa farm in Indian Creek. The decision came amid protests about indigenous rights and colonialism. Ahead of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's arrival , local villagers staged a protest and noted their frustration with the royals' arrival on their land. At the time, village youth leader Dionisio Shol explained why William and Kate's helicopter arrival created an issue for the locals. “For us it really hits right at home because of the treatment. The organizer said we had to let them use the football field and that people were coming to our village and it had to look good. But they didn't want to divulge who," Shol told the Daily Mail. “That’s where the first issue arose. These are high-profile people, we respect them, but they also have to be giving respect to the community leaders. Giving community leaders commands did not sit well with the community.” The palace responded to the concerns with their own statement to The Guardian , explaining, “We can confirm that due to sensitive issues involving the community in Indian Creek, the visit has been moved to a different location. Further details will be provided in due course.” [sendtonews type="float" key="XkYtWUYabT-2835355-14453"] Following the delay, William and Kate continued with their travels in both Belize and to other countries in the British Commonwealth. "Catherine and I are delighted to be here in Belize at the beginning of our first official visit to the Caribbean . I am honoured to convey the very warmest wishes from my grandmother, The Queen of Belize, on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee," the duo's official Instagram account stated on Monday, March 21. "In our short time here, Catherine and I have been lucky enough to witness some of the extraordinary biodiversity that you so lovingly nurture here in your jungles and your reefs." The U.K. native concluded: "Alongside this environmental diversity, yesterday we also had a taste of Belize’s wonderful cultural diversity - from Mayan chocolate to Garifuna drumming. And yes, you even got us dancing!" William and Kate, who share children Prince George, 8, Princess Charlotte, 6, and Prince Louis, 3, also used their platform to highlight how the government of Belize is attempting to combat climate change. "Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world," their social media account shared alongside a video of William and Kate diving at South Water Caye on Tuesday, March 22. "While the effects of climate change are evident, the Government of Belize and communities across the country deserve huge recognition for their efforts to restore this incredible marine environment - with a commitment to protect 30% of it by 2030." Scroll down for highlights from William and Kate's Caribbean tour: [podcast_block]

Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Their Arrival

The twosome coordinated during their arrival by wearing blue hues as a nod to the country’s royal color.

The trip included visits to Jamaica and the Bahamas.

A Learning Experience

During the tour, William and Kate learned about the country's chocolate making and Belize’s marine conservation efforts.

Credit: Stephen Lock/i-Images/Pool/Shutterstock

A Special Moment

The visit is the couple's first joint overseas appearance since the start of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic two years ago.

Credit: Robin Nunn/Pool/Shutterstock

Picture Perfect

While spending time in Hopkins to experience Garifuna culture, William and Kate danced with the locals.

Marking an Occasion

The royal tour is in honor of the monarch's milestone Platinum Jubilee.

Credit: Sam Hussein/Pool/Shutterstock

Documenting Their Excursion

"What incredible views 🇧🇿🌴," they wrote via their Instagram account on Monday. "It’s an honour to be here at this iconic Mayan monument in the Chiquibul Forest."

Sharing Important Details

William and Kate kept their followers updated about the special trip on all of their social media platforms.

Credit: London Entertainment/Shutterstock

Touching Down

The duo were all smiles as they arrived in Jamaica on Tuesday.

Warm Welcome

William and Kate were introduced to local dignitaries on the airport runway.

Sled Selfie

"What an honour it is to have The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge not only in Jamaica but sitting in one of our history-making bobsleighs!" the official account of the Jamaica Bobsleigh & Skeleton teams wrote via Instagram on Tuesday. "We are thankful for the support and looking forward to once again being the #HottestThingOnIce in the 2026 Winter Olympics!"

The duke and duchess replied in the comments, writing, "Lovely to meet you all today."

Credit: Jane Barlow/Pool/Shutterstock

What a Gift!

William and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness toasted one another during their meeting on Wednesday, March 23. While speaking with the Duke of Cambridge, the PM confirmed that the country hopes to "fulfill our true destiny" by leaving the Commonwealth and becoming an independent republic.

Kate, Holness and his wife, Juliet Holness , watched as William left a message for the people of Jamaica.

Credit: Stephen Lock/Pool/Shutterstock

Study Break

Later in the day, Kate sat down to talk with some young schoolchildren while visiting Shortwood's Teacher College.

Making the Grade

The duke and duchess were all smiles as they celebrated the "the next generation of early years professionals" during their stop.

Credit: Samir Hussein/Pool/Shutterstock

To the Nines

Kate's green gown and yellow accessories gave a subtle nod to the Jamaican flag as she and William attended a reception held by Jamaica’s Governor General Patrick Allen on Wednesday evening.

Four of a Kind

The couple posed alongside the prime minister and his wife at the reception. During his speech, William shared his "profound sorrow" for the role England played in the transatlantic slave trade. "Slavery was abhorrent. And it never should have happened," he said on Wednesday. "While the pain runs deep, Jamaica continues to forge its future with determination, courage and fortitude."

Gorgeous in Green

The Duke and Duchess waved as they departed Jamaica from the Norman Manley International Airport on Thursday, March 24.

A Royal Parade

The pair were a part of the inaugural Commissioning Parade for service personnel from across the Caribbean who have recently completed the Caribbean Military Academy's Officer Training Program.

A Blue Arrival

The Cambridges coordinated in different blue hues when they arrived in Nassau, Bahamas on Thursday, March 24.

Smiling in the Rain

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, was all smiles despite the dreary weather as she visited Sybil Strachan Primary School in Nassau on Friday, March 25.

Class Is In Session

Duchess Kate and Prince William sat at desks while meeting with students at the school.

The Real VIPs

The future queen consort met frontline workers who have been essential amid the coronavirus pandemic.

A Royal Regatta

The royals visited Montagu Beach for one of the first sailing regattas in The Bahamas since the start of the pandemic.

Raining on the Royals

William and Kate looked cheerful despite getting soaked during a sudden downpour at the regatta.

Credit: Atlantis Paradise Island/Donald Knowles/BVS

The duke and duchess dried off and cleaned up before leaving their hotel, The Cove at Atlantis Paradise Island, for a reception.

A Night to Remember

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a reception hosted by the Governor General at the Baha Mar Hotel on Friday.

An Entrance

The married couple walked into the reception holding hands before they met with community leaders from across The Bahamas' many islands.

Goodbye, Nassau!

When the pair left their hotel, The Cove at Atlantis Paradise Island, on Saturday, March 26, Prince William and Duchess Kate thanked Russell Miller, executive vice president, and Kapil Sharma, general manager of The Cove at Atlantis Paradise Island. The royals reported that they were very pleased with their stay and wanted to come back on vacation with their children.

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In pictures: Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal Caribbean tour

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit the Caribbean for a week-long tour at a time of growing scrutiny of colonial-era British conduct in the region.

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Prince William is taking a minute to reflect following his and wife Kate Middleton 's controversial royal tour of the Caribbean . The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Belize, Jamaica, and the Bahamas over their eight-day tour in honor of Queen Elizabeth II 's Platinum Jubilee year. 

While there, the couple was met with protests and calls for independence from the British royal family. On Sunday, after returning from the last leg of the trip, William, the second in line to the British throne, issued a rare statement acknowledging the backlash and the royal family's thoughts on the future of the Commonwealth. 

"Foreign tours are an opportunity to reflect. You learn so much. What is on the minds of Prime Ministers. The hopes and ambitions of school children. The day-to-day challenges faced by families and communities," his statement began. "I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future." 

He noted that it is up to "the people" to decide upon their future and their involvement with the British monarchy. 

"Catherine and I are committed to service. For us that's not telling people what to do. It is about serving and supporting them in whatever way they think best, by using the platform we are lucky to have," William continued. "It is why tours such as this reaffirm our desire to serve the people of the Commonwealth and to listen to communities around the world." 

Currently Queen Elizabeth serves as the head of the Commonwealth and therefore the head of state for Belize, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. William said that this ranking isn't his focus. 

"Who the Commonwealth chooses to lead its family in the future isn't what is on my mind," he shared. "What matters to us is the potential the Commonwealth family has to create a better future for the people who form it, and our commitment to serve and support as best we can."

William has subtly responded to the criticisms of his and Kate's tour throughout the couple's time abroad. 

On Friday, he gave a speech during the Governor General's reception in Nassau, The Bahamas, saying, "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 support with pride and respect your decisions about your future. Relationships evolve. Friendship endures."

Earlier in the week, William spoke about Britain's role in slavery in Jamaica during another speech at a dinner hosted by the Governor General of Jamaica at King's House. 

"I strongly agree with my father, The Prince of Wales, who said in Barbados last year that the appalling atrocity of slavery forever stains our history," William said of his father, Prince Charles. "I want to express my profound sorrow. Slavery was abhorrent, and it should never have happened. While the pain runs deep, Jamaica continues to forge its future with determination, courage and fortitude."

The couple's tour got off to a rocky start after they were forced to cancel events in Belize due to protests surrounding Britain's involvement in colonialism in the country.  Reuters  reported that Kensington Palace confirmed the schedule change due to "sensitive issues" involving the Indian Creek community.

As the couple arrived in Jamaica, news broke via  The Independent  that "a coalition of Jamaican politicians, business leaders, doctors and musicians" were pressing the country to sever ties with the British monarchy and to change the country's status to a republic. The coalition reportedly sent an open letter to William and Kate about their intention to remove Queen Elizabeth as the head of state.

Prior to William's statement, royal expert Katie Nicholl spoke to ET about the controversy surrounding the tour. 

"I've certainly never seen resistance and protest in the same way we’ve seen in Jamaica," Nicholl, who has traveled on many royal tours through the years, shared with ET. "It's been uncomfortable at times. The duke and duchess are in slightly uncharted territory, but I think they have put on a good front and listened when they needed to... I think what they haven’t done is buried their heads in the sand and avoided it."

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After that disastrous royal tour, is the sun finally setting on the Commonwealth realms?

A reckoning with those countries that have held on to Queen Elizabeth as their head of state is long overdue – as William and Kate’s trip to the Caribbean made clear

J ust how long has the British monarchy been in crisis? This time – after “Megxit”, after Prince Andrew – it was the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s disastrous trip to the Caribbean. What was supposed to be a “charm offensive” , drumming up enthusiasm in the year of the Queen’s platinum jubilee, ended up looking more like a long goodbye, with the headlines spotlighting anti-royal protests, failures to address legacies of slavery, and the news that Jamaica is planning to ditch the Queen as head of state.

It may well be time for the royal family to face up to the fact that the sun is setting on those final remnants of the empire that they once embodied – and not a moment too soon.

For Britons, it can be easy to forget that the Queen’s realm and territories stretch far beyond these isles. Out of the 54 “independent and equal nations” that make up the Commonwealth of Nations , 15 (including the UK) still count the Queen as their head of state. Becoming a republic doesn’t necessitate surrendering membership of the Commonwealth itself – it simply means a symbolic rejection of British rule. And with Barbados finally taking the leap last year, longstanding debates about republicanism have been reignited in the remaining realms.

The issue is just as hotly debated in the likes of Australia (54% of people there would support becoming a republic) as it is in Jamaica, but packing William and Kate off to the Caribbean has inevitably focused minds in that region. Though republican camps in the Caribbean have long cited the impact of colonialism and slavery on the contemporary fortunes of their countries, a new reckoning is afoot, against the backdrop of the global Black Lives Matter movement and renewed conversations about the legacy of empire. Thanks to the attention the royals command, the disintegration of British overseas rule is being documented in real time.

The signs weren’t looking good for William and Kate from the outset. The couple’s first official engagement, in Belize, was unceremoniously cancelled after protests from the Q’eqehi Maya people over a land dispute with a charity that William patronises. Heading to Jamaica, they were met with more demonstrations, this time calling on the royals to address the issue of reparations for the several hundred years they directly profited from the slave trade. Government officials backed up the sentiment, with Jamaica’s prime minister, Andrew Holness, informing a solemn William and Kate that the country was “moving on’’ and wanted to be “independent”, seemingly following the example of Barbados. It’s no wonder the royals were gracing Sunday’s front pages in damage-limitation mode, with William offering a half-apology for the tour.

As ever, sometimes opening their mouths only makes things worse: in a speech given in Kingston last week, Prince William expressed “profound sorrow” for the transatlantic slave trade, but people were quick to point out that he stopped short of an apology or acknowledging the monarchy’s direct interests in slavery. At one point in history, enslaved Black Africans arriving in the Caribbean via the Royal African Company were branded with the initials “DY”, marking them as the property of the then Duke of York . Royal profiting from slavery continued apace – the future William IV even personally argued for the continuation of the trade in the House of Lords in 1799, a move that, according to historian Brooke Newman , helped “delay” abolition for a few more years but “misjudged the mood of the nation” – and damaged the reputation of the royal family as a result.

For the royals, the trip has been a sharp lesson in how people in the Commonwealth now perceive Britain and its institutions. As the Jamaican dancehall artist Beenie Man put it during an interview with ITV News : “We are just here, controlled by the British, ruled by the British law when you go in the court. It’s all about the Queen … but what are they doing for Jamaica? They’re not doing anything for us.” The Jamaican writer Ashley Rouen Brown summed up the grounds for resentment succinctly: Jamaicans, he wrote, are “currently the only citizens within the Commonwealth realm that require a visa to visit the land of their head of state”. Meanwhile, requests for financial reparations, in recognition of the impact centuries of plunder had on economic prospects, have been met with egregious responses, like David Cameron’s 2015 offer for Britain to finance a £25m prison to hold Jamaican “criminals” in lieu of compensation for slavery.

In Jamaica, republicanism has been part of the political conversation since the 1970s , and there is cross-party support for the move. But now, debate has been replaced by decision. Emancipation is in full swing. It’s no coincidence that it comes as the Queen – who “made the Commonwealth central to her life when she became monarch” – reaches the twilight of her reign. But nor can it be a coincidence that this is all happening after several years of governmental and monarchical misrule in London. The aftermath of the Windrush scandal still leaves a bitter taste. And, albeit on a different scale, it’s worth taking account of some more of Beenie Man’s words: “If Harry was coming, people would react different,” he said. “People are going to meet Harry.” In that sense, the royals really are the authors of their own misfortune.

But with or without the Sussexes, there is an air of historical inevitability to all this. So, what happens next? Ahead of Kate and William’s visit, the Windrush campaigner Patrick Vernon said: “If Jamaica decided it did [want to become a republic], there would be a domino effect on the rest of the English-speaking Caribbean .”

His words may well be prescient. The royal couple flew into the Bahamas, the last leg of their tour, to be greeted by protests on the ground and opposition from the likes of the Bahamas National Reparations Committee . Belize has announced a constitutional review, and late last year leaders including the St Vincent premier were urging fellow Commonwealth realms to attain republican status. The wheels seem firmly set in motion, with the royals’ open-backed Land Rover left spinning in the sand.

This kind of reckoning with reality is long overdue, and, who knows, it may even be a long-term positive for Britain if it helps disabuse our political class of its globe-trotting, Empire 2.0 fantasies. At the very least, now is the time to admit that for many parts of the world, the benefits of sovereign British rule are most heavily felt by the home nation itself. Within our own borders, we may kid ourselves that the monarchy is still a glittering jewel in our crown. But for many people overseas who wish to escape the long shadow of empire and exploitation, the shine has well and truly rubbed off.

This article was amended on 28 March 2022 because, in 1799, it was in the House of Lords that the future William IV argued for the continuation of the slave trade, not in the House of Commons as an earlier version said.

Moya Lothian-Mclean presents Human Resources, a podcast about the legacies of Britain’s slaving history

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Prince William and Kate Middleton's 31 best royal tour moments

Posted: April 28, 2024 | Last updated: April 28, 2024

A royal visit from Prince William and Kate Middleton is always bound to be memorable, and these are some of our favourite moments from the Wales' trips around the world

When anyone from the Royal Family goes on an official tour, it's bound to generate headlines and interest.

Fans will clamber to be witness to the iconic moments which define royal tours, no doubt telling the story that they were actually there to future generations.

Plus, there's always the hope of getting a peek of real-life Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses in the flesh. And when those royals happen to be Prince William and Kate Middleton - the future of the monarchy and a couple who are just as popular alone as they are together - interest reaches fever pitch.

Here, we look at some of the Prince and Princess of Wales' most memorable royal tour moments.

The newlyweds go on their first tour

In 2011, just a few months after their magnificent April wedding, Prince William and Kate Middleton undertook their first official overseas joint tour.

The pair marked the historic occasion with a brand new portrait of the newlyweds, in matching navy outfits.

Not only was it their first joint tour, it was Kate's first-ever tour as an official royal.

The couple visited all of Canada's regions during the nine-day tour.

Hitting the open water

During the dressed-up appearances and huge press attention, William and Kate still found the time to enjoy some peaceful time in the wild.

The Berkshire girl at heart is known to love the great outdoors, so it was a natural fit to see the Prince and Princess of Wales get out on the open water at Blachford Lake, in Northern Canada, near Yellowknife.

As part of her known sporting prowess, Kate trained to row across the English Channel in 2007 alongside a 21-strong female crew called The Sisterhood.

A rare moment of PDA

After indulging in a spot of exercise - joining a boat race in Canada - Prince William and Kate Middleton treated fans to one of their finest royal tour moments by showing some rare public affection.

While the couple have enjoyed a fairy tale romance since their university days, it's not too often you see them getting cuddly and close while working. But, perhaps still being in the honeymoon phase a few months after their nuptials that same year, William couldn't help but bring Kate in for a tight squeeze as the pair looked happy and carefree.

Greeting crowds at the Eiffel Tower

In March 2017, the Prince and Princess of Wales delighted hordes of fans waiting to see them at the Trocadero in Paris, France.

The pair were on tour at an event to highlight the ties between the young people of France and the UK, and royal fans came out in force to catch a glimpse of the chic couple.

Dressing on theme, Kate wore a multicolour tweed outfit from the iconic French fashion house, Chanel.

A matching outfit moment

While visiting Canada in 2011, William and Kate took their penchant for wearing matching hues a step further.

Instead of the blue outfits that complement each other, this time the pair wore matching hoodies. Proudly wearing their twinning pull-overs, the couple were both made honorary Canadian Rangers.

They were also both presented with traditional beaded moccasins designed and created by Canadian Ranger Joanne Tetlichi.

Per the Daily Mail , Kate loved the gifts, telling her "Thank you for these fantastic shoes, we will always treasure them."

Making their own kind of music

Being in the Caribbean - a place known for inspiring music from the likes of Bob Marley - must have really stirred something in William and Kate during their 2022 overseas tour.

Letting their hair down (metaphorically for William, literally for Catherine) the pair got in on the fun and made their own kind of music, banging away on some drums as they were supported by various other musicians.

The musical moment took place when they visited Trench Town Culture Yard Museum, where Bob Marley used to live.

Colour co-ordinated Cambridges in 2017

It's long been understood that the Royal Family tend to send subtle messages with their clothing - and that's partly why it's normal to see the Wales clan in particular all kitted out in various shades of blue.

However, back in 2017 during a tour of Germany, the family went matching once again in a different colour.

Looking pastel and springy, Kate Middleton stunned in a lilac Emilia Wickstead dress, while George and Charlotte matched in pink and purple hues.

Touring countries with two young children seems like a task in itself, to do so while pulling off a synchronised fashion moment? Exquisite work.

Hiking in Bhutan

In 2016, William and Kate embarked on a seven day tour of India and Bhutan.

For the exciting trip, the sporty pair, who are equally at home in walking boots and khakis as they are ballgowns and tuxedos, donned some activewear (no doubt including a pair of Kate's go-to walking boots) for a hike up Paro Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest monastery.

It was a gruelling five-hour, high-altitude hike through the Himalayas - not that you'd tell from how effortlessly the pair made it look.

Colourful and casual on the Island

Dressed down days might not seem like something the royals would partake in, but they do indeed have had plenty of winning off-duty looks over the years.

During their tour of East Asia and the Pacific in 2012, William and Kate got to spread their usual royal magic across countries including Singapore, Malaysia, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu on behalf of the late Queen Elizabeth for the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

While visiting the Governor General in Honiara, William cut a relaxed figure in a short-sleeved, tropical print shirt.

Kate, with her hair down and relaxed, also opted for a bright, bold print.

Embracing local culture with a new style

In 2019, William and Kate travelled to northern Pakistan for the third day of their royal tour, visiting the Chitral district of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province, a place where Princess Diana travelled on her own solo tour in 1991.

While here, the Duke and Duchess certainly got into the spirit of things, embracing the local cultures and customs, including unexpected choices of headwear.

While visiting a settlement of the Kalash people, Kate - more prone to pick out a Philip Treacy headpiece or enjoying a glittering tiara - opted for a bright pink feathery creation, while William's white flat cap had its own jaunty feather.

Having a cowboy makeover

While we've come to expect many a jaw-dropping style moment from Kate Middleton, we never quite expected her and Prince William to Go Wild West.

The royal couple sported white cowboy hats and western wear in downtown Calgary for a bull riding demonstration during their first royal tour together in 2011.

Cutting casual figures in denim jeans and white shirts, William joked at the time, "Well, this is different,” perfecting his gesture with a classic tip of the cowboy hat.

Looking every inch the Prince and Princess

Prince William and Kate Middleton often make headlines for the ways they buck tradition and tread their own paths. And that's great. But sometimes, they create a gasp-worthy moment by serving up what many would consider the traditional image of a modern day Prince and Princess.

And that's what they did during their 2022 Caribbean tour in honour of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Evoking pure old-world romanticism, William looked suave in a navy blue jacket while Kate dazzled in a turquoise satin dress by Phillipa Lepley.

The cherry on the top? The loving way the couple didn't hesitate in holding hands - a display of affection they're not always known to do.

Kate's adorable encounter with a princess-obsessed fan

On their first tour together in 2011, William and Kate were riding high on the worldwide attention their wedding received in April of the same year.

Such was the reach of their fairy tale that little girls like Diamond Marshall became obsessed with the real life story of a Princess (well, Duchess at the time, but let's not split hairs over heirs).

The young fan, named Diamond Marshall, who was dealing with chemotherapy treatments, got to meet William and Kate as they arrived in North America.

After their sweet moment together, which saw William and Kate both hug and chat with the girl, giving her plenty of extra time and attention despite the busy itinerary, Mrs Marshall said (per The Mirror ), "Kate was lovely... they were gracious and spent extra time with her... For a little girl who dreams everything princess, it was a dream come true."

Travelling in style at Tavanipupu Island

During their South East Asia tour, Prince William and Kate Middleton certainly travelled in style - riding in some unique transport they probably wouldn't get out and about in Windsor.

The pair made a spectacular entrance in a beautifully-decorated traditional war canoe.

As well as making for a memorable moment, the trip would have been a special one which could have planted plenty of seeds for the Prince and Princess of Wales of the future, as the area is known for its eco-tourism - a passion for both, with William founding the Earthshot Prize in 2020 to recognise, reward and support those making real environmental change around the world.

Showing off that competitive nature

From hockey to tennis and water polo, athleticism is just one of the many things which unite the Prince and Princess of Wales.

And during a visit to Ireland in 2020, Kate's hilarious reactions got the best of her as she clearly got heavily invested in a competition with William.

Their competitiveness has been discussed many times throughout the years, and Kate acknowledged it herself during an appearance on Mike Tindall's  The Good, The Bad and The Rugby  podcast in September 2023.

Joining William and Princess Anne ahead of the Rugby World Cup for the special episode, Kate tried to deny her competitive nature at first, before Mike told listeners "I've seen her play beer pong, she is!"

She then revealed all, saying "I don't think we've [she and William] actually managed to finish a game of tennis... It becomes a mental challenge between the two of us."

Royalty meeting sporting royalty

US basketball star LeBron James has a nickname of King James, and this King got to meet the future King and Queen for real during William and Kate's 2014 visit to New York City.

The royals watched court-side as LeBron led the his squad to victory and after the game, LeBron met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and even presented them with a tiny Cavs jersey to give to the then one year-old Prince George.

Kate plays cricket - in heels!

Prince William and Kate Middleton jetted off to the other side of the world in 2014, for a much celebrated tour of Australia and New Zealand.

They even took a very young Prince George with them for the trip, but, working parent mode aside, one of the most memorable moments came when a very glammed up Princess Catherine proved she could be just as sporty and competitive in high heels as she is when wearing her go-to Veja sneakers.

Here, Kate was wearing a belted red skirt suit by Luisa Spagnoli and a timeless pair of black heels.

A night of glamour in Paris

Putting on a glamorous and united front, Prince William and Kate Middleton attended a dinner hosted by Her Majesty's Ambassador to France, Edward Llewellyn, at the British Embassy in Paris in 2017.

Poignantly, it was the prince’s first official visit to the French capital since his mother died there in 1997.

William looked powerful and suave in a classic tuxedo, while Kate positively glistened beside him in a twinkly, pale blue Jenny Packham gown.

Kate’s pink coat steals the spotlight

Kate Middleton wasn't afraid of thinking big and bold when taking a bite out of the Big Apple in 2014.

Stepping out in a very eye-catching, hot pink Mulberry coat - which she had first debuted when pregnant with Princess Charlotte - the pregnant Kate's choice of colour had fans convinced she was having a second girl.

Of course, their third child turned out to be Prince Louis. So, no subtle messages here, just a very memorable fashion moment from the stylish Princess.

New Zealand wineries - not bad for a day at the office

A busy day working in New Zealand in 2014 included a trip to... a prestigious vineyard. Oh, the sacrifices these royals have to make.

In fairness to the pair, they'd had a packed itinerary and had attended church services and helped coach a kids’ rugby game earlier that same day.

They stopped off at the Amisfield Winery and Bistro in Arrowtown, near Queenstown where they got to sample one of the most famous wines, the Amisfield Pinot Noir 2011.

Sharing a sweet couple moment

In 2017, while on a tour of Poland and Germany, William and Kate attended a party in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth's birthday.

It was attended by over 600 guests and William delivered a speech to the packed party where he reportedly opened the speech with a greeting in Polish.

If that wasn't a memorable moment in itself, Kate pulled off an elegant, timeless look.

Wearing a bespoke white cocktail dress by Polish designer Gosia Baczyńska, Kate complemented the delicate dress with a most enchanting set of pearl jewellery, including oversized earrings from Balenciaga and a cascading necklace with four large pearls.

The first royal tour as parents

Baby on board - Prince William and Kate Middleton made sure their 2014 tour of Australia and New Zealand would be one for the history books as they brought along Prince George - who was around one-year-old at the time!

Starting him young - and attempting their first major trip as a family of three - George clung to his parents as they were greeted by eager crowds.

Enjoying a diplomatic pint of Guinness

Prince William and Kate Middleton's trip in 2020 was their first official trip to Ireland - but that wasn't the only significant element of the tour.

It was also the first time any member of the royal family had visited following the Brexit vote, leaving some political tensions between the United Kingdom and Ireland.

During their three-day trip, the couple spent time in Dublin, County Meath, County Kildare, and Galway. Winning favour, both royals wasted no time toasting the Irish officials with a pint of Guinness.

Pinching George’s cheeks

William and Kate's 2014 tour to Australia and New Zealand was always going to be iconic, as they took their son, Prince George, on his first overseas family outing.

While travelling the world with a young baby might sound like torture for some, it was obvious that having Prince George with them meant everything to the first-time parents.

In standout photos from their trip, the family of three visited Taronga Zoo in Sydney. They all looked equally as excited to see the various animals, and Kate couldn't resist a pinch of her son's chubby cheeks.

Recreating one of Charles and Diana's photos

Prince William's trip to Australia in 2014 was monumental for many reasons - he had his firstborn son, George, with him, and he and Kate Middleton got to see how far-flung their popularity was.

But one particularly sweet and melancholic moment for the Prince of Wales might have been when he found himself echoing a trip his parents took decades before.

The late Princess Diana and the then Prince Charles toured Australia in 1983 and posed at Ayers Rock.

In another coincidence, like William and Kate bringing a very young George, Diana reportedly insisted on bringing William (who was nine months old) on the trip, too.

Catherine’s pretty in pink in the Caribbean

In 2022, to mark the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Prince William and Kate Middleton embarked on a tour of the Caribbean.

There were some moments which were met with controversy during the visit - with echoes of Britain's colonial past reflected in images of the couple riding in the same open-top Land Rover the late Queen did in the 1960s - but there were equally some stunning moments.

In Belize, near the Cahal Pech Mayan ruins, William and Kate enjoyed a reception from the Governor-General, where Kate looked beyond regal in a shimmering pink dress by The Vampire's Wife.

Taking a Tuk Tuk in a sequin gown

Prince William and Kate Middleton are used to travelling in all manners of transport - royal carriages, planes, even motorbikes (a passion of Williams!).

But perhaps nobody ever expected to see them arrive in a decorated tuk tuk, making it one of their most memorable entrances ever.

During the second day of their 2019 tour of Pakistan, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended a special reception hosted by the British High Commissioner Thomas Drew, at the Pakistan National Monument.

For the first time perhaps ever, William was challenging Kate in the style stakes. While she dazzled in emerald green, William cut a distinctive figure in a traditional Sherwani.

Enjoying coconuts with a special history

Most people would love the refreshing, luxurious experience of drinking straight from a fresh, tropical coconut. And while Prince William and Kate Middleton clearly enjoyed getting to do just that during their 2012 visit to the South Pacific, there was something extra memorable about this moment.

The coconuts were came from a tree planted by Queen Elizabeth in 1982 - a lovely moment of past meeting present.

And then, in a full circle moment, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge planted their own coconut trees. Perhaps we'll see future royals visiting in decades to come and doing the same.

Having a snowball fight in Norway

Prince William found out the hard way in Norway that, future king or not, no one is safe from a rogue snowball.

The ego-bruising snowball to the face came courtesy of his wife, who is known to be quite the athlete, so there could have been some serious weight behind that throw.

Luckily, it was all in good fun as the pair explored the wintry climes of Sweden and Norway in 2018.

Competitive pretzel making

During their 2017 tour of Germany and Poland, William and Kate got a hands-on lesson in some traditional treat making.

The couple took part in a class teaching how to hand-roll pretzels at a market in Heidelberg.

Dressed in a bright yellow lace dress, Kate's outfit was protected by an apron that translated to read, "We're baking for William and Kate", per Yahoo .

Kate, ever the competitive one, was said to have dove right in, proving a natural and enjoying a cheeky laugh at her husband, who struggled to get into the swing of things. You could say he got himself all twisted up like a pretzel...

Dancing king and queen (to be)

More used to sombre and serious occasions, one of the most memorable tour moments came in 2012, when Prince William and Kate Middleton brought fans plenty of joy with their carefree dance moves.

During their trip to Tuvalu, an island in the South Pacific, as part of the Queen's Jubilee Tour in 2012, William showed no hesitation in throwing some shapes - much to the delight of his wife.

Kate, while looking more shy, got in on the fun, too.

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Honeymoon habit Prince William and Kate Middleton have lost

When the Prince and Princess of Wales were newlyweds they did one thing that seems to have been left behind more recently.

Prince Harry returning to the UK

King Charles’ major health announcement

King Charles funeral plans emerge

Give a member of the British royal family a hunting rifle or a broadsword or the neglected wife of a gouty northern duke and golly gosh, they can cut a dash.

But a honeymoon? That wonderful bit of post-marriage feeling, all connubial bliss and confetti still in your knickers? The Windsors are truly rotten.

The late Queen and Prince Philip spent theirs with his uncle; Diana, Princess of Wales spent hers coming to the cymbal-crashing realisation her new groom was mooning over another woman; and only days after Prince William and Kate the Princess of Wales’s wedding of the century, she was pushing a shopping trolley at their local Welsh Waitrose while wearing a shawl. Sheesh you crazy kids, you.

Then, only eight weeks after becoming the Duchess of the Dairy Aisle, Kate and her hubby, to just really keep the nuptial glow going, packed up the RAF jet with 15 staff members, you know, bare bones stuff, and flew to North America for her debut royal tour.

That trip, when the now princess was still getting used to the staff at her local Pret curtsying to her, would set the tone for the years that would follow. Off and off the couple would go again and again, to Bhutan, Jordan, Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Poland, Germany and Denmark, to name only some.

But all stories need a twist, because then something changed markedly. What the hell has happened to the Wales’s worldwide wanderings?

It is now more than 24 months since the prince and princess and their trusty aides bought out Boots’ supply of 30+ SPF for their last tour, their ill-fated Caribbean visit, a trip that definitively proved no aide should ever again plan an engagement again that required them to demonstrate rhythm.

2024 looked to see them hit the road again, sort of, with them set to do a “short” official visit to Italy, but the universe clearly had other plans. Currently the princess is undergoing preventive chemotherapy and ignoring Princess Anne’s suggestion she pops around with a filly to do some DIY equine therapy.

However, even if this Roman tour had come to pass, we are only talking about a days-long quicky and to continental Europe, not the sort of larger format, longer and further afield exercises that other members of the royal family take. For example, this year alone Anne has been to Sri Lanka and is about to go to Canada, Prince Edward has been to Australia, South Africa and St Helena, and post-pandemic, Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh has been to Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Even King Charles and Queen Camilla (who hates flying) had been slated to travel to Samoa in October for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting before embarking on a three-week tour of Fiji, New Zealand and Australia before the King’s cancer intervened. (Planning is still going on for the Oz visit, according to the Telegraph , with a source saying, “If he is able to go, of course he will go. Plans continue but there are no guarantees, we are still a long way off.”)

Thus, what gives with the Wales? Somehow, over the last two years, going out and charming the farthest flung parts of the globe that a courtier can find on their office’s 19th-century freestanding globe have totally fallen off the there to-do list. (‘Oooh, how about Prussia?’)

If the couple is a little tour-shy, well, they did make a real hash of that last one in March 2022. They flew off to the Caribbean seemingly expecting nothing more arduous than adulation from flag-waving schoolchildren and instead came face-to-face with the ghosts of colonialism and the question of slavery reparations and republicanism and looked bewildered.

During that trip, they managed to do the most damage a member of the royal family has done to Crown Inc while on an overseas jaunt since Uncle Andy popped orrfff to see his good chum Jeffrey in New York.

By the time the Wales were somewhere over the Atlantic flying home in 2022, William was drafting a statement saying that the trip had been an “opportunity to reflect”, the closest he could come to actually writing, ‘we jolly well ballsed this one up. Our bad.’

Still, aren’t you meant to get back on horses, even coming sprawling off?

Since early 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales have largely stayed on home soil except for occasional dashes, like to Boston for William’s Earthshot Prize the same year and in 2023, travelling to Jordan for a royal wedding and to France to watch some rugby.

Their reticence might be understandable but that doesn’t make it excusable. (Obviously Kate’s current treatment and recovery notwithstanding.)

The carefully-carefully prince and princess might not exactly be champing at the bit to get back out there and on the tour circuit but sorry chaps, it’s the job description – especially when it concerns the 14 other countries for which the prince will one day be the head of state.

What I don’t get is, before the princess’s diagnosis, with the heady whiff of republicanism in the air throughout the remaining realms, shouldn’t William have been fretting? Getting all furrow-browed over the prospect that by the time he gets to wear the St Edward’s crown the most distant bit of land he will rule over will be the Isle of Wight?

Barbados formerly cut ties with the monarchy in 2021 and got themselves a president. In 2022, Andrew Holness, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, told the prince, to his face and in front of cameras they are “moving on”. Belize has a body called the People’s Constitutional Commission focused on continuing the decolonisation process. Australia has an Assistant Minister for the Republic and King Charles will not replace his mother on our $5 banknote.

The auguries are not great, Your Highnesses.

And yet William seems about as troubled by all this as finding out that Kate has ironed military-grade creases into his favourite Aston Villa hoodie.

The Wales have not been to Australia since 2014. (In 2019, the prince made a dash to New Zealand in the wake of the Christchurch mosque attacks.) Even before that hot mess of a Caribbean tour, it had been six years since they had last visited a British realm. (Canada in 2016 for all you sticklers.)

The impression that is becoming harder to shake is, they don’t really seem to care all that hugely about holding together the family of nations that the late Queen was so proud of.

It’s at this point someone will pipe up to start talking about what swell parents the Wales are and how they don’t want to be away from their three young children for weeks on end while they try and shore up the fading vestiges of the empire.

Fair enough. It’s cockle-warming that they are so committed to their family. However, the rest of the world has to manage, somehow, to combine work and raising kids and without the benefit of a full-time staff at their beck and call.

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The interesting thing to watch will be what happens once Kate is better and Kensington Palace can resume normal operations. Will we see the couple jet off to do more international charming or will they refuse to venture much further than Aberdeen?

At least the prince and princess can confidently cross California off the list of possible destinations. Though, anyone know if the Austro-Hungarian empire is still a going concern? Asking for someone at Kensington Palace.

Daniela Elser is a writer, editor and a royal commentator with more than 15 years’ experience working with a number of Australia’s leading media titles.

Prince Harry is set to return to the UK within days, though his wife, Meghan Markle, is not expected to join him.

Nearly three months after revealing his cancer diagnosis and retreating from the spotlight, the monarch has shared a huge update.

King Charles’ funeral plans are being updated according to a royal source who divulged secret details about the sombre event.

How Prince William and Kate Middleton's Caribbean "Charm Offensive" Lost Its Charm

As the tour progressed, it became increasingly clear that a trip intended to show the royals as empathetic and in touch was sparking the totally opposite reaction.

It was against this backdrop that Prince William and Kate jetted into the Caribbean to tour Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas for eight days. Before it even began, the trip faced questions about timing given events in Ukraine. Royal aides said they were keeping a close eye and may adjust their program accordingly, when asked about the decision to go ahead with the celebratory trip.

“The Duke and Duchess are very much looking forward to visiting the Caribbean region during the Platinum Jubilee year and having the opportunity to thank communities…for the support they have shown Her Majesty throughout her seventy-year reign,” Kensington Palace said. Elsewhere, the visit was more blatantly described as a “charm offensive” to “shore up support” for the monarchy in the region.

However, before the couple even touched down there were significant holes in the ‘winning them over’ narrative. “William and Kate in Tour Storm,” was the Daily Mail headline the day the couple arrived. The story, followed up worldwide, centered on a protest from residents over their dispute with a charity William supports and the fact the trip organizers had not got permission to land the royal helicopter on their football field. A visit to the Akte‘il Ha cacao farm in Indian Creek was hastily canceled and the royals appeared at a different chocolate farm, full of smiles. But it turned out that the small protest was just a glimpse of the controversy their trip would ultimately attract.

As the Cambridges posted pictures and videos on their social media accounts of them diving in Belize’s barrier reef alongside breezy messages with plane and flag emojis, a bigger debate about the visit was beginning to rage. Protestors outside the British High commission in Jamaica handed over a letter signed by a group of 100 prominent individuals from Jamaica's Advocates Network calling for an "apology and recognition of the need for atonement and reparations." The letter also said, "We see no reason to celebrate 70 years of the ascension of your grandmother to the British throne because her leadership, and that of her predecessors, have perpetuated the greatest human rights tragedy in the history of humankind."

Protests during royal visits to the Caribbean are nothing new, but this tour felt like a turning point. For the first time, images of glamorous royals smiling in the sunshine while observing and sampling local life did not overshadow dissenting voices about monarchy and colonialism. There were many fantastic images and positive encounters, with the couple attracting frequent crowds and praise from those they spoke to. But it was the protests, not the pleasantries, that took center-stage. A tour designed to increase ties ended up becoming a catalyst for a brighter spotlight on those calling to sever them.

This was never more apparent than when the royal couple met Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his wife Juliet on their arrival into Kingston. As the cameras were rolling at the start of the meeting, the Prime Minister said clearly that the royals’ presence allowed “unresolved” issues to be “put front and center,” adding that Jamaica was “moving on.”

At that time, William said very little, at least not while the cameras were there. But later that night he made a long speec h in which he most notably directly addressed the “appalling atrocity” of slavery. “I want to express my profound sorrow,” he said. “Slavery was abhorrent, And it should never have happened.”

But if the Prince, and those who had drafted and approved his speech, had thought that these words would earn him praise, they were mistaken. It was widely noted that his comments fell short of the apology requested. “This ‘tone deaf’ statement echoes the well-crafted words of his father. It does not rise to the level of the formal apology that we deserve,” the same Advocates Network spearheading the protest over the visit told The Independent in a statement .

As the tour progressed, it became increasingly clear that moments intended to show the royals as empathetic and in touch were sparking the totally opposite reaction. When William and Kate greeted cheering children by a football pitch who were standing behind a wire fence in Trench Town, the resulting imagery created a deeply uncomfortable look for the monarchy as it instantly went viral. And when they deliberately recreated the Queen and Prince Philip’s journey on a Land Rover from decades ago, the wistful nod to a bygone era struck an odd tone in a country looking to move forward not back.

By the time the couple jetted out of Jamaica, the narrative that the trip was a disaster was well and truly entrenched. One Washington Post article headlined it as “cringeworthy.” A journalist for the Daily Mail declared herself to be “dying of embarrassment.” And a BBC royal correspondent traveling with the royals wrote of the “curiously disorganised” visit, commenting , “Times have changed. The Royal Family have in the past been pretty good at changing with them. But not on this tour.” As the couple emerged on Friday in The Bahamas to pouring rain, it was hard not to wonder whether even mother nature had decided to join in.

The question of whether the Cambridges could have avoided such negative reactions if things had been done differently is an interesting one. There is no doubt that steering clear of the optics of certain images could have spared them significant criticism. But right from the beginning, something did feel different about this trip. When so many focused on what was in reality a small protest in Belize, it felt like there was a global recognition that these were the issues that should be amplified during a visit to Caribbean realms at this time.

Whenever Buckingham Palace is asked about other countries retaining the British monarch as head of state they give a stock answer that this is “a matter for the people of [whatever country is in question].” While some might say that a charm offensive trip can only be viewed as an attempt retain the status quo, one only has to look at how the Queen responded to Barbados becoming a republic to see the grace with which the institution will let go. “On this significant occasion and your assumption of office as the first President of Barbados, I extend my congratulations to you and all Barbadians,” the 95-year-old Queen said in a message as her son and heir was sent to represent her as she was removed from her position.

This sentiment was reinforced by her grandson in his final speech before departing The Bahamas. “We support with pride and respect your decisions about your future. Relationships evolve. Friendship endures,” the Prince said. If the tour had indeed been designed to secure the monarchy’s future in the region, it had ended on an admission of defeat. But one senses that these may well be the words that William was the happiest to be able to deliver throughout the entire trip.

Prince Charles’s visit to Barbados last November saw him arrive in the country as its future head of state and leave with a completely changed status. In contrast, Prince William departs The Bahamas today on the same footing on which he arrived—as a Prince of the realm and its future king. Who knows when he and Kate will be back, but it appears increasingly likely that by the time he is, some realms in the Caribbean will have followed Barbados’s lead to see through the process of changing their head of state. Jamaica has made their intentions very clear and, following the royal visit, Belize has also signaled its desire to do the same. Ten years ago the then Jamaican Prime Minister declared “time come.” The biggest thing this trip has highlighted is the fact that now it really has.

Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures , released in 2021. 

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Prince William returns to royal duty nearly 1 month after Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis announcement

The princess of wales revealed her cancer diagnosis in march.

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Nearly one month after Kate Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis, Prince William has returned to his royal duties.

To kick off the day, the Prince of Wales paid a visit to a food redistribution charity called Surplus to Supper in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, on Thursday. The organization's mission is to bridge the gap between food waste and food poverty across Surrey and West London. 

While there, William put on an apron and got to work preparing meals while mingling with members of the dedicated staff. 

PRINCESS KATE MIDDLETON UNDERGOING ‘PREVENTATIVE CHEMOTHERAPY’ AFTER CANCER DIGNOSIS: ‘STRONGER EVERY DAY’

Prince William mingled with volunteers during his visit to the charity, Surplus to Supper. (Getty Images)

The Prince of Wales' visit marks his first royal duty appearance since Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis announcement. (Getty Images)

On the prince and princess's X page, there were photos shared of his visit. 

"A brilliant model for sustainability, fresh food that would otherwise have gone to waste is redistributed for free to support foodbanks, schools, care homes, shelters, clubs and religious organisations across the local community," the post read.

In another post, William mentioned that Surplus to Supper redistributes "25,000 meals a year across Surrey and West London."

During his visit, the prince was greeted with get-well cards for Catherine and King Charles, who also revealed his own cancer diagnosis in February . 

"Oh some cards, oh, you’re very kind," William is heard telling volunteer Rachel Candappa in a video posted by ITV on X. "Thank you very much, that’s very kind of you." Candappa also told the prince to look after his wife, to which he promised, "I will."

Prince William is given cards for his wife Kate Middleton by volunteer Rachel Candappa, right, as Operations Director Claire Hopkins looks on during a visit to Surplus to Supper. (Alastair Grant-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

William is also expected to visit a youth center that regularly receives meals from the organization later today. 

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Prince William helps to make a food delivery from Surplus to Supper. (Ian Vogler - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Prince Williams' last royal engagement was on March 19 with The Royal Foundation's Homewards program to end homelessness. (Getty Images)

The public outing comes nearly one month after Kate shared her cancer diagnosis on March 22. 

"I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery," Kate said in the video recorded and released last month."It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful."

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She explained that after her abdominal surgery in December, it was believed her condition was "non-cancerous." However, further testing showed "cancer had been present." She was advised to begin chemotherapy by her medical team.

"This, of course, came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family," Kate said . "As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK."

Kate Middleton announced she had cancer in a pre-recorded message shared earlier in March. (The Prince and Princess of Wales Twitter)

"As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits," Kate added. "Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both."

KATE MIDDLETON, KING CHARLES' CANCER BATTLES FORCE PRINCE WILLIAM AND QUEEN CAMILLA INTO UNLIKELY ALLIANCE

The princess will return to official duties when she is cleared to do so by her medical team," a Kensington Palace spokesperson told Fox News Digital at the time. "She is in good spirits and is focused on making a full recovery."

Since the announcement, William has remained by his wife's side, as well as their three children. 

Last week, William and his son, Prince George, attended the Aston Villa soccer game in Birmingham , marking the first public appearance for the prince in nearly a month. 

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Fox News Digital's Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report. 

Christina Dugan Ramirez is a freelance entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. 

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Kate Middleton and Prince William Arrive in Belize to Kick Off Their Week-Long Caribbean Tour

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will also visit Jamaica and the Bahamas

Kate Middleton and Prince William are in the Caribbean!

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge landed in Belize on Saturday to kick off their week-long tour.

The couple is representing William's grandmother Queen Elizabeth on their tour of the Caribbean, which will also see them travel to Jamaica and the Bahamas, as they mark the monarch's Platinum Jubilee year, which celebrates her 70 years on the throne.

Kate, who paid tribute to her host country's flag by wearing a blue lace Jenny Packham skirt suit and a matching clutch, and William, who wore a light blue suit, were greeted by the Governor-General of Belize, Froyla Tzalam and her husband Daniel Mendez.

For more on Prince William and Kate Middleton's Caribbean tour, listen below to our daily podcast on PEOPLE Every Day.

William received a welcome from the guard of honor, including a 21-gun salute, as Kate chatted with the dignitaries.

After their official welcome at the airport, they headed for a meeting with the Prime Minister of Belize, Juan Antonio Briceño, who's more commonly known as Johnny Briceño.

As the tour begins in Belize, it has come to light that the couple was forced to cancel one of their first outings after protests broke out ahead of their arrival.

The couple traveled alongside their 15-strong entourage and some U.K. media in the British government RAF Voyager jet across the Atlantic to Belize from an RAF base in England.

The tour — their first joint official overseas tour since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic — is being conducted on behalf of William's grandmother the Queen and will see them bringing sentiments from the monarch to the people of the Caribbean, a royal source says.

The Queen will be watching with interest from her home at Windsor Castle. William has been talking with his grandmother about their upcoming trip, and she's shared some of her memories of visiting the Caribbean countries, a source confirms.

It was revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had planned to visit a cocoa farm in the foothills of the Maya Mountains in Belize on Sunday, but that has now been canceled after villagers staged a protest about colonialism and the use of a football field by the royals for landing their helicopter.

A royal source confirmed that the visit had been canceled for "sensitive issues" involving the community in Indian Creek and the couple will now visit a different location.

Kensington Palace declined to comment.

Throughout the tour, the couple will champion some of their favorite causes. Zeroing in on environmental issues, they will visit one of William's Earthshot Prize winners, Coral Vita, on Grand Bahama Island, and see their ground-breaking ideas for restoring and preserving reefs . It will be the first time that the couple has visited an Earthshot finalist.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE 's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton , Meghan Markle and more!

Kate will bring the work on behalf of early childhood development to Jamaica when they head to Shortwood Teacher's College, where they hope to highlight the country's work on behalf of children. The college conducts research in the field and trains students to become early childhood education practitioners. It is the second time that Kate has brought the work of her R oyal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood abroad, after her trip to Denmark last month.

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UK's Prince William returns to public duties for first time since Kate's cancer diagnosis

Prince William is returning to public duties for the first time since his wife’s cancer diagnosis

LONDON -- Prince William returned to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife’s cancer diagnosis, bolstering the royal family’s ranks as health problems continue to sideline the princess and King Charles III.

William visited a surplus food redistribution center and a youth club it serves, highlighting efforts to reduce food waste as a way to cut greenhouse gas emissions and feed people in need. The prince stepped away from public duties after Kate, the Princess of Wales, announced on March 22 that she was undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer.

In a video message released that day, Kate asked for “time, space and privacy” as she and her family adjusted to her diagnosis.

“I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she said at the time.

“It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay,” she added.

Both Charles and Kate have been largely absent from the public stage since January due to health problems, leaving Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and other members of the royal family to pick up the slack on the whirl of events and awards ceremonies that dominate the work of Britain’s monarchy.

Charles announced on Feb. 5 that he had been diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer following treatment for an enlarged prostate two weeks earlier. Kate’s diagnosis came after she was hospitalized in late January for unspecified abdominal surgery.

William visited a surplus food distribution charity — Surplus to Supper — in Surrey, southwest of London, where he will lend a hand in the kitchen and help load prepared meals into delivery vans. He will then travel to a youth center in west London that benefits from the food deliveries.

Find more of AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/royalty

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Prince Harry sets May trip to London as cancer-stricken King Charles announces return to duties

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Prince Harry will return to London in May after King Charles III announced he’ll be resuming his royal duties amid his cancer diagnosis , Page Six can confirm.

The Duke of Sussex will stop in London to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games on May 8, according to BBC.

Harry –– who founded the annual multi-sport event –– is scheduled to attend a “service of thanksgiving” and give a reading with Damian Lewis at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, per the outlet.

A spokesperson told the outlet that the tenth anniversary ceremony will celebrate “a decade of changing lives and saving lives through sport.”

It’s unclear if Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, will stand alongside him or if he’ll be attending solo.

The spokesperson also didn’t clarify if Harry, 39, will spend any time with his father or brother, Prince William, in his first visit to the United Kingdom since flying to see his dad after the King’s cancer diagnosis in February .

Harry and Markle, 42, have only visited Harry’s former homeland a handful of times since quitting their royal duties in 2020.

After London, both Harry and Meghan will jet off to Nigeria as guests of the Chief of Defense Staff, Page Six can confirm.

Meghan and Harry will reportedly meet with various service members and “take part in a variety of cultural activities,” according to People .

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Similar to his London visit, the Nigerian trip will also center around the Invictus Games and their inclusion of the country last year.

“The visit is to consolidate Nigeria’s strong hold at the game and the possibility of hosting the event in later years,” the Acting Director of Defence Information said in a statement.

The country holds a special place in the Harry and Markle’s hearts, as he revealed in 2022 that she was 43 percent Nigerian.

“Now, I’m not saying we play favorites in our home, but since my wife discovered she’s of Nigerian descent, it’s likely to get a little bit more competitive this year,” he said at the games last year.

Harry last flew out to London to check on King Charles, 75, after the King shared he was diagnosed with an undisclosed kind of cancer in February.

More must-see royals coverage:

• How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met
• Prince William and Kate Middleton’s relationship timeline
• Royal family tree and line of succession

On Friday, Buckingham Palace announced that the monarch would return to his public duties with his wife, Queen Camilla, amid his ongoing battle.

“To help mark this milestone, The King and Queen will make a joint visit to a cancer treatment centre next Tuesday, where they will meet medical specialists and patients. This visit will be the first in a number of external engagements His Majesty will undertake in the weeks ahead,” they shared in a statement.

Meanwhile, Prince William’s wife, Kate Middleton, announced last month that she was  diagnosed with cancer  and was preparing to begin preventative chemotherapy.

“In January, I  underwent major abdominal surgery  in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was noncancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” she said in a video.

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UK’s Prince William returns to public duties for first time since Kate’s cancer diagnosis

Britain’s Prince William is greeted as he arrives for a visit to Surplus to Supper, in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The Prince visited Surplus to Supper, a surplus food redistribution charity, to learn about its work bridging the gap between food waste and food poverty across Surrey and West London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, pool)

Britain’s Prince William cuts celery as he helps to make a bolognase sauce during a visit to Surplus to Supper, in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The Prince visited Surplus to Supper, a surplus food redistribution charity, to learn about its work bridging the gap between food waste and food poverty across Surrey and West London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, pool)

Britain’s Prince William is shown items by Claire Hopkins, Operations Director, right, during a visit to Surplus to Supper, in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The Prince visited Surplus to Supper, a surplus food redistribution charity, to learn about its work bridging the gap between food waste and food poverty across Surrey and West London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, pool)

FILE - Prince William arrives to attend the annual Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey in London, on March 11, 2024. Prince William is returning to public duties for the first time since his wife’s cancer diagnosis. He will be bolstering the royal family’s ranks as health problems continue to sideline the Princess of Wales and King Charles III. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)

Britain’s Prince William sits in a delivery van during a visit to Surplus to Supper, in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The Prince visited Surplus to Supper, a surplus food redistribution charity, to learn about its work bridging the gap between food waste and food poverty across Surrey and West London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, pool)

Britain’s Prince William helps to loads trays of food into vans during a visit to Surplus to Supper, in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The Prince visited Surplus to Supper, a surplus food redistribution charity, to learn about its work bridging the gap between food waste and food poverty across Surrey and West London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, pool)

Britain’s Prince William talks to van drivers during a visit to Surplus to Supper, in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The Prince visited Surplus to Supper, a surplus food redistribution charity, to learn about its work bridging the gap between food waste and food poverty across Surrey and West London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, pool)

Britain’s Prince William is given cards for his wife Kate, The Princess of Wales by volunteer Rachel Candappa during a visit to Surplus to Supper, in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The Prince visited Surplus to Supper, a surplus food redistribution charity, to learn about its work bridging the gap between food waste and food poverty across Surrey and West London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, pool)

Britain’s Prince William meets workers during a visit to Surplus to Supper, in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England, Thursday, April 18, 2024. The Prince visited Surplus to Supper, a surplus food redistribution charity, to learn about its work bridging the gap between food waste and food poverty across Surrey and West London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, pool)

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LONDON (AP) — Prince William returned to public duties on Thursday for the first time since his wife’s cancer diagnosis , bolstering the royal family’s ranks as health problems continue to sideline the princess and King Charles III .

William visited a surplus food redistribution center and a youth club it serves, highlighting efforts to reduce food waste as a way to cut greenhouse gas emissions and feed people in need. The prince stepped away from public duties after Kate, the Princess of Wales, announced on March 22 that she was undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer.

In a video message released that day, Kate asked for “time, space and privacy” as she and her family adjusted to her diagnosis.

“I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family,” she said at the time.

“It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay,” she added.

Both Charles and Kate have been largely absent from the public stage since January due to health problems, leaving Queen Camilla , Princess Anne and other members of the royal family to pick up the slack on the whirl of events and awards ceremonies that dominate the work of Britain’s monarchy.

Charles announced on Feb. 5 that he had been diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer following treatment for an enlarged prostate two weeks earlier. Kate’s diagnosis came after she was hospitalized in late January for unspecified abdominal surgery.

William visited a surplus food distribution charity — Surplus to Supper — in Surrey, southwest of London, where he will lend a hand in the kitchen and help load prepared meals into delivery vans. He will then travel to a youth center in west London that benefits from the food deliveries.

Find more of AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/royalty