Prince William held ‘emergency crisis talks’ as he prepared to break major royal policy following controversial tour
Prince William directly addressed the future of the commonwealth on his final night in The Bahamas
Prince William reportedly held “emergency crisis talks” as he prepared to break a major royal policy following his controversial Caribbean tour.
- The Duke of Cambridge is said to have held “crisis talks” before making his final speech on his and Kate Middleton’s Caribbean tour.
- It’s claimed Prince William wishes to break the royals’ “never complain, never explain” approach if there's something that needs to be said by the monarchy.
- This royal news comes as it was revealed Prince Charles is to replace the Queen with this important duty usually performed by the monarch.
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Caribbean tour was their first joint overseas trip since the pandemic and had plenty of memorable moments, including Prince William’s dancing in Belize. However it wasn’t without controversy and some even declared Prince William and Kate were “not welcome” in Jamaica amid slavery reparation protests in the country.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s trip, which saw them visit Belize, The Bahamas and Jamaica, continued to spark debates surrounding colonialism and Britain's colonial past more specifically. And according to the Daily Mail, Prince William reportedly held “crisis talks” with senior royal aides before making a remarkable statement on their final evening.
Just hours before the couple flew home Prince William made a speech directly addressing the republican sentiments that had been circulating ever more strongly. In it, the Queen’s grandchild announced that the Royal Family would “support” and “respect” the decisions of commonwealth nations surrounding their futures.
“Next year, I know you are all looking forward to celebrating 50 years of independence—your Golden Anniversary. And with Jamaica celebrating 60 years of independence this year, and Belize celebrating 40 years of independence last year, I want to say this," he declared during an event hosted by the Bahamian governor-general.
"We support with pride and respect your decisions about your future. Relationships evolve. Friendship endures."
The future King’s statement came months after Prince Charles visited Barbados as they celebrated becoming a republic. Prince William’s decision to discuss and “support” the possibility of more commonwealth countries doing the same is one that likely astonished many, but reportedly “needed” to be done in his eyes.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
“He was keen to be heard and certainly thought there was a need to get ahead of the raft of negative headlines,” a senior palace source claimed to The Mirror.
“He said he needed to make it clear that any of the Caribbean nations he had visited were totally free and completely supported in any decision they may make in the future to choose their own destiny.”
Meanwhile another source suggested to the Mail that the longstanding unofficial royal policy of “never complain, never explain” stoicism is over and done with, as far as Prince William is concerned.
“The prince believes that for him, the days of "never complain" are over,” they alleged. “He definitely won’t be speaking out regularly but believes if the monarchy has something to say, then it should say it.”
The Cambridges’ Caribbean tour took place during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year and has certainly been a thought-provoking trip in the eyes of many people across the world.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
'My horizons broadened' says Helen Mirren as she reflects that she’s 'not growing old' she’s 'growing up'
Dame Helen Mirren is embracing ageing and she previously revealed her belief we should be 'celebrating it' as we enjoy who we are
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Keira Knightley has been relying on this chic shearling jacket to keep her cosy for a decade
The Acne Studios Velocite aviator jacket is the ultimate investment piece for winter
By Caroline Parr Published
-
Kate Middleton looks radiant in laid-back jeans, shirt and blazer in momentous birthday photograph
The Princess of Wales's off-duty style is every bit as elegant as her formal-wear and her birthday photo outfit is so easy to recreate
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s 43rd birthday marked with heartfelt message from Prince William alongside new black-and-white photo
Prince William lovingly paid tribute to the Princess of Wales's 'remarkable' strength as he shared a touching birthday post
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton 'needs to make sure' George, Charlotte and Louis can 'deal' with 'looming' responsibility
A huge future lies ahead for the Wales family and a royal expert believes the Princess of Wales will be keen to 'prioritise' her family
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Meghan Markle embraces Kate Middleton’s royal hobby in new Netflix trailer - and you might not have noticed
Meghan Markle's new Netflix series will show her trying out one of the Royal Family's favourite but rarely-seen hobbies
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton has loved the Longchamp tote bag since the 2000s – and we’ve found the perfect lookalikes
For the woman on the go who doesn't want to choose between fashion and function, there's the Longchamp Tote (or these lookalikes!)
By Jack Slater Published
-
Looking for a Boxing Day saving with the royal stamp of approval? Kate Middleton’s favourite Jo Malone scent is now on sale
It's not too often one can snap up the Princess of Wales approved Jo Malone scent
By Jack Slater Published
-
Kate Middleton sticks to her tried and tested formula for a perfect Christmas Day look – her outfit details in full
The Princess of Wales looked striking in a festive forest green for the 2024 Sandringham Walkabout
By Jack Slater Published
-
What do the royals eat on Christmas Day? The mouth-watering festive meals Prince William and Kate will enjoy
The Prince and Princess of Wales and the other royals are in for a treat this Christmas Day if their food traditions remain unchanged
By Emma Shacklock Published