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!
-
What is pink mould and how can you get rid of it safely? Experts share advice
While you may not have even heard of pink mould, it's relatively common and important to know how to tackle it quickly
By Emily Smith Published
-
The White Company's Hypoallergenic Mattress Topper is surprisingly affordable and a dream to sleep on
The The White Company Hypoallergenic Comfort Topper offers a gentle, supportive layer to your sleep set-up for a surprisingly affordable price.
By Laura Honey Published
-
Prince George’s hilarious warning for TV star passed on by Prince William ahead of series cameo
The Prince of Wales has passed on a cheeky message from Prince George to the star of one of his new favourite shows
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton and Duchess Sophie prove that buying items you love in multiple colours can really pay off
They've shown that having your favourite pieces in several shades can be so handy if they're true to your signature style
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Remember Kate Middleton's baby pink McQueen suit? I've found a dreamy Mango lookalike
The Princess of Wales's pastel pink suit was a show-stopping spring outfit and I've found something very similar at Mango
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton addresses family move and why she and Prince William swapped London for Windsor
The Princess of Wales has explained why she and Prince William moved to Berkshire in 2022 and it makes complete sense
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
We never thought we’d love jewel tones in spring but Kate Middleton’s green St Patrick’s day outfit makes it look so elegant
The Princess of Wales stepped out on St Patrick's Day wearing a gorgeous bottle green coat and matching accessories
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
What wedges does Kate Middleton wear? Where to buy her summer shoe staples
Kate Middleton's wedges are an elegant option for the summer months and there are certain designs she's had in her collection for years
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
What Missoma earrings does Kate Middleton have? The two affordable go-tos the Princess of Wales wears on repeat
The Princess of Wales has an extensive royal jewellery collection but her affordable Missoma pieces are some of her most-worn
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's pancake confession is one of the most relatable royal food revelations we've heard
The Princess of Wales once put her pancake flipping skills to the test at engagement and made a candid admission
By Emma Shacklock Published