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The duke and duchess at the Governor General’s Reception at Baha Mar Resort in The Bahamas.
There needs to be a very real, honest, frank analysis in house (and likely including plenty of outside voices to) as to why this tour wasn't (or wasn't perceived at least) as a success.
It was always going to be tricky - visiting a country that openly wants to get rid of the Sovereign as their head of state, visiting Caribbean countries after all the allegations of racism, first overseas visit in years and first when many many people back home haven't left for a holiday overseas for years.
I think there are a whole host of reasons why this didn't work out well (a rare miss for the RF and W&K): lack of staff experience planning such tours, an inept Foreign Office that can't handle anything well, visiting one country where the government isn't exactly going to go out their way to make the visit a success, the current events in the world meaning we just aren't in place to be that bothered about such a tour, the media and rise of social media influence, the feeling in the media perhaps of the need to reflect some of the harshest social media criticism in their coverage even if that criticism comes from people with their own agenda. I would even look as closely at small things - the wardrobe (Catherine's very "English" clothing which creates an awkward juxtapose and William in brilliant white uniform - yes required but again doesn't look good), the social media team at KP and their posts and many others.
I don’t think this was ever going to be a successful tour in the way that the majority of their other visits have been. Everything could have gone perfectly and the press would still have found a way to work colonialism and/or racism into the narrative and choose to present the whole thing through that lens. I’m sure William, Catherine and their team knew this was going to happen and that, to a large extent, there wasn’t anything they could do about it.
They wouldn’t have been thrown off by the protests as those are nothing new - there are almost always protests in Quebec whenever members of the Royal Family come to Canada, for example.
The treatment they got in Jamaica was shameful and reflects very poorly on the government of Jamaica, but William and Catherine handled the situation correctly and carried on.
It’s too bad that a tour in which they were very warmly received the majority of the time has been overshadowed by these negatives but I think all the couple and their team can do is take a look at things they had control over and might have done differently, and make use of that experience going forward.
I don’t think this was ever going to be a successful tour in the way that the majority of their other visits have been. Everything could have gone perfectly and the press would still have found a way to work colonialism and/or racism into the narrative and choose to present the whole thing through that lens. I’m sure William, Catherine and their team knew this was going to happen and that, to a large extent, there wasn’t anything they could do about it.
They wouldn’t have been thrown off by the protests as those are nothing new - there are almost always protests in Quebec whenever members of the Royal Family come to Canada, for example.
The treatment they got in Jamaica was shameful and reflects very poorly on the government of Jamaica, but William and Catherine handled the situation correctly and carried on.
It’s too bad that a tour in which they were very warmly received the majority of the time has been overshadowed by these negatives but I think all the couple and their team can do is take a look at things they had control over and might have done differently, and make use of that experience going forward.
To be honest, I think these type of royal tours should be completely scrapped. Times have changed and lately these tours just seem to be more hassle than they’re worth. A 1-2 day working visit where the focus is on one particular cause/issue might be a better way for them moving forward.
I’m still trying to figure out why the Jamaican government even agreed to host the visit. It would have been better if they had said no, and then announced that they were taking steps to become a republic. Agreeing to the visit and then acting as if they didn’t even want the Cambridges there, is a bit odd.
To be honest, I think these type of royal tours should be completely scrapped. Times have changed and lately these tours just seem to be more hassle than they’re worth. A 1-2 day working visit where the focus is on one particular cause/issue might be a better way for them moving forward.
Kate and William did the best they could, but no matter how they approached this tour, there were going to be complaints and things that people found offensive. IMO, I don’t think the backlash is just due to the politics surrounding the visit. Nor is it solely about the clothes that Kate is wearing, or shaking hands through a fence. I think a lot of this is due to everything that has transpired within the Royal family within the last few years. Judging by the comments I see on social media, the BRF have been severely damaged by the scandals from the last few years and the accusations of racism. So this tour was never going to come off smoothly.
I’m still trying to figure out why the Jamaican government even agreed to host the visit. It would have been better if they had said no, and then announced that they were taking steps to become a republic. Agreeing to the visit and then acting as if they didn’t even want the Cambridges there, is a bit odd.
The organizers of the Cambridges tour could've done better and I am certain they will analyze and dissect what they could've done differently given the political climate. They were smart to scrap part of the Belize tour but they should've given more thought to certain optics.
They also could've looked The Prince of Wales visit to Barbados last November. Though his speech was very effective and successful (apologizing for the evils of slavery..etc). There were multiple planned protests against his brief visit and members of the Bajan government speaking out against his presence there.
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A good read including a quote from our very own Marlene Koenig
https://www.insider.com/prince-william-kate-middleton-tour-adapt-monarchy-future-2022-3
https://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/speech/speech-hrh-prince-wales-transition-barbados-republicMadam President, Prime Minister, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I was so deeply touched that you should have invited me to return to Barbados and to join you, on behalf of The Queen, at this moment of such significance for your remarkable Nation.
The creation of this Republic offers a new beginning, but it also marks a point on a continuum – a milestone on the long road you have not only travelled, but which you have built.
Emancipation, self-government and Independence were your way-points. Freedom, justice and self-determFrom the darkest days of our past, and the appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history, the people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude. ination have been your guides.
Your long journey has brought you to this moment, not as your destination, but as a vantage point from which to survey a new horizon.
Anniversaries are also a moment for reflection, particularly this week with the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
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.
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.
When I read some of these posts, I wonder how "royal" these tours would ever be at all. I mean, do people want the Royals to act and be seen like some kind of cultural or foreign ministers, or diplomats...? What´s the point of a "royal tour" if royal people are not allowed any more to act as "Royals"?!I don’t think longer royal tours are problematic, but they do tend to follow a “one size fits all” approach that hasn’t really been updated in generations. The part where some sort of local talent is brought out and the royals try to act natural in the midst of all the singing and dancing always seems awkward and should be scrapped. And any activities should play to the visiting royals’ strengths, try to connect to their known interests or talents and actively involve the local population. Basically they should get rid of the parts where the locals are performing for the royals, or the royals are performing for the locals.
For example, instead of a big group of dancers parading in front of the visitors, find an instructor and have William and Kate get a short, fun lesson with a small group of other beginners. If they really need to bang on some drums make sure there are a couple of local kids banging away with them. Both William and Kate do best when they have the opportunity to interact as naturally as possible with the people they meet.
Unprecedented statement from the Duke of Cambridge regarding the Caribbean tour. The trip has prompted conversation and debate. This acknowledges it and shows how he is reflecting on it. Interesting line on his future as head of the Commonwealth. Shows leadership
Here's the Prince of Wales' speech from November 2021. He doesn't actually apologize for slavery but acknowledges it as an "atrocity.". William's speech in Jamaica is nearly identical to his father's on the subject of slavery. So I believe that the tone Charles' text was reused for William's when it was being written even though they're not the exact same words. Keep in mind that it is the British Government who will oversee and review these speeches before they are delivered. And it should be noted that an official apology for Britain's role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade was made by then PM Tony Blair in 2007.
https://www.antislavery.org/tony-blair-apologies-britains-role-slave-trade-2/
https://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/speech/speech-hrh-prince-wales-transition-barbados-republic
https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article...nce-william-expresses-profound-sorrow-slavery
Not going there during the Queen´s Platinum Jubilee would have meant to attract criticism, too ("you see how unimportant we are for these priviliged white people from overseas wanting to be our heads of state").
Excellent points MBruno and like you I wonder why this is mostly directed at Britain and not at the other nations in Europe and Africa that participated in the Transatlantic slave trade. Sadly even in the modern era, slavery still continues around the globe.The Atlantic slave trade was not uniquely run by the British. The biggest slave trading nation in Europe by trade volume was actually Portugal, followed then in descending order by Britain, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and, surprisingly, Denmark. Several African states also partnered with the Europeans in the slave trade. And, of course, in the 19th century, the United Kingdom became the most prominent anti-slavery force in Europe. In fact, slavery was already illegal in the British Isles properly by the end of the 18th century and was outlawed in the British Empire as a whole (including the Caribbean colonies) more than 30 years before it became illegal in the United States and more than 50 years before it was abolished in Brazil. Even though the United States outlawed the international slave trade relatively early in the 19th century, it held on to slavery properly long after it became independent from Britain.
The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge were absolutely correct to point out that slavery was an atrocity that should never have happened, but I often wonder why calls for reparations seem to be directed mostly at Britain, ignoring that slavery was a much broader European practice considering that those nations benefited from this abhorrent practice as well.
The Duke of Cambridge releases as statement on their recent tour.
Quoted comment from Rebecca English. Click the link to read Prince William's statement.
The statement is great. I like the measured tone and how it acknowledges the issue that overshadowed the tour without sounding defensive. It clarifies what William finds valuable about these tours and drives home the point that he sees inherent value in The Commonwealth independent of whatever official role he may have in it. I think it’s very well done.
I am not sure why you think the call for reparations is primarily focused on Britain. Probably in the States you are more aware of those calls as they are written in English but at least in the Netherlands that debate is taking place as well... Also, it makes sense for former British colonies to focus on Britain just like it makes sense for other countries that were once colonies of a different country to focus on that specific country.
Found this other perspective/opinion on the tour.
(...)
Criticism had again been hurled during a military parade in Kingston, where they took to the Land Rover used by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on tour in 1962. What was intended as a fond nod to Her Majesty’s connections to the Commonwealth instead evoked for many the unfortunate relics of Britain’s colonial past.
“It just looks like they have come out of the 1950s — it’s a bad look,” admitted a royal source. Professor Rosalea Hamilton, director of the Institute of Law and Economics in Jamaica, had a blunter interpretation: “They signify this young generation is continuing the monarchical traditions of holding one race superior and another inferior.”
In reality nothing could be further from the truth for the Cambridges and the wider royal family. Aides note that military parades have set-in-stone protocols, and the Jamaica Defence Force specifically requested they use the vehicle, but they concede that some of the “set pieces” for tours need to be more closely scrutinised in future.
(...)
The 'we respect the decision of the people' was in fact said by The Queen herself. She actually said 'it is a decision for the Australian people and we will respect it'.
Charles was a bit more political - "I am surprised they haven't already done it' or words to that effect.
In the end the republican movement was so disorganised that the referendum failed.
A simple plebiscite should be held, within a few months of the next election to determine if a republic is actually what the majority of Australians, and a majority of the states actually want. If so we should be able to say 'The Queen is dead ... Long Live the Republic of Australia'.