The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate have embarked on a week long tour to Central America and the Caribbean – the trip that is being made at the behest of William’s grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, is intended to strengthen the U.K.’s ties with Commonwealth countries as the queen marks 70 years on the throne.
However, just hours before the couple departed, the trip suffered a setback, when a planned visit to a cacao farm in the Central American nation of Belize was scrapped because of local opposition.
According to local reports, a protest was staged by people opposed to the royal visit to the Akte ‘il Ha cacao farm in Indian Creek village in the foothills of the Maya Mountains.
The couple, will also visit Jamaica, to celebrate the legacy of Bob Marley and the island’s rich musical and sporting heritage.
They will end the trip in the Bahamas, where they will compete in a sailing regatta in honor of the queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
William, 39, is second in line to the throne after his father, Prince Charles.
The royal couple’s first overseas tour since the start of the pandemic comes as some Caribbean nations consider removing the queen as head of state. Last November, Barbados cut ties with the queen and transitioned from a constitutional monarchy to a republic.
A similar move is also being contemplated by the government of Jamaica.
More Stories
Israeli forces raid Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital
Puerto Rico declares public health emergency
Gangs making $3 trillion yearly through human trafficking