Prince William expresses his ‘profound sorrow’ at ‘abhorrent’ slavery in emotional speech at dinner

The Duke of Cambridge used the royal visit to Jamaica to tackle Britain’s historic role in the slave trade, describing it as ‘abhorrent’ and a ‘stain on our history’ in a keynote speech alongside his wife at a state dinner last night.

On the fifth day of their tour of the Caribbean, the future king expressed his disgust at the ‘appalling atrocity’ that has left such a heavy legacy in Jamaica and expressed his ‘profound sorrow’ that it had ever happened to Jamaican dignitaries. 

He spoke out on a tricky tour for the royals, where the Cambridges were greeted like rock stars by the public but politicians, including prime minister Andrew Holness, used meetings to make clear in public they will push for the island to be a republic with a referendum this year. There was also a protest outside the British High Commission by republicans also demanding slavery reparations from Britain and the royals.

In a landmark speech William also referred to his father’s previous condemnation of slavery – but stopped short of apologising for the Royal Family’s part in the trade. 

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. I want to express my profound sorrow. Slavery was abhorrent. And it should never have happened. ‘

He continued: ‘While the pain runs deep, Jamaica continues to forge its future with determination, courage and fortitude.

‘The strength and shared sense of purpose of the Jamaican people, represented in your flag and motto, celebrate an invincible spirit.

‘It is this same spirit that spurred on the Windrush generation, who came to the United Kingdom to help rebuild after the Second World War.

‘We are forever grateful for the immense contribution that this generation and their descendants have made to British life, which continues to enrich and improve our society.

‘I’m delighted that a national monument acknowledging and celebrating the Windrush generation by Jamaican artist, Basil Watson, will be unveiled later this year in Waterloo Station in London.’  

On William and Kate’s arrival they joined a small reception with the Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and his wife Lady Allen, the Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his wife Juliet, the Leader of the Opposition Matthew, Mark Golding – who has been politely vocal about his opposition to the British monarchy – as well as the Foreign Minister and Chief Justices. 

The Duchess of Cambridge dazzled in diamonds for the state dinner and wore an off the shoulder green dress by British designer Jenny Packham paired with earrings and a bracelet that were borrowed from Her Majesty the Queen’s Emerald Tassel Parure. She also sported her Royal Family Order and the GCVO Star.

Prince William was suave in black tie as they arrived at dinner thrown in their honour by the Governor General at King’s House, his Kingston residence – the most glamorous event of their so far five-day Caribbean tour.

The couple also re-enacted the historical moment the Queen and the late Duke of Edinburgh walked down the grand central steps inside the house when they first visited Jamaica in 1953.

The now 95-year-old monarch visited King’s House on her first Commonwealth tour as monarch when they were guests of the then Governor, Sir Hugh Foot. 

It comes as Jamaica’s Prime Minister warned the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge that his nation is ‘moving on’ and intends to ditch the monarchy during a tense meeting this afternoon following anti-monarchy protests on the Caribbean island as its politicians push for a 2022 independence vote and slave trade reparations. 

During the emotional speech, William also said he and his wife were ‘very pleased’ to be on our first official visit to Jamaica, adding: ‘All my family have enjoyed their visits here so much. They have waxed lyrical about the warmth and sense of fun of the Jamaican people and the beauty of this island.

‘Already in our short time here, Catherine and I are delighted to have felt what Bob Marley described so many years ago – the spirit of ‘One love’ that Jamaica has given to the world and which makes this country so special.

‘I’m particularly pleased tonight to convey the very best wishes from my grandmother, The Queen of Jamaica, on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee.

‘It is no secret that The Queen has a deep affection for Jamaica, forged on her very first visit here with my grandfather, The Duke of Edinburgh, in 1953.

‘And likewise I have been touched to hear today from Jamaicans, young and old, about their affection for The Queen.

‘Her dedication, commitment, and sense of duty to the Commonwealth family is deeply admired. She may be my actual grandmother, but everyone counts her as their grandmother too. And I’m ok with that!

‘And of course, as The Queen marks seventy years on the throne, this is also a very special year for Jamaica, as you celebrate your sixtieth anniversary of independence. Now that’s double the excuse for a party!’   

Prince William was given a polite round of applause following his seven minute address to a complete and respectful silence ballroom at the Govenor General’s home.

Ninety invited guests listened to duke’s every words before tucking into a four-course meal.

The royal couple met Jamaican leaders in the mansion’s cocktail room and Kate bonded with opposition leader Mike Golding – whose party has said it wants Royal Family to further and apologise for slavery and pay millions in reparations.

Both revealed they had studied at St Andrews, although Kate’s alma mater was in Scotland and the politician said his was in the US.

But they chatted amicably and Kate told him: ‘I loved my time there.’

Mixing with VIPs in the room William was told how England ace Raheem Sterling had carried out work to help inner city kids in Kingston.

William smiled and recalled his football kickabout in Trench Town.

He said: ‘I have a soft spot for Raheem.’

The couple walked along the verandah at the mansion’s dining room greeting guests.

Kate was heard saying: ‘It was great I wish I could stay longer. We were tempted by the beaches. Amazing scenery.

‘Next time we have to come back with the children.’

Speaking to another group of diners before the banquet, she said: ‘The country is beautiful. We just scratched the surface. It’s been so short.’ 

The duke took his seat in the ballroom at the top table – just under a EXIT red fire escape sign – and sat with Kate, Governor General Patrick Allen, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and their wives.

They ate a four course meal of creamy roasted pumpkin and potatoes, sea bass, garden salad and suzette fanned crepe plus Jamaican Petit Fours.   

The reception included a number of guests including Antoinette Davis, the leader of I Believe’ Ambassadors, a network of over 300 inspiring change-makers dedicated to using their skills and talents to mobilise youth and education resources while building resilient families.

The other guests included Khadine Hylton who works in the field of the advancement of women and girls through quality education and is a recipient of the Governor-General’s Achievement Award for her outstanding achievements.

Hansle Parchment, the Jamaican track athlete and reigning 110 metre hurdle Olympic Champion, was also among those who key the couple, and the Jamaican Military Band played music outside during the reception.    

King’s House is an impressive residence set amidst a lush thirty-acre ground, was their home for the three-day visit.    

It comes as Prince William and Kate received an official welcome from Andrew Holness and he described how Jamaica intended to fulfil its destiny ‘as an independent, developed, prosperous country’.

Earlier, the duchess wore a £1,945 Alexander McQueen trouser suit as she and her husband posed with the Caribbean nation’s premier and his wife Juliet at Vale Royal, their official residence in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital.  

In an exchange that was caught on camera, Mr Holness then told the royal couple that whilst Jamaicans were ‘very very happy’ to welcome them, ‘there are issues here which are as you would know unresolved.’

He added that his nation is ‘moving on’ and has ‘true ambitions’ to become an ‘independent, developed, prosperous country’. 

His comments followed his statement last year that there was ‘no question’ his country would become a republic.  Politicians are pushing for the move to take place within two years and they hope a referendum will take place before the end of 2022.

Meanwhile, Kate and William posed for smiling selfies and were met with chants of ‘we love you, we love you’ as they enjoyed their first day in Jamaica despite protests. The royal couple were mobbed by huge crowds of well-wishers desperate to shake their hands, share high-fives and pose for selfies as they travelled to Trench Town and visited Bob Marley’s former home.  

William played football in a match where he was joined by England star Raheem Sterling, who was born on the island. The couple also met the Jamaican bobsleigh team, who finished 28th in the recent Winter Olympics, on their week-long tour that began in Belize, is currently in Jamaica and will end in The Bahamas. 

The couple also broke the Buckingham Palace ‘no selfie’ rule to pose with the Olympians. The Queen is known not to like them because she prefers eye contact  – and will politely decline – but younger royals such as William, Kate, Harry and Meghan appear to enjoy them.

The Cambridges arrived to a full ceremonial welcome in Kingston yesterday – and a protest by up to 100 people outside the airport calling for the island to become a republic and for Britain to pay reparations for slavery. 

Some want Prince William to apologise and it is understood that William will publicly address the issue of slavery in a keynote speech tonight as they were accused of benefitting from the ‘blood, tears and sweat’ of slaves. 

But while the questions of the island’s links to the British monarchy continues, William and Kate were welcomed as friends and travelled to reggae legend Marley’s house and now a museum to the musical genius, and played drums with some reggae musicians in the courtyard where Jamaica’s biggest superstar learned to perform.

There was mass hysteria in the neighbourhood as the royal couple were mobbed by crowds who chanted: ‘We love you, we love you’ as they walked to Trench Town Culture Yard and Museum in Jamaica’s capital.  

Earlier the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tried out a bobsleigh made for two under the watchful eye of Jamaica’s latest Cool Runnings team. When William clambered into the training sleigh during a visit to Bob Marley’s old Kingston neighbourhood, Kate did not hesitate and jumped in behind him.

Chatting to women and men from the bobsleigh team they talked about the popular movie Cool Runnings which immortalised the 1988 Jamaican Winter Olympics team. The duke, who is touring the Caribbean with the duchess to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, said: ‘One of our favourites, ah so good.’

The future king also played with one of his sporting heroes in a match with local young footballers.  Kingston-born England international Raheem Sterling received a rapturous applause whenever he touched the ball and there were screams for the duke – and a few ironic ones when he fluffed a shot.

Mr Holness told William and Kate today: ‘We are very very happy to have you. I hope you will see the warm welcome of the people. Jamaica is a very free and liberal country, and the people are very expressive.

‘I am certain that you will have seen the spectrum of expressions yesterday. there are issues here which are as you would know unresolved.

‘But your presence gives an opportunity for those issues to be placed in context put front and centre and to be addressed as best as we can.

‘But Jamaica is as you would see a country that is very proud of our history and very proud of what we have achieved. 

‘We are moving on and we intend to attain in short order… our goals and fulfill our true ambitions as an independent, developed, prosperous country.’   

Earlier, the couple admired photos of newborns as they visited Spanish Town Hospital today, which is celebrating its 70th birthday this year, to hear first-hand how the pandemic has impacted the country’s healthcare system.

They were spotted viewing the newborns wall on a maternity ward alongside meeting doctors, nurses and other members of staff to discuss their experiences on the Covid-19 frontline.

The couple also unveiled a plaque with the Minister of the Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufon, ahead of their next engagement at Flankers, near Montego Bay, to discuss military employment and training.

Their hospital visit came shortly after Kate gave her first speech of the Caribbean tour at Shortwood Teacher Training College, praising the ‘crucial role of teachers at the front line in shaping society’.  

Meanwhile, William and Kate were accused by protesters of benefitting from the ‘blood, tears and sweat’ of slaves.

And the Advocates Network coalition of Jamaican politicians, business leaders, doctors and musicians wrote an open letter detailing 60 reasons why the monarchy should compensate the country.

It is now understood that Jamaica’s decoupling has been discussed at the ‘highest levels’ in government, with one political source even saying a senior figure had been appointed to oversee the changeover.  

A royal aide said that on the issue of a republic: ‘The duke and duchess say it is a matter for the people and government of Jamaica.’ 

BAZAAR.com also reported that the government has started the ‘long and arduous process’ and aims for it to be completed by August 6 – exactly 60 years after Jamaica gained its independence from the UK.

Marlene Malahoo Forte, who was Jamaica’s attorney general until January, in December told the local newspaper Jamaica Observer that she had received instructions from Prime Minister Andrew Holness to reform the constitution to become a republic. 

A senior government official speaking to Bazaar.com said it will be ‘full steam ahead in the coming weeks and months’, and another source added that while there had been ‘some pushback’ from members of parliament it was not the majority. 

It was unclear last night how the plans would now progress, as both sources said there are no plans for a referendum, which would be required under Jamaica’s constitution and makes the move more complicated than in smaller Barbados – which was able to make the change via an act of parliament. 

The latest comments came despite William and Kate being greeted by cheers during their visit to Trench Town to greet young footballers and the Jamaican bobsleigh team, who finished 28th in the recent Winter Olympics.

Following their trip, the royal couple posted on their official Twitter account: ‘What a incredible day at Trench Town – the birthplace of reggae music in the heart of Kingston.’

They were earlier met by dignitaries and members of the military as they touched down at a windy Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, with Kate donning the yellow of the country’s flag.

The Jamaican flag and the Royal Ensign also hung from the cockpit window as the Cambridges walked down the stairs of the RAF Voyager aircraft.

While the duke took the salute from a guard of honour formed by Jamaica Defence Force troops, the duchess stood nearby under a marquee that shook in the wind as she held onto the hem of her yellow maxi-gown.  

Kate was pictured smiling as she stood next to Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson-Smith and Jamaican politician and former Miss World Lisa Hanna at the official welcoming. 

The royal visits to Caribbean nations are seen as an effort to try and dissuade other ex-British colonies – including Belize and The Bahamas – from following in Barbados’ example of removing the Queen as their head of state.

The couple, though, were kept well away from protestors outside the British High Commission building as they arrived for an official meeting with the Governor General of Jamaica Patrick Allen shortly after touching down on the Caribbean island.

Jamaican human rights advocate Opal Adisa organised a protest outside the premises hours before their arrival amid calls for the monarchy to pay reparations for slavery and human rights abuses. 

The Bahamas National Reparations Committee also released a statement calling for a ‘full and formal apology’, adding: ‘The time is now for reparations.’ 

The government last year announced plans to ask Britain for compensation for forcibly transporting an estimated 600,000 Africans to work on sugar cane and banana plantations that created fortunes for British slave holders.

Jamaica lawmaker Mike Henry has proposed reparations package of £7.6billion ($10 billion).

He has said the figure is derived from a £20million payment the UK government made in 1837 to compensate slave owners in British colonies for the emancipation of enslaved people following the 1833 abolition of slavery. 

Anti-colonial sentiment has been growing across the Caribbean against the background of the Black Lives Matter movement, which has inspired many around the globe to campaign for equality.

Protesters gathered outside the British High Commission in Jamaican capital Kingston, with one placard held by a little girl reading: ‘Kings, Queens and Princesses and Princes belong in fairytales not in Jamaica!’

A royal source said the duke was aware of the protests and was expected to acknowledge the issue of slavery in a speech on Wednesday night during a dinner hosted by the Governor General of Jamaica.

The couple were the subject of protests in Belize, the first stop of their Caribbean tour, with opposition to a royal tour of a chocolate farm forcing the event to be cancelled and hastily arranged at another site.

Mr Golding has been invited to a royal event in his St Andrew South constituency and the Governor Generals’ dinner where William will give his speech. 

He told The Gleaner, a national Jamaican newspaper: ‘I would hope that I get the opportunity during the events that I will be attending to have that dialogue with them and to bring it to their attention in a courteous and respectful way that this is the view held by many Jamaicans.’

The leader of the People’s National Party added: ‘And that I think it would be helpful both to the Royal family and Jamaica for them to consider this as a means of starting to move forward to a new future.’

The Prince of Wales addressed the ‘appalling atrocity of slavery’, describing it as something ‘which forever stains our history’ last November when he attended the ceremony marking Barbados’ historic transition to a republic.

The British royal family were involved in the transportation and selling of people for profit for centuries with Elizabeth I becoming involved in the lucrative dealings of John Hawkins, one of Britain’s first slave traders in the 16th century.

When his first adventure proved successful and his ships returned laden with goods she supported his future expeditions by providing vessels to carry the human cargo.

The connections between the royal family and slavery continued with Charles II who encouraged the expansion of the slave trade.

He granted a charter to a group of men, the Royal Adventurers, who later became the Royal African Company and the monarch and the Duke of York invested their private funds in the venture.

Ms Adisa, a retired professor in her 60s, said: ‘Kate and William are beneficiaries, so they are, in fact, complicit because they are positioned to benefit specifically from our ancestors, and we’re not benefitting from our ancestors.

‘The luxury and the lifestyle that they have had and that they continue to have, traipsing all over the world for free with no expense, that is a result of my great, great grandmother and grandfather, their blood and tears and sweat.’

She joined calls for an apology, saying the monarchy should provide ‘economic social reparation’, such as ‘building us proper hospitals, providing and making sure that our children are educated through college level, and making sure land is equally distributed’.

Ms Adisa said an apology would be the ‘first step towards healing and reconciliation’.

She continued: ‘You know, we don’t have anything personally against Kate and Prince William, and even the Queen, for that matter, but we’re simply saying you’ve done wrong, and it is way past time that you admit that you’ve done wrong and when you do, redressing it.

‘The fact that our government is spending money to help provide security and finance for the duke and duchess, who are wealthy, is outrageous, it’s criminal.

‘Because the Caribbean is fed up, the same thing happened in Belize. We’re just saying enough is enough, we’ve been quiet, we have been nice.

‘Enough is enough, let’s deal with this racism and this discrimination.’ 

The protest began ahead of the Cambridges’ arrival in Jamaica on Tuesday, where they will stay until Thursday when they depart for the Bahamas.  

The open letter, quoted by The Independent newspaper, says: ‘We note with great concern your visit to our country Jamaica, during a period when we are still in the throes of a global pandemic and bracing for the full impact of another global crisis associated with the Russian/Ukraine war.

‘Many Jamaicans are unaware of your visit as they struggle to cope with the horrendous fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, exacerbated by pre-existing social and economic hardships inherited from our colonial past.

‘We also note that your visit is part of the celebrations to mark the 70th Anniversary (Platinum Jubilee) of the coronation of your grandmother – and the 60th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence. 

‘We see no reason to celebrate 70 years of the ascension of your grandmother to the British throne because we believe her leadership, and that of her predecessors, have perpetuated the greatest human rights tragedy in the history of humankind.’ 

Also today, dancehall musician Beenie Man – real name Anthony Moses Davis – said Jamaicans do not want Prince William to visit because they are still ‘controlled by the British’ and the royals are ‘not doing anything for us’. 

The Jamaican artist told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: ‘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 and the Queen serve and the Queen this and that. 

‘But what are they doing for Jamaica? They’re not doing anything for us. If Harry was coming people would react different, people are going to meet Harry, but William… we don’t want to see that.’  

The Cambridges will stay in Jamaica until Thursday when they depart for the Bahamas. Opposition in Jamaica comes after the couple’s tour began in controversial circumstances in Belize. 

Kate and William were forced to pull out of their first major engagement following protests from villagers who were angry at being told they had to tidy up their football field to allow the couple’s helicopter to land in it so they could visit a nearby cocoa farm. They accused the visit of perpetuating colonialism.

The engagement was replaced with a visit to a chocolate producer before the royals travelled to the cultural centre of the Garifuna community in Hopkins. 

The demonstrators are involved in a long-running row with state officials over what they say was communal land taken from them during the British colonial era which has now been bought by a conservation charity that William is patron of. 

It comes as William said yesterday that the ‘vigilance’ needed to safeguard democracy was being tested in Ukraine as he reiterated his pledge to ‘stand with them in solidarity’. 

‘It is always dangerous, however, to be complacent and to assume that democratic values will look after themselves. Vigilance in protecting them is needed’.’

In his speech delivered in the early hours, he added: ‘Her Majesty went on to say that ‘Most of all, democracy is safe-guarded by teamwork – the individual wills of all citizens, each pulling together towards the same objective’.

‘Sadly, elsewhere in the world, that vigilance is being tested today in Ukraine. Belize has joined many others in condemning the invasion and standing up for the principles of international law, peace and security.

‘Today we think of those struggling in Ukraine and we stand with them in solidarity.’

William, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have all spoken out in support of Ukraine in recent weeks, as the country battles Russian forces after President Vladimir Putin’s troops invaded the country almost four weeks ago. 

The duke’s words of support came as his tour of Belize with the duchess drew to a close, and he quoted from the Queen’s 1994 address to the country’s parliament which highlighted how individuals needed to work together to safeguard freedoms.

And in a lighter moment the duke revealed his son Prince George keeps up with his parents’ international trips by sticking pins in a map.

Speaking in the shadow of the Maya ruins at Cahal Pech, near San Ignacio, at a reception hosted by the Governor General Froya Tzalam, William quoted from the Queen’s 1994 speech.

He told the guests: ‘She said ‘I am proud to associate myself with your determination that social justice and personal freedom should flourish under the rule of law. 

The duke also passed on the ‘very warmest wishes from my grandmother, the Queen of Belize’, on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee’.

Speaking about his son George during the reception held to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the duke said ‘We let them know where we are and he finds us on the map and puts a pin in it and shares with the others.’

The duchess wowed the guests wearing a stunning vibrant metallic pink dress designed by Vampire’s Wife with a Maya embroidered bag.

The couple met community leaders, well-known Belizeans, and members of Government, in the presence of the Prime Minister, Johnny Brienco.

In his speech William also highlighted Belize’s fight against Covid telling the guests: ‘The last two years of the Covid-19 pandemic have been hugely challenging but it is reassuring to have heard from so many people that things are on the up.’