Prince William makes a shocking statement admitting he may never lead the Commonwealth
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A humbled Prince William says it’s in the hands of Commonwealth countries to decide if he’ll ever lead them, adding that his eight-day tour of the Caribbean brought a ‘sharper focus’ on the future of the monarchy.
The Duke of Cambridge, currently second in line to the throne, said on Sunday that he understood he may never succeed the Queen and the Prince of Wales as head of the Commonwealth, vowing never to be ‘telling people what to do’ amidst growing republican sentiment throughout the former British empire.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Image Credit: BBC
He shared his assessment of the tour, telling reporters as he boarded a plane back home that he and his wife Kate Middleton are ‘committed to service.’
"For us, that’s not telling people what to do. It is about serving and supporting them in whatever way they think best, by using the platform we are lucky to have," he explained.
"It is why tours such as this reaffirm our desire to serve the people of the Commonwealth and to listen to communities around the world. Who the Commonwealth chooses to lead its family in the future isn’t what is on my mind."
His comments followed last-minute changes to a speech made on Saturday, where he acknowledged that relationships between Commonwealth countries would ‘evolve’ as he tried to change the narrative of the tour, which has been criticised in Britain for being out of touch and rooted in colonialism.
"What matters to us is the potential the Commonwealth family has to create a better future for the people who form it and our commitment to serve and support as best we can.” the Duke clarified with reporters.
Initially receiving a warm welcome from large and excited crowds, William and Kate still faced several protestors during their trip. In a meeting with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness a few days later, Holness explicitly told the couple that Jamaica was ready to ‘move on’ and burn bridges with the British monarchy as soon as possible.
However, William acknowledged this, saying foreign tours are ‘an opportunity to reflect’ and adding that they had learned a lot during their stay in the Caribbean.
"I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future," he said. "In Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon. But we have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with communities in all three countries, understanding more about the issues that matter most to them."
During the governor-general’s reception in Kingston on Thursday, Prince William touched on slavery, describing it as ‘abhorrent’ and something that ‘forever stains our history’ saying: “I want to express my profound sorrow.”
But he was met with further criticism by many who argued that it was not enough.
As tensions continue to rise for a number of Caribbean countries aiming to switch to republics, William said: “I want to say this: we support with pride and respect your decisions about your future. Relationships evolve. Friendship endures.”
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi. Image Credit: BBC
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi praised Prince William for his ‘very wise words’ after he admitted to possibly never being the successor of the Commonwealth. Nadhim Zahawi said the statement will ‘strengthen’ the future of the association of nations.
“Because I think, actually, Prince William - and I know he believes deeply in the Commonwealth - is right to say that people have to decide independently if they want to be part of the Commonwealth family, and that decision will strengthen the Commonwealth, not take away from it.” he said.
“So I think he's being very wise and has chosen his words carefully.”
What are your thoughts on Prince William’s statement? Share it with us in the comments below!
Want to catch a glimpse of Prince William’s speech? Watch the video below.
The Duke of Cambridge, currently second in line to the throne, said on Sunday that he understood he may never succeed the Queen and the Prince of Wales as head of the Commonwealth, vowing never to be ‘telling people what to do’ amidst growing republican sentiment throughout the former British empire.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Image Credit: BBC
He shared his assessment of the tour, telling reporters as he boarded a plane back home that he and his wife Kate Middleton are ‘committed to service.’
"For us, that’s not telling people what to do. It is about serving and supporting them in whatever way they think best, by using the platform we are lucky to have," he explained.
"It is why tours such as this reaffirm our desire to serve the people of the Commonwealth and to listen to communities around the world. Who the Commonwealth chooses to lead its family in the future isn’t what is on my mind."
His comments followed last-minute changes to a speech made on Saturday, where he acknowledged that relationships between Commonwealth countries would ‘evolve’ as he tried to change the narrative of the tour, which has been criticised in Britain for being out of touch and rooted in colonialism.
"What matters to us is the potential the Commonwealth family has to create a better future for the people who form it and our commitment to serve and support as best we can.” the Duke clarified with reporters.
Initially receiving a warm welcome from large and excited crowds, William and Kate still faced several protestors during their trip. In a meeting with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness a few days later, Holness explicitly told the couple that Jamaica was ready to ‘move on’ and burn bridges with the British monarchy as soon as possible.
However, William acknowledged this, saying foreign tours are ‘an opportunity to reflect’ and adding that they had learned a lot during their stay in the Caribbean.
"I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future," he said. "In Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon. But we have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with communities in all three countries, understanding more about the issues that matter most to them."
During the governor-general’s reception in Kingston on Thursday, Prince William touched on slavery, describing it as ‘abhorrent’ and something that ‘forever stains our history’ saying: “I want to express my profound sorrow.”
But he was met with further criticism by many who argued that it was not enough.
As tensions continue to rise for a number of Caribbean countries aiming to switch to republics, William said: “I want to say this: we support with pride and respect your decisions about your future. Relationships evolve. Friendship endures.”
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi. Image Credit: BBC
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi praised Prince William for his ‘very wise words’ after he admitted to possibly never being the successor of the Commonwealth. Nadhim Zahawi said the statement will ‘strengthen’ the future of the association of nations.
“Because I think, actually, Prince William - and I know he believes deeply in the Commonwealth - is right to say that people have to decide independently if they want to be part of the Commonwealth family, and that decision will strengthen the Commonwealth, not take away from it.” he said.
“So I think he's being very wise and has chosen his words carefully.”
What are your thoughts on Prince William’s statement? Share it with us in the comments below!
Want to catch a glimpse of Prince William’s speech? Watch the video below.
Video Credit: The Telegraph
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