Start of British royals’ Caribbean tour marred by Belize protest
One America
Prince William Emphasizes Choice of the People Amidst Commonwealth Criticism
Image copyright: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock [via The Daily Mail]
The Facts
The Duke of Cambridge has stated he would respect whatever decision citizens make and that it is their future that matters to the royals, in comments acknowledging the controversy that surrounded the royal tour of the Carribean with the Duchess of Cambridge.
He also said he would continue to serve and support Commonwealth nations regardless of their decisions.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The tour was an insensitive attempt to secure royalist feeling and quell opposition to British rule, especially following Barbados' deicision to become a republic. Windrush campaigners and Caribbean experts have been outwardly critical of this tour, considering it an effort to glorify outdated monarchical rule in nations still economically and legally oppressed by Britain's influence.
Pro-establishment narrative
A chance for many royalists to meet the future king and queen has been hampered by a minority of opponents to the tour. These protests have damaged local businesses in a nation where the Queen herself continues to be deeply admired and, despite claims of "colonialism", the rest of the tour will go ahead, including plans to celebrate local musical and sporting heritages.