Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal Caribbean tour halted by protestors
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s latest royal tour has got off to a "rocky start" after the Duke and Duchess were forced to cancel their first visit amid a row over "colonialism".
- The royal couple are embarking on a tour of Belize, Jamaica, and the Bahamas but had to scrap their first visit to a sustainable cocoa farm.
- The locals described their visit as a "slap in the face" and protested against the couple landing their helicopter on their land.
- This royal news comes after heartbreak for Prince Harry as he receives news of Ukraine death with a personal link.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been forced to change their plans after protestors claimed their royal tour of the Caribbean is nothing more than a "slap in the face" and "colonialism".
Kate Middleton and Prince William have left their three children at home, as the couple prepare to embark on a week-long tour of Belize, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, but their first engagement has been scrapped after locals staged a protest.
Keen to enjoy some child-free time during this work trip, Prince William and Kate Middleton were due to visit Akte'iL Ha cacao farm, nestled at the bottom of the Maya mountains, but villagers from Indian Creek—home to less than 1,000 people, decided against the royal visit.
According to the Daily Mail, the locals said they had not been consulted about the royal visit and held a community meeting to discuss plans for the Duke and Duchess' helicopter to land on their land.
Sebastian Shol, chairman of the village, told the Daily Mail, "We don't want them to land on our land, that's the message that we want to send. They could land anywhere but not on our land."
Another local, Dionisio Shol, revealed the way the visit had been planned without their consent raised issues of "colonialism".
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
He said, "For us it really hits right at home because of the treatment. The organiser said we had to let them use the football field and that people were coming to our village and it had to look good.
"But they didn't want to divulge who. Eventually somebody said it was Prince William coming to our village. That's where the first issue arose. These are high-profile people, we respect them, but they also have to be giving respect to the community leaders. Giving community leaders commands did not sit well with the community."
The villagers have been in conflict with Flora and Fauna International—a charity which owns and runs an adjoining property for years—over communal land rights. Prince William has been patron of FFI for a number of years.
An official statement from the Belsize government confirmed the couple will no longer be visiting Indian Creek village and alternative plans were being arranged.
"Indian Creek was one of several sites being considered," a spokesperson told the Daily Mail.
"Due to issues in the village, the Government of Belize activated its contingency planning and another venue has been selected to showcase Maya family entrepreneurship in the cacao industry."
Georgia is a Celebrity and Royal Writer working across GoodTo and Woman & Home, and the Director and Founder of communications company Farq Media. Prior to this she was Online Editor at New! Magazine – managing all of their digital content and social media accounts. Where she interviewed all of the hottest reality TV stars and spent far too much time commuting to London. She trained at Nottingham Trent University – where she achieved First Class Honours in Print Journalism whilst juggling copious amounts of work experience, freelance writing, blogging and having far too much fun with the dance society.
-
15 baby names parents love but 'don't feel cool enough' to use - would you choose one?
These baby names are a 'guilty pleasure' for parents
By Ellie Hutchings Published
-
Half of Gen Z say their parents 'don't take my mental health concerns seriously', research shows - here are 3 ways to help support older children
With research showing that half of teens and young adults feel their parents don't take their mental health concerns seriously, we share how you can show your support.
By Ellie Hutchings Published
-
James Middleton shares sweet childhood photo of Kate Middleton as he promises to stick by his sister following cancer diagnosis
The Princess of Wales' family are rallying around her amid news of her cancer diagnosis
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Rumours about Kate Middleton’s health have had a massive ‘impact’ on her children Prince George, Charlotte and Louis, reveals royal expert
"They are protective of their mother – especially as she has been unwell"
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton may break longstanding tradition for Prince Louis’ birthday celebrations this year - and the reason is completely understandable
Prince Louis will celebrate his 6th birthday next month - but his parents may break from tradition for the celebrations
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince William reveals the one habit he wishes both parents and kids would give up for good - but proves it’s easier said than done
The Prince of Wales is worried about the impacts of one habit both children and parents are 'guilty' of
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince William is ‘determined’ that Prince George, Charlotte and Louis will never experience the ‘same emotional turmoil’ as he did growing up
The Prince had a 'difficult childhood' and wants better for his own children
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Princess Charlotte planned the most thoughtful treat for her mum Kate Middleton - and it’s the perfect way for any child to bond with their parent
The youngster is reportedly 'going overboard' to look after her mum while she recovers from surgery
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
King Charles and Prince William are ‘like many fathers and sons’ and refuse to ‘admit’ to this one very relatable thing
As royals, their relationship may be unique but they're like any other father and son when it comes down to it
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton kick off half-term week with Prince George, Charlotte and Louis and it’s set to be a family-orientated break filled with fun
The Princess of Wales is 'recovering well' after surgery and is ready to spend some quality time with her kids
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published