The Duke of Cambridge sent his strongest message yet regarding other Caribbean countries potentially cutting ties to the monarchy: “We support you with pride and respect your decisions concerning your future.”

While on his Caribbean tour with the Duchess Of Cambridge the Prince William was in the spotlight to discuss issues like slavery, reparations, and the possibility of more countries such as the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Belize becoming republics.

‘Relationships evolve. Friendship endures’

It was so striking that he used his one speech in the Bahamas as a way to express his views on the matter.

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William addressed the audience at the Governor General’s dinner and said: “Next Year, I know that you all look forward to celebrating 50 Years of Independence – Your Golden Anniversary. With Jamaica marking 60 years of independence and Belize celebrating 40, I wanted to add this: We support your future decisions with pride. Relationships change. Friendship endures.”

The palace has always briefed it that the Royal Family view it as a decision for the individuals and governments of each country whether or not they want to cut ties with Britain’s monarchy. However, this is the most public statement by a royal in recent times.

The Prince of Wales attended the handover ceremony in Barbados last November.

While it is true that speeches can be altered during tours, or at the last moment to reflect on or emphasize what was seen or heard on a trip, this speech should not be interpreted as changing William’s long-held position.

Demands for an apology

International attention has been drawn to the week-long trip by the complex debates in each of the three commonwealth realms. There were also small protests against royal visits and calls for an apology from the Royal Family for their role in slavery trade.

He spoke with fondness about his grandparents and joked about beating Kate in a sailing race to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Year.

William stated: “It’s touching to see your deep admiration of the Queen and her 70-years of dedicated service to Commonwealth. My grandfather, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, was fondly devoted to the Bahamas. Catherine and I thought about him today, as we celebrated the return to sloop sailing by racing off Montagu Beach. He would have been right at home!”

He said, “As for race result? The best part of valour is discretion. Even more so if your wife is the last to win.

Although this is William and Kate’s first trip to the Caribbean, it is not their first visit to Nassau. He recalled a trip he took with Princess Diana as a child, and said that he was proud to have been there with her. I have vivid memories of the beautiful blue waters that you gave me when I snorkelled around the James Bond wrecks off Nassau. It was the most memorable holiday I have ever had as a boy obsessed with 007.”

“We are exactly on the same wavelength”

He spoke out in advance of a 2019 visit to the islands devastated by Hurricane Dorian.

He stated: “Your appeal to leaders to show courage, ingenuity, and determination to succeed when others have failed resonated with all who desire to see more strong action now. You asked the world to not let past failures limit our ambition for the future.

“Prime Minister, we are exactly on the same wavelength. Your impatience to change is something I also share. I am also a stubborn optimist. Humans are extraordinary at making impossible things possible. Action is possible when there is urgency and optimism. The Earthshot Prize was created to find, select, and highlight transformative solutions that can be scaled up to help our planet.

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He said: “Prime Minister, in your call to action at COP26 you also reminded everyone of the destruction that a Category Five hurricane can cause.” You stated that the Bahamas would be at the mercy future Hurricane Dorians if there is no change.

William and Kate will visit Abaco and Grand Bahama later in the day to learn more about the damage caused by Hurricane Irene.