To mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th year on the throne, Prince William and Duchess Kate embarked on an overseas trip to tour the Caribbean.
“Throughout the tour, The Duke and Duchess will meet a wide variety of people from each country, including children, young people and families, frontline workers, service personnel, leaders from government, business and the charity sector as well as inspiring conservationists, and the early years workforce,” the royal family’s official Instagram account stated on Sunday, March 20, the second day of their trip. “Their [program] will also touch on a number of themes that are close to Their Royal Highnesses’ hearts and a key focus of their work with The Royal Foundation, including The Earthshot Prize, mental health and the importance of early childhood to lifelong outcomes.”
During their time in Belize, the trip took an unexpected turn when William, 39, and Kate, 40, canceled their first outing at a sustainable cocoa farm in Indian Creek. The decision came amid protests about indigenous rights and colonialism.
Ahead of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s arrival, local villagers staged a protest and noted their frustration with the royals’ arrival on their land. At the time, village youth leader Dionisio Shol explained why William and Kate’s helicopter arrival created an issue for the locals.
“For us it really hits right at home because of the treatment. The organizer 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,” Shol told the Daily Mail. “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 palace responded to the concerns with their own statement to The Guardian, explaining, “We can confirm that due to sensitive issues involving the community in Indian Creek, the visit has been moved to a different location. Further details will be provided in due course.”
Following the delay, William and Kate continued with their travels in both Belize and to other countries in the British Commonwealth.
“Catherine and I are delighted to be here in Belize at the beginning of our first official visit to the Caribbean. I am honoured to convey the very warmest wishes from my grandmother, The Queen of Belize, on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee,” the duo’s official Instagram account stated on Monday, March 21. “In our short time here, Catherine and I have been lucky enough to witness some of the extraordinary biodiversity that you so lovingly nurture here in your jungles and your reefs.”
The U.K. native concluded: “Alongside this environmental diversity, yesterday we also had a taste of Belize’s wonderful cultural diversity – from Mayan chocolate to Garifuna drumming. And yes, you even got us dancing!”
William and Kate, who share children Prince George, 8, Princess Charlotte, 6, and Prince Louis, 3, also used their platform to highlight how the government of Belize is attempting to combat climate change.
“Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world,” their social media account shared alongside a video of William and Kate diving at South Water Caye on Tuesday, March 22. “While the effects of climate change are evident, the Government of Belize and communities across the country deserve huge recognition for their efforts to restore this incredible marine environment – with a commitment to protect 30% of it by 2030.”
Scroll down for highlights from William and Kate’s Caribbean tour:
The twosome coordinated during their arrival by wearing blue hues as a nod to the country’s royal color. Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
The trip included visits to Jamaica and the Bahamas. Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
During the tour, William and Kate learned about the country's chocolate making and Belize’s marine conservation efforts. Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
The visit is the couple's first joint overseas appearance since the start of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic two years ago. Stephen Lock/i-Images/Pool/Shutterstock
While spending time in Hopkins to experience Garifuna culture, William and Kate danced with the locals. Robin Nunn/Pool/Shutterstock
The royal tour is in honor of the monarch's milestone Platinum Jubilee. Zak Hussein/Pool/Shutterstock
"What incredible views 🇧🇿🌴," they wrote via their Instagram account on Monday. "It’s an honour to be here at this iconic Mayan monument in the Chiquibul Forest." Sam Hussein/Pool/Shutterstock
William and Kate kept their followers updated about the special trip on all of their social media platforms. Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
The duo were all smiles as they arrived in Jamaica on Tuesday. London Entertainment/Shutterstock
William and Kate were introduced to local dignitaries on the airport runway. London Entertainment/Shutterstock
"What an honour it is to have The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge not only in Jamaica but sitting in one of our history-making bobsleighs!" the official account of the Jamaica Bobsleigh & Skeleton teams wrote via Instagram on Tuesday. "We are thankful for the support and looking forward to once again being the #HottestThingOnIce in the 2026 Winter Olympics!" The duke and duchess replied in the comments, writing, "Lovely to meet you all today." Robin Nunn/Pool/Shutterstock
William and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness toasted one another during their meeting on Wednesday, March 23. While speaking with the Duke of Cambridge, the PM confirmed that the country hopes to "fulfill our true destiny" by leaving the Commonwealth and becoming an independent republic. Jane Barlow/Pool/Shutterstock
Kate, Holness and his wife, Juliet Holness, watched as William left a message for the people of Jamaica. London Entertainment/Shutterstock
Later in the day, Kate sat down to talk with some young schoolchildren while visiting Shortwood's Teacher College. Stephen Lock/Pool/Shutterstock
The duke and duchess were all smiles as they celebrated the "the next generation of early years professionals" during their stop. Stephen Lock/Pool/Shutterstock
Kate's green gown and yellow accessories gave a subtle nod to the Jamaican flag as she and William attended a reception held by Jamaica’s Governor General Patrick Allen on Wednesday evening. Samir Hussein/Pool/Shutterstock
The couple posed alongside the prime minister and his wife at the reception. During his speech, William shared his "profound sorrow" for the role England played in the transatlantic slave trade. "Slavery was abhorrent. And it never should have happened," he said on Wednesday. "While the pain runs deep, Jamaica continues to forge its future with determination, courage and fortitude." Samir Hussein/Pool/Shutterstock
The Duke and Duchess waved as they departed Jamaica from the Norman Manley International Airport on Thursday, March 24. London Entertainment/Shutterstock
The Cambridges coordinated in different blue hues when they arrived in Nassau, Bahamas on Thursday, March 24. Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, was all smiles despite the dreary weather as she visited Sybil Strachan Primary School in Nassau on Friday, March 25. Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
Duchess Kate and Prince William sat at desks while meeting with students at the school. Samir Hussein/Pool/Shutterstock
The future queen consort met frontline workers who have been essential amid the coronavirus pandemic. Zak Hussein/Pool/Shutterstock
The royals visited Montagu Beach for one of the first sailing regattas in The Bahamas since the start of the pandemic. Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
William and Kate looked cheerful despite getting soaked during a sudden downpour at the regatta. Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
The duke and duchess dried off and cleaned up before leaving their hotel, The Cove at Atlantis Paradise Island, for a reception. Atlantis Paradise Island/Donald Knowles/BVS
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a reception hosted by the Governor General at the Baha Mar Hotel on Friday. Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
The married couple walked into the reception holding hands before they met with community leaders from across The Bahamas' many islands. Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
When the pair left their hotel, The Cove at Atlantis Paradise Island, on Saturday, March 26, Prince William and Duchess Kate thanked Russell Miller, executive vice president, and Kapil Sharma, general manager of The Cove at Atlantis Paradise Island. The royals reported that they were very pleased with their stay and wanted to come back on vacation with their children. Atlantis Paradise Island/Donald Knowles/BVS
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