The Duke of Cambridge has
expressed his “profound sorrow” over slavery, calling it “abhorrent” and
adding: “It should never have happened.”
William told guests at a State
Dinner hosted by Jamaica’s Governor General Sir Patrick Linton Allen: “I
strongly agree with my father, The Prince of Wales, who said in Barbados
last year that the appalling atrocity of slavery forever stains our
history. I want to express my profound sorrow. Slavery was
abhorrent. And it should never have happened.”
He said he was raising the
issue in a week which marks the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims
of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
He went on: “While the
pain runs deep, Jamaica continues to forge its future with determination,
courage and fortitude. The strength and shared sense of purpose of the
Jamaican people, represented in your flag and motto, celebrate an invincible
spirit.”
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The pair attended the State Dinner hosted by Jamaica’s Governor General Sir Patrick Linton Allen
William also praised the
Windrush Generation, who emigrated from the Caribbean to the UK to help it
rebuild after World War Two, saying: “We are forever grateful for the
immense contribution that this generation and their descendants have made to
British life, which continues to enrich and improve our society.”
He and Kate, were guests of
honour at the State Dinner at King’s House, Sir Patrick’s official residence.
The Duke also spoke of the royal family’s affection for Jamaica, saying: “All
my family have enjoyed their visits here so much. They have waxed lyrical about
the warmth and sense of fun of the Jamaican people and the beauty of this
island.
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Prince William and Kate were the guests of honour
“Already in our short time
here, Catherine and I are delighted to have felt what Bob Marley described so
many years ago – the spirit of ‘One love’ that Jamaica has given to
the world and which makes this country so special.”
He went on: “I’m particularly
pleased tonight to convey the very best wishes from my grandmother, The Queen
of Jamaica, on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee.
“It is no secret that
The Queen has a deep affection for Jamaica, forged on her very first visit here
with my grandfather, The Duke of Edinburgh, in 1953.”
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William praised his grandmother during his speech
Saying he had been touched to
hear from Jamaicans of their affection for his grandmother, adding: “Her
dedication, commitment, and sense of duty to the Commonwealth family is deeply
admired. She may be my actual grandmother, but every one counts
her as their grandmother too. And I’m ok with that!”
William also joked about his
turn on the football pitch with Kingston College players and international
stars Raheem Sterling and Leon Bailey. He said: “Leon plays for the best
football team in the world, the mighty Aston Villa! As for me, yet again, I
blazed wide from five yards. It was more like ten!
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Prince William said he wished he had more time to spend in Jamaica
And he again raised the
situation in Ukraine, telling guests: “Catherine and I were deeply moved by the
plight of the Jamaican students who have recently returned safely from
Ukraine. Their experiences are a reminder of the terrifying toll and
inequality of war and conflicts across the world, which we must never forget.”
Ending his speech, William
said: “Catherine and I only wish we had more time to spend with you all in
Jamaica. I hope this will be one of many visits. And next time we’d love
to bring our children too.”
