Duke and Duchess of Cambridge: Platinum Jubilee Tour of The Caribbean 19-26 Mar 2022


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The FCO will only usually request a tour if there's a political/economic reason why it wants to boost relations between the UK and another country. With all due respect to Belize, I wouldn't have thought that it was particularly a priority for the FCO: I think this is largely a Royal tour to boost relations between Commonwealth countries - which is also very important. No idea how the finances are worked out.
 
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited a Belize cocoa farm on day 2.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also had time for some dancing

 
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Not at all bad! Especially William. I'm impressed.?
 
Alison H said:
The FCO will only usually request a tour if there's a political/economic reason why it wants to boost relations between the UK and another country. With all due respect to Belize, I wouldn't have thought that it was particularly a priority for the FCO: I think this is largely a Royal tour to boost relations between Commonwealth countries - which is also very important. No idea how the finances are worked out.
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As we all know, a united Commonwealth is very important to the Queen and her views are known to the FO and the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. She takes her role as ceremonial leader of the Commonwealth very seriously. And her role as head of the various realms with the same seriousness (and nostalgia.)


My opinion is that, at least partly, Barbados leaving the realms was a bit of a blow personally to her. Jamaica and other places in the Caribbean and elsewhere have been making noises for many years that they wish for their own HOS.


The FO does cater in some ways for the wishes of the monarch and those she sends on tours to represent her, and I would say, quite frankly, that she hopes to leave as many realms as possible for her son to be HOS after she has gone.


Therefore IMO this trip is at least as important in binding the realms in the Caribbean to the Crown for as long as possible than any thought of the boosting of relations between Commonwealth countries.


This is for another thread and subject but I have said several times on this forum that I can foresee a breaking away of the Commonwealth realms sooner or later in Charles’s reign. The Commonwealth too may be a very different beast in years to come.


I think that is inevitable, no matter how many chocolate farms are visited by the Queen’s relatives, no matter how many dances are performed, no matter how these feel-good tours in Platinum Jubilee year are perceived by the British public at home, purveyed through the eyes of accompanying Royal Correspondents.

And the costs, somewhat surprisingly perhaps, have changed for this tour. I know that tours of Aus and NZ have resulted in large bills for the taxpayer, even in Golden Jubliee Year. Not this time apparently!


https://www.townandcountrymag.com/s...ce-william-caribbean-tour-2022-who-is-paying/
 
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I visited Belize a few years ago and thought it was a beautiful country and the people were so welcoming and friendly.

I was excited to see the Cambridges in the Caribbean on tour - I was expecting more engagements on day 2 but it appears they spent the afternoon on private activities.

This is an opportunity for them to meet locals and see the country and so far I have been underwhelmed, I hope it is simply to get over jet lag that day 1 and 2 have been relatively slow. And going forward we will see more of them all day
 
According to ITV news the private activities are as follows:

"Acknowledging Belize’s world-famous marine environment, the Cambridges will also spend time learning from conservation specialists about marine protection and the restoration efforts of Belize’s precious barrier reef."
 
I don't know what the actual point of these tours are other than to make the monarchy look relevant. In real terms it's not making a blind bit of difference to the lives of people here in the UK or in the countries visited. If the aim really is to try and keep the Queen as HOS I would have to ask why that is so important. It's entirely up to the people of Jamaica etc who they want and its patronising to think that a visit by a couple of royals will influence their decision. I think when the Queen dies a whole host of countries, including Australia, who will become republics very soon afterwards.
 
PrincessofEurope said:
I visited Belize a few years ago and thought it was a beautiful country and the people were so welcoming and friendly.

I was excited to see the Cambridges in the Caribbean on tour - I was expecting more engagements on day 2 but it appears they spent the afternoon on private activities.

This is an opportunity for them to meet locals and see the country and so far I have been underwhelmed, I hope it is simply to get over jet lag that day 1 and 2 have been relatively slow. And going forward we will see more of them all day
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Here's the Court Circular entries for their first two days. It's unfortunate that their itinerary had to be altered right before their departure/arrival so I do believe that change has lessened the amount of time to meet more of the locals and the surrounding countryside.



The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on behalf of The Queen in celebration of Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee, this morning departed from Royal Air Force Brize Norton for Belize and were received this afternoon upon arrival at Philip S W Goldson International Airport by the Governor-General of Belize (Her Excellency Ms Froyla Tzalam).

Their Royal Highnesses later called upon the Hon Juan Antonio Briceno (Prime Minister of Belize) and Mrs Rossana Briceno at the Laing Building, Belize City.

Mr Jean-Christophe Grey, Mrs Hannah Cockburn Logie and Ms Edwina Iddles are in attendance.

- Court Circular || 19 March 2022

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, representing The Queen, today carried out the following engagements in Belize to mark Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee.

Their Royal Highnesses this morning visited Che'il Mayan Chocolate Factory, Jaguar Reserve Road, Stann Creek.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge later attended a festival of Garifuna culture at Hopkins Football Square, Hopkins.

Their Royal Highnesses afterwards met marine conservation experts at Hopkins Dock.

- Court Circular || 20 March 2022
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Here's the plan for Day 3.


https://twitter.com/x/status/1505888347180445698


Day three of our Caribbean Tour and it's our second full day here in Belize
1f1e7-1f1ff.svg
. Today we'll be visiting the incredible Mayan site of Caracol and spending time with British and Belizean troops deep in the jungle
Click to expand...
 
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sophie25 said:
I don't know what the actual point of these tours...
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Well, I don't know either, but if I would have to bet: These are all Commonwealth states, right? - And there was this Brexit... The UK has to find its place outside the EU and why not revitalise the old connections?

So, I am confident, we royal watchers will be able to enjoy more of this!
 
victor1319 said:
Well, I don't know either, but if I would have to bet: These are all Commonwealth states, right? - And there was this Brexit... The UK has to find its place outside the EU and why not revitalise the old connections?

So, I am confident, we royal watchers will be able to enjoy more of this!
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The main reason is that it's a jubilee year so all of the realms have to be visited so they can feel acknowledged and part of.

And then like any other visit it's to officially acknowledge various worthy, important, interesting or unique projects and places and show them off to the English speaking world (to an extent).

We usually hear if the main purpose is for the FCO to trail diplomats in their wake - as we did with William's UAE trip recently for example.
 
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit Ancient Mayan Ruins
 
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge about their visist in Belize:


"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.

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.

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!"

https://www.instagram.com/p/CbZQlhJuBhx/
 
sophie25 said:
Dancing on a beach yesterday and sightseeing today, it's a tough old job. Only Jamaica and the Bahamas to go and the gruelling schedule will be over, ha!
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In some situations, there really is no winning! ?
 
It's been pointed out that the publicity given to the archaelogists' work could be very valuable - there isn't much funding available to them, and hopefully this will attract the international interest they need. It does all sound amazing, though - chocolate plantations, beaches and historic sites!
 
A gesture against Slavery?

I just read, that protests against the Cambridges are planned in Jamaika and at the Bahamas as well - about Slavery...

So, it is perhaps time for some hot telephone wires towards the British Government to co-ordinate everything!

A gesture against slavery would be very appropriate. And the new - political- Cambridges might perhaps find a new way to do their job, to play their role in the international affairs....
 
They are not political or ever going to be political.
 
sophie25 said:
Dancing on a beach yesterday and sightseeing today, it's a tough old job. Only Jamaica and the Bahamas to go and the gruelling schedule will be over, ha!
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I find this tour lacking so far in engagements. It seems light on activities and engaging in the communities. Maybe it will pick up pace in Jamaica and the Bahamas. So far I seem to think there has been diving, sunbathing and downtime.
 
but that is not the case. There have been engagements.
 
Denville said:
They are not political or ever going to be political.
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Well, they just did hurt Putin's feelings... - just kidding!

No, I think the point is, that their recent visit is met with protests and complaints about colonialism and slavery. And they can not dance around with bongos and pretend nothing is happening.

Something is happening and something must happen about it! Time to call back to England, to the poltical deciders, to arrange a political gesture! No slow bureaucrats and courtiers - action!
 
Not going to happen. There are protests agaist other royal visits. its not that big a deal
 
PrincessofEurope said:
I find this tour lacking so far in engagements. It seems light on activities and engaging in the communities. Maybe it will pick up pace in Jamaica and the Bahamas. So far I seem to think there has been diving, sunbathing and downtime.
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That is in fact the case. The Belize part of the agenda was "light". It is expected that Jamaica and the Bahamas will be "heavier".
 
Alisa said:
That is in fact the case. The Belize part of the agenda was "light". It is expected that Jamaica and the Bahamas will be "heavier".
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The Belize part had cancelled engagements.
 
victor1319 said:
Well, they just did hurt Putin's feelings... - just kidding!

No, I think the point is, that their recent visit is met with protests and complaints about colonialism and slavery. And they can not dance around with bongos and pretend nothing is happening.

Something is happening and something must happen about it! Time to call back to England, to the poltical deciders, to arrange a political gesture! No slow bureaucrats and courtiers - action!
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They did make a political statement in speaking out in support for Ukraine in the war. It will be interesting to see how they participate in Russian-Anglo activities moving forward
 
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