Prince William and Kate have met Raheem Sterling and Jamaica’s bobsleigh stars in the island’s historic Trench Town, the birthplace of reggae music, as they continue their Caribbean tour despite anti-royalty protests.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived in Jamaica earlier today ahead of a two-day tour of the island as part of their tour celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Kate wooed arriving in a yellow dress before changing into a multi-coloured outfit as the royal couple arrived in Trench Town to greet sport stars including Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey and the Jamaican bobsleigh team – the latter of whom finished 28th in the recent Winter Olympics in Beijing.
The couple will play football with the Premier League stars as part of their visit to the area – as local residents gathered in huge numbers to look on and welcome the royals.
William and Kate were also all smiles as they pictured sitting in a bobsleigh with the national team during the visit, before the duke took part in a game of football.
Trench Town was made famous by Bob Marley’s No Woman No Cry hit, in which the lyrics refer to ‘in the government yard in Trenchtown’, while the famous singer also named a song after the area.
It comes after William and Kate greeted dignitaries and were met by members of the military as they touched down at a windy Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.
The couple, though, were kept well away from protestors outside the British High Commission building as they arrived for an official meeting with the Governor General of Jamaica Patrick Allen shortly after leaving the airport.
Prince William and Kate sit in a bobsleigh as they meet the Jamaican team during a visit to Trench Town, the birthplace of reggae music, on Tuesday
William and Kate smile as they pose for a picture with local footballers during the first day of a two-day tour of Jamaica
The Cambridges’ laugh as they try to sit inside a bobsleigh as they speak with the Jamaican national team during a visit to Trench Town
The Duke of Cambridge kicks a football during a game with young footballers as he makes a visit to the historic Trench Town
Prince William pictured taking part in a football game during the royal couple’s visit to the historic area of Trench Town on Tuesday
Kate takes a knee in order to greet a young child as they are welcomed by excited locals to the historic Trench Town in Jamaica
The royal couple greeted a huge number of locals that turned out to welcome them to the area on Tuesday
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge greet local residents as they are welcomed to the historic area of Trench Town, made famous by Bob Marley
The royal couple were greeted by excited locals, having had to avoid protestors during a visit to the British High Commission earlier today
Kate, pictured in a different outfit to the yellow dress she wore arriving in the country, walks into Trench Town in a multi-coloured outfit
The Duchess of Cambridge waves to local residents in Trench Town during the fourth day of the royal couple’s tour of the Caribbean
William and Kate pictured in Trench Town, the birthplace of reggae music, as they continue their tour of the Caribbean on Tuesday
Prince William took part in a game of football with young locals as the royal couple visited a football pitch in Trench Town
Kate applauds as she watches local residents and football stars Raheem Sterling and Leon Bailey play a game of football in Trench Town
Kate speaks to local residents in Trench Town, the birthplace of reggaue music, on the first day of the royal couple’s tour of Jamaica
Kate meets local footballers shortly after arriving in Trench Town. The royal couple landed in Jamaica earlier today
Raheem Sterling speaks with children during a visit to Trench Town, the birthplace of Reggae music, on day four of the Platinum Jubilee Royal Tour
The Cambridges’ pictured as they step off their plane after touching down at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston
Raheem Sterling looks on while talking with people waiting for the arrival of Prince William and Kate in Trench Town, Jamaica
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge travel to Trench Town, where they meet England and Man City star, Raheem Sterling and also join some young football players
Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling with young footballers in Trench Town, Kingston, ahead of a visit from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey ahead of the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to meet young footballers during a visit to Trenchtown in Kingston
Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, leave the RAF Voyager aircraft at Norman Manley International Airport as they continue their tour of the Caribbean
Kate smiles as she stands next to Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson-Smith and Jamaican politician and former Miss World Lisa Hanna
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson-Smith and Jamaican politician and former Miss World Lisa Hanna stand together at the airport for the royal couple’s official welcome
William and Kate arrive for an official meeting with the Governor General of Jamaica shortly after leaving the airport on Tuesday
The Duchess of Cambridge pictured smiling at the Governor Generals office at the British High Commission building in Kingston
Prince William at the Governor Generals in Kingston at the British High Commission. The couple were kept well away from protestors outside
Kate smiles as she sits during an official meeting with the Governor General of Jamaica shortly after touching down on the Caribbean island
William and Kate pictured during an official meeting with Governor General Patrick Allen, who represents the British crown in Jamaica
Prince William pictured giving a medal to Lady Allen, wife of the Governor General of Jamaica Sir Patrick Allen, during a meeting at the British High Commission on Tuesday
Prince William during a visit with the Governor General of Jamaica Sir Patrick Allen and wife Lady Allen at Kings House in Kingston
Members of the local community jostle for a viewpoint ahead of the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Trenchtown in Kingston, Jamaica
People wait for the eagerly arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Trench Town on Tuesday as part of their Caribbean tour
People calling for slavery reparations, protest outside the entrance of the British High Commission during the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
People calling for slavery reparations protest outside the entrance of the British High Commission during the royal couple’s visit
Members of the Jamaican bobsleigh team wait ahead of the arrival of the royal couple in Trench Town, Kingston, on Tuesday
Members of the community at Trench Town, where the royal couple will meet England and Man City star Raheem Sterling and also join some young football players
Kate smiles as she speaks with former Miss World during day four of her and William’s tour of the Caribbean
Minister of Foreign Affairs in Jamaica Senator Kamina Johnson Smith (L) stands with Prince William and Kate as they are greeted by guests upon arrival
Kate is greeted by government officials upon arriving at the Norman Manley International Airport
Kate smiled as she wore a dress in the colour of Jamaican yellow with a white clutch bag and heels shortly after departing the aircraft
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, walks away from the royal couple’s aircraft shortly after touching down at the airport in the country’s capital
Kate wore a yellow dress as she bid to impress the Caribbean island ahead of a two-day tour before the couple fly to the Bahamas on Thursday
Flags are shown hanging out of the RAF Voyager aircraft’s cockpit window as William and Kate descend the stairs to be greeted by dignitaries
Prince WIlliam and Kate greet dignitaries after exiting their aircraft at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica
The couple were pictured smiling as they were met by dignitaries and a red carpet at their airport ahead of a two-day tour of the island
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are visiting Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas on behalf the Queen, who is celebrating her Platinum Jubilee
Kate pictured alongside dignitaries at the airport today as the royal couple were met by members of the military after touching down
Kate laughs with dignitaries during the the official arrival at Norman Manley International Airport today
The Duchess of Cambridge (pictured) arrives at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica, on day four of their tour of the Caribbean
Kate (pictured) wore a yellow dress as she touched down at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston ahead of a two-day tour of Jamaica
Kate was all smiles as she wore a yellow dress with white earrings as the royal couple began a two-day tour of Jamaica on Tuesday
The Jamaican flag and Royal Ensign hang out the window of the cockpit as the royal couple arrive in Jamaica on Tuesday
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pictured on the steps of their plane after landing in Jamaica ahead of the latest leg of their royal tour
Prince William greets members of the military shortly after arriving in Jamaica ahead of a two-day tour of the Caribbean island
The royal couple were greeted with a military guard of honour at Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport on Tuesday
The royal couple wore a mask as they entered via a red carpet after travelling from Norman Manley International Airport
The Duke of Cambridge arrives at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica, on day four of their tour of the Caribbean on behalf of the Queen to mark her Platinum Jubilee
Prince William speaks with members of the military shortly after landing in Jamaica ahead of a two-day tour of the Caribbean island
Prince William and a member of the military at the official welcoming at Norman Manley International Airport
Prince William stands as he and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge continue their tour of the Caribbean
Protestors outside the British High Commission in the island nation’s capital Kingston on Tuesday held placards calling for the royals to apologise
William speaks with members of the military in a guard of honour after landing in Jamaica as part of a tour of the Caribbean
Prince William and Kate are seen at Philip S. W Goldson International Airport as they depart Belize and board a flight to Jamaica during their tour of the Caribbean
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge ahead of boarding a plane departing from during two-day visit on their tour of the Caribbean on behalf of the Queen to mark her Platinum Jubilee
As the country marks its 60th anniversary of independence, locals were making their voices heard as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge embarked on a series of outings in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (pictured: protest in Kingston today)
A handout photo issued by Advocates Network, who have organised a protest outside the British High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica, demanding reparations from the Royal Family on Prince William and Kate’s tour
Two protesters are seen holding up signs with one addressed to the Queen, Prince Charles and William, reading ‘the time for taking from us is over, yours truly, Jamaica’ outside the British High Commission in Kingston, Jamaica
The Jamaican flag and the Royal Ensign also hung from the cockpit window as the Cambridges’ walked down the stairs of the RAF Voyager aircraft.
While the duke took the salute from a guard of honour formed by Jamaica Defence Force troops, the duchess stood nearby under a marquee that shook in the wind as she held onto the hem of her yellow maxi-gown.
Kate was pictured smiling as she stood next to Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson-Smith and Jamaican politician and former Miss World Lisa Hanna at the official welcoming.
The royal tour is widely seen as a charm offensive to try and dissuade Caribbean nations from following in Barbados’ example of removing the Queen as their head of state.
Jamaican human rights advocate Opal Adisa organised a protest outside the premises hours before their arrival amid calls for the monarchy to pay reparations for slavery and human rights abuses.
The Advocates Network coalition of Jamaican politicians, business leaders, doctors and musicians has written an open letter detailing 60 reasons why the monarchy should compensate Jamaica to mark the country’s 60th anniversary of independence.
Demonstrators were today pictured holding signs reading ‘Princesses and Princes belong in fairytales… not in Jamaica’ and ‘apologise’ while holding copies of the open letter.
Ms Adisa, a retired professor in her 60s, said: ‘Kate and William are beneficiaries, so they are, in fact, complicit because they are positioned to benefit specifically from our ancestors, and we’re not benefitting from our ancestors.
‘The luxury and the lifestyle that they have had and that they continue to have, traipsing all over the world for free with no expense, that is a result of my great, great grandmother and grandfather, their blood and tears and sweat.’
She joined calls for an apology, saying the monarchy should provide ‘economic social reparation’, such as ‘building us proper hospitals, providing and making sure that our children are educated through college level, and making sure land is equally distributed’.
Ms Adisa said an apology would be the ‘first step towards healing and reconciliation’.
She continued: ‘You know, we don’t have anything personally against Kate and Prince William, and even the Queen, for that matter, but we’re simply saying you’ve done wrong, and it is way past time that you admit that you’ve done wrong and when you do, redressing it.
‘The fact that our government is spending money to help provide security and finance for the duke and duchess, who are wealthy, is outrageous, it’s criminal.
‘Because the Caribbean is fed up, the same thing happened in Belize. We’re just saying enough is enough, we’ve been quiet, we have been nice.
‘Enough is enough, let’s deal with this racism and this discrimination.’
The protest began ahead of the Cambridges’ arrival in Jamaica on Tuesday, where they will stay until Thursday when they depart for the Bahamas.
The open letter, quoted by The Independent newspaper, says: ‘We note with great concern your visit to our country Jamaica, during a period when we are still in the throes of a global pandemic and bracing for the full impact of another global crisis associated with the Russian/Ukraine war.
‘Many Jamaicans are unaware of your visit as they struggle to cope with the horrendous fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, exacerbated by pre-existing social and economic hardships inherited from our colonial past.
‘We also note that your visit is part of the celebrations to mark the 70th Anniversary (Platinum Jubilee) of the coronation of your grandmother – and the 60th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence.
‘We see no reason to celebrate 70 years of the ascension of your grandmother to the British throne because we believe her leadership, and that of her predecessors, have perpetuated the greatest human rights tragedy in the history of humankind.’
Also today, dancehall musician Beenie Man – real name Anthony Moses Davis – said Jamaicans do not want Prince William to visit because they are still ‘controlled by the British’ and the royals are ‘not doing anything for us’.
The Jamaican artist told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: ‘We are just here, controlled by the British, ruled by the British law when you go in the court, it’s all about the Queen and the Queen serve and the Queen this and that.
‘But what are they doing for Jamaica? They’re not doing anything for us. If Harry was coming people would react different, people are going to meet Harry, but William… we don’t want to see that.’
Kate and William will arrive in Jamaica today on what is the next stop on their eight day tour of the Caribbean, and receive a official welcome into the country.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at a reception hosted by the Governor General of Belize at Cahal Pech yesterday
William and Kate yesterday at the Mayan ruins at Cahal Pech in Belize, hosted by Belize’s Governor General Froyla Tzalam
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge dressed to impress at a reception hosted by the Governor General of Belize yesterday
The Duchess of Cambridge speaks with guests as she attends a special reception at the Mayan ruins at Cahal Pech yesterday
They will then travel to King’s House for a meeting with the Governor General of Jamaica Sir Patrick Linton Allen and later celebrate the sporting and musical heritage of Jamaica.
The Cambridges will stay in Jamaica until Thursday when they depart for the Bahamas. Opposition in Jamaica comes after the couple’s tour began in controversial circumstances in Belize.
Kate and William were forced to pull out of their first major engagement following protests from villagers who were angry at being told they had to tidy up their football field to allow the couple’s helicopter to land in it so they could visit a nearby cocoa farm. They accused the visit of perpetuating colonialism.
The engagement was replaced with a visit to a chocolate producer before the royals travelled to the cultural centre of the Garifuna community in Hopkins.
The demonstrators are involved in a long-running row with state officials over what they say was communal land taken from them during the British colonial era which has now been bought by a conservation charity that William is patron of.
The Duchess of Cambridge drinks water from a vine at the British Army Training Support Unit (BATSUB) in Belize yesterday
The Duchess of Cambridge was pictured learning tropical forest survival techniques with the Duke in Belize yesterday
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit the British Army Training Support Unit (BATSUB) in Belize yesterday
The Duke and Duchess visit the British Army Training Support Unit (BATSUB) in Belize yesterday
The couple were taught how to survive, live and fight in the jungle environment by troops in Belize yesterday
It comes as William said yesterday that the ‘vigilance’ needed to safeguard democracy was being tested in Ukraine as he reiterated his pledge to ‘stand with them in solidarity’.
The Duke’s words of support came as his tour of Belize with the duchess drew to a close, and he quoted from the Queen’s 1994 address to the country’s parliament which highlighted how individuals needed to work together to safeguard freedoms.
And in a lighter moment the duke revealed his son Prince George keeps up with his parents’ international trips by sticking pins in a map.
Speaking in the shadow of the Maya ruins at Cahal Pech, near San Ignacio, at a reception hosted by the Governor General Froya Tzalam, William quoted from the Queen’s 1994 speech.
He told the guests: ‘She said ‘I am proud to associate myself with your determination that social justice and personal freedom should flourish under the rule of law.
Kate yesterday in Hopkins, a village on the coast which is considered to be cultural centre of the Garifuna community in Belize
The Duke of Cambridge dances during a traditional Garifuna festival in Belize yesterday during the tour of the country
William quickly got his wife involved in the dancing in Belize as bystanders gathered to take pictures of the royal couple
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge showed off their incredible dance moves much to the delight of Belize crowds yesterday
Prince William was seen in hysterics as he tried to show off his moves whilst dancing during a Garifuna festival yesterday
‘It is always dangerous, however, to be complacent and to assume that democratic values will look after themselves. Vigilance in protecting them is needed’.’
In his speech delivered in the early hours, he added: ‘Her Majesty went on to say that ‘Most of all, democracy is safe-guarded by teamwork – the individual wills of all citizens, each pulling together towards the same objective’.
‘Sadly, elsewhere in the world, that vigilance is being tested today in Ukraine. Belize has joined many others in condemning the invasion and standing up for the principles of international law, peace and security.
‘Today we think of those struggling in Ukraine and we stand with them in solidarity.’
William, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have all spoken out in support of Ukraine in recent weeks, as the country battles Russian forces after President Vladimir Putin’s troops invaded the country almost four weeks ago.
Villagers in Indian Creek staged a protest over the visit of Prince William and Kate to Belize last Friday
The charm offensive in Belize got off to a rocky start last Friday when villagers in Indian Creek (pictured) staged a protest
The duke also passed on the ‘very warmest wishes from my grandmother, the Queen of Belize’, on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee’.
Speaking about his son George during the reception held to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the duke said ‘We let them know where we are and he finds us on the map and puts a pin in it and shares with the others.’
The duchess wowed the guests wearing a stunning vibrant metallic pink dress designed by Vampire’s Wife with a Maya embroidered bag.
The couple met community leaders, well-known Belizeans, and members of Government, in the presence of the Prime Minister, Johnny Brienco.
In his speech William also highlighted Belize’s fight against Covid telling the guests: ‘The last two years of the Covid-19 pandemic have been hugely challenging but it is reassuring to have heard from so many people that things are on the up.’
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