Prince William 'Expresses Sorrow' To Jamaicans For Britain’s Role In Slavery
Topics: Prince William, Royal Family, World News, UK News, The Queen
Shola Lee
Featured Image Credit: Credit: Alamy
Topics: Prince William, Royal Family, World News, UK News, The Queen
Prince William has expressed 'profound sorrow' over slavery during his visit to Jamaica – but didn't apologise.
On Wednesday, 24 March, the Duke of Cambridge made a speech during a state dinner at King's House in the capital, Kingston, which was hosted by Patrick Allen, governor-general of Jamaica.
The news comes following a number of protests demanding reparations for slavery and the British Empire's colonial legacy.
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During the speech, the monarch expressed 'profound sorrow' over slavery, but stopped short of definitively apologising.
"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," the prince said.
"I want to express my profound sorrow – slavery was abhorrent and it should never have happened. While the pain runs deep, Jamaica continues to forge its future with determination, courage, and fortitude," he continued.
Prince William also paid tribute to the Windrush generation, expressing gratitude for their 'immense contribution' to Britain.
The prince did not reference the 2018 scandal that saw thousands of the Windrush generation stripped of their right to remain in the UK, leaving them with no right to work or access to health care.
The monarch also praised the 'invincible spirit' of Jamaicans and said: "It is this same spirit that spurred on the Windrush generation, who came to the United Kingdom to help rebuild after the Second World War.
"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 added.
Prince William was then said to have concluded his speech by thanking the evening's host and saying 'one love' in reference to the phrase popularised by reggae icon Bob Marley.
The prince's reference comes after dozens of members of Jamaica's Rastafarian community protested at the Caribbean Military Technical Training Institute where the Duke and Duchess were visiting earlier that afternoon.
Ras Iyah V, a leading member of Jamaica’s Rastafari Nyahbinghi community, said: "What has ever been given to us as a people for all these years of slavery and colonialism? That’s why we are here."
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