William backs Bahamas decisions about future

Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge Catherine during a visit to a Fish Fry – a quintessentially Bahamian culinary spot on Great Abaco island. (Reuters)

Prince William has said the British royal family would support Bahamas’ decisions about its future, on the third stop of a Caribbean tour that has been met with protests in a region increasingly weighing its future relations with the monarchy. Speaking at a reception hosted by the Governor General of The Bahamas in Nassau, William — whose official title is the Duke of Cambridge — noted the upcoming 50th anniversary of the former colony’s independence from Britain. “And with Jamaica celebrating 60 years of independence this year, and Belize celebrating 40 years of independence last year, I want to say this: we support with pride and respect your decisions about your future,” William said. “Relationships evolve. Friendship endures.” Prince William and Kate’s tour was intended to mark the 70th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. But it has instead been met with protests and accusations of being a “colonial tour”. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness pointedly told William in front of television cameras that the nation was “moving on” as an independent country.