The 39-year-old Duke of Cambridge has also hinted that, in the future, it may not be British royals who head the 54-member Commonwealth association, as political partnerships with the former colony develop.
The extraordinary candid comments, published on the front pages of several British newspapers on Sunday, come after a tumultuous tour of the three Caribbean nations this week, which drew protests and criticism.
William and his wife Catherine, 40, have faced apologies for the slave trade that helped make Britain’s royalty fortunes, among other problems.
They were also forced to face questions from several former colonies, taking Barbados as an example.
Barbados officially declared itself a republic in November last year.
Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas – territories included in the royal tour – are said to be considering the matter.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness told William on television that the nation was “moving forward” as an independent nation.
“I know this tour has raised acute questions about the past and future of the (former colony),” the Duke of Cambridge said in a statement at the end of the tour on Saturday.
“In Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas, the future is up to the people to decide,” he added, detailing that he and his wife are “committed to serving” and that means “not telling people what to do,” but “serving them.” and support them.”
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