There was obviously coverage of the Queen and Commonwealth day in the media and papers...this thread is about the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Serious stuff as well as more lighthearted, which we need in these dark times....:shrug:

It is sad that the Queen wasn't able to attend. :sad:

Here is Her Majesty's Commonwealth address today:

https://www.royal.uk/queens-commonwe...y-message-2022

In this year of my Platinum Jubilee, it has given me pleasure to renew the promise I made in 1947, that my life will always be devoted in service.
Today, it is rewarding to observe a modem, vibrant and connected Commonwealth that combines a wealth of history and tradition with the great social, cultural and technological advances of our time.
That the Commonwealth stands ever taller is a credit to all who have been involved. We are nourished and sustained by our relationships and, throughout my life, I have enjoyed the privilege of hearing what the relationships built across the great reach and diversity of the Commonwealth have meant to people and communities.

Our family of nations continues to be a point of connection, cooperation and friendship. It is a place to come together to pursue common goals and the common good, providing everyone with the opportunity to serve and benefit.
In these testing times, it is my hope that you can draw strength and inspiration from what we share, as we work together towards a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future for all.
And on this special day for our family — in a year that will include the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the Commonwealth Games — I hope we can deepen our resolve to support and serve one another, and endeavour to ensure the Commonwealth remains an influential force for good in our world for many generations to come.
ELIZABETH R
:love:

Sadly a Village they were going to
has been cancelled.

The Village Folk do not want to meet them.

All media

Mortifying...poor planning

[A visit planned for the start of the tour
has been cancelled however, after local residents
in Belize reportedly voiced opposition.
The row is linked to a charity William supports as patron.]


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60805565

A village in Belize

Cited is they will bring their ‘colonial legacy’

:laugh:

one had a lovely time, thanks for inviting us :dance:

interesting, it was just william they objected to, kate could have stayed :laugh:

[Indian Creek is in dispute with Flora and Fauna International (FFI), a conservation group which lists Prince William as a patron. FFI has property near the village's communal land, which has caused tensions over ownership rights, according to local residents who spoke with Reuters.]
Daily Mail

This dispute involves a small village of less than 1,000 people. A group of local people don’t want the visit, so Wills and Kate are respecting their wishes and will give it a miss. Hardly a big deal. :shrug:

The tweet begins 'Very interesting' - that's a bit of a dramatic stretch.....:hee:
You’d think to see this that the protest is a massive deal. It’s a small village which has a right to protest something specific to them.
Belize is an independent country which chooses to have Queen Elizabeth as their monarch and be part of the Commonwealth and by all accounts are proud of it.
If it turns out the majority population of Belize also protest their visit, which I doubt, then they are free to become a Republic. A Commonwealth country is free to leave it at any time, it is totally voluntary.

[A protest opposing the trip took place on Friday,
according to reports.
Belize media outlet Channel 7 said there was
a claimed dispute between residents of
Indian Creek village and Fauna and Flora International,
which has William as patron,
over land owned by the conservation organisation.
There were also reported to be concerns
about the landing site earmarked for
the Cambridges' helicopter,
with residents claiming they were not
consulted about the location,
a local football pitch.
Artist Alex Sanker painting a picture
of William and Kate in Belize City]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-60805565

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cp...m123766070.jpg
[Artist Alex Sanker prepares for
William and Kate's arrival in Belize City by painting
a portrait of the couple]

Wow! Beautiful. Alex is very talented.

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/03...7795629002.jpg
[The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William
in Hopkins, Belize during their Royal visit to Caribbean]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...ter_mailonline

How miserable do they look? Seems that (very justified) protest earlier in the week has bruised their ego a little.

that is a beautiful picture of kate, looks very exotic

Oh dear….it’s clearly apparent that they are listening to someone, paying attention and being respectful.

Keep digging :laugh:

Does not usually stop their plastered on smiles?

Everything about them is genuine and natural…..a credit to the Monarchy.

That dress will sell like hot cakes

The queen will have been so proud when she opened her Mail on Sunday this morning

:love:

it's not one of their better photos

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/03...7802051119.jpg

class