The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge began their Platinum Jubilee visit to Jamaica with a visit to the island’s Governor General.
They were welcomed to King’s House by Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen soon after their arrival on March 22nd 2022.
The couple had departed Belize earlier after a three day tour for the Jubilee.
On arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, the Duke and Duchess were met by Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Rear Admiral Antoinette Wemyss-Gorman.
The Duke of Cambridge then took the salute and inspected a Guard of Honour.
William and Kate were introduced to the welcome party before heading to King’s House.
During their meeting with the Governor General, the couple also signed a guest book, marking the beginning of the visit.
Ahead of the couple’s arrival there were some protests about the royal visit. Several dozen demonstrators gathered outside the British High Commission with signs reading ”princes and princesses belong in fairytales, not Jamaica”. The country is currently in the middle of a debate about whether to retain its links to the Monarchy or become a republic. Jamaica became independent in 1962 but chose to keep The Queen as Head of State. This year marks Elizabeth II’s Ruby 60th anniversary as Queen of Jamaica.
The royal tour of Jamaica for the Platinum Jubilee will last until March 24th 2022.
