After a day full of various engagements, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a reception at the residence of Jamaican Governor-General Patrick Linton Allen in Kingston.
The Duchess of Cambridge dazzles in diamonds lent to her by the Queen for a glittering state dinner tonight in Jamaica.
Kate wore a green dress by Jenny Packham and her Royal Family Order and the GCVO Star.
Prince William was suave in black tie as they arrived at King’s House. pic.twitter.com/Ye4WDs3Smz— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) March 24, 2022
Prince William made an important speech at the reception tonight. A video of the arrival of the royals at the Governor-General’s residence. The venue of the reception, King’s House is an impressive residence set amidst a lush thirty-acres ground, was The Royal couple’s home for the three-day visit.
On their arrival, they joined a small reception with the Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen and his wife Lady Allen, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his wife Juliet, the Leader of the Opposition, Mark Holding as well as the Foreign Minister and Chief Justices.
Then they joined other guests of the evening that included Antoinette Davis, the leader of I Believe’ Ambassadors, a network of over 300 inspiring change-makers dedicated to using their skills and talents to mobilize youth and education resources while building resilient families. The other guests included Khadine Hylton who works in the field of the advancement of women and girls through quality education and is a recipient of the Governor-General’s Achievement Award for her outstanding achievements. Hansel Parchment, the Jamaican track athlete, and reigning 110-meter hurdle Olympic Champion, was also among those who key the couple, and the Jamaican Military Band played music outside during the reception.
BREAKING: Prince William says Britain’s role in slavery was “abhorrent” and he express his “profound sorrow”.
He does not address the issue of reparations but he repeats his father’s words that it was an “appalling atrocity” and that “slavery forever stains our history.”
WATCH👇 pic.twitter.com/bzUQerdzhc— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) March 24, 2022
In a historical speech, Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge condemned the role of Britain in Slavery and expressed his profound sorrow. Referencing Prince of Wales’s speech during the Barbados republic ceremony last year, he said, “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. 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. The strength and shared sense of purpose of the Jamaican people, represented in your flag and motto, celebrate an invincible spirit. 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. I’m delighted that a national monument acknowledging and celebrating the Windrush generation by Jamaican artist, Basil Watson, will be unveiled later this year in Waterloo Station in London.
Expressing his thank to their host, The Duke continued, “Catherine and I only wish we had more time to spend with you all in Jamaica. There is so much more to learn. I hope this will be one of many visits. And next time we’d love to bring our children too.”
The green gown was a customized version of the label’s Wonder Glitter Tulle Gown. Thanks to UfoNoMore on Twitter for the id.
The $5025 oversized glittering Tulle evening gown features a Ruffle Scoop Neckline with off The Shoulders fitted Bodice that has tonal & Silver Beading all over it.
Catherine topped her gown with her Royal Order. She wore the Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II. A nod to Prince William’s anti-ivory campaign, Catherine’s Royal Family Order is made of glass instead of traditional ivory.
She was also wearing the GCVO Star that she received from Queen Elizabeth in April 2019 on her 8th wedding anniversary. She was appointed the Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order for services to the Sovereign.
The Duchess of Cambridge received earrings and a bracelet from Her Majesty the Queen’s Emerald Tassel Parure. Thanks to the House of Windsor for the id. The set was believed to be a gift from Middle Eastern monarchs.
From Her Majesty’s Jewel Vault, “The set includes earrings, a necklace, a bracelet, and at least one ring. The necklace and earrings incorporate diamonds and emeralds set in gold in a design of knots and tassels with emerald ends. One possible suspect for the provenance of these pieces is Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates; pieces of the parure were worn at the return dinner he held at Claridge’s during his July 1989 state visit to the U.K., and the Queen has a history of wearing gifts or otherwise related jewels at return dinners. This, however, is not confirmed.”
While Belize was all about highlighting the fun and beauty of the country, the Jamaica tour had more formal vibes to it. Tomorrow the Royal couple will attend a Defense parade before bidding farewell to the country. You can read more about the Royal Caribbean tour here.