After the welcome ceremony and a quick meeting with the Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed towards their first engagement in Jamaica. They visited Trench Town in Kingston.
The Royal couple left Belize in mid-morning, arrived in Jamaica in the afternoon and with every hour the tour schedule is getting busier and more exciting. About the evening engagement, Kensington Palace said, “Jamaica has made an extraordinary contribution towards music and sport globally, of which we saw on display today”.
The tour is a very sensitive one on the diplomatic front. Jamaica is on the verge of removing Her Majesty The Queen as its Head of State and embracing Republic status. The sources have confirmed that The royal couple is aware of the emerging situation and Prince William will be addressing the issue of slavery during his speech at the reception.
Despite the rising tension and protests, Prince William and Duchess Catherine received a warm welcome from the locals in Trench town – the birthplace of reggae music. Trench Town was made famous by Bob Marley’s No Woman No Cry hit, in which the lyrics refer to ‘in the government yard in Trenchtown’, while the famous singer also named a song after the area.
At the town, The Duke and Duchess met Jamaican-born England star Raheem Sterling and Aston Villa and Jamaica winger Leon Bailey. Raheem received a personal invitation from Prince William for the event and the England manager Gareth Southgate let the player enjoy a visit to Jamaica. From The Mirror’s report,
Among the sports stars, the couple met were England and Manchester City striker Raheem Sterling and Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey. Turning to Kate, Prince Wiliam said: “Two heroes of mine. These two are the fastest in the team.”
Raheem said he had traveled out to Jamaica, especially for the royals’ visit and William had a kickabout. Raheem explained: I thought why not? I came out, especially for this. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have any time to do it.
The Duke joined the local team on the pitch and showed his leg skills.
The royal couple also met the Jamaican bobsleigh team and even posed for a selfie with the team on the team’s history-making bobsleighs.
Next, it was time for some music. William and Catherine played the bongos at the Trench Town Culture Yard and Museum. The country’s economy depends upon tourists highly and the pandemic has hit the tourism sector. It’s been hoped that the Royal tour will bring the tourists back to the area. From People’s report,
Donnette Dowe, manager of Trench Town Culture Yard, hopes the royal visit will encourage tourists to start visiting again. Visits to the cultural site have fallen significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m excited about that, that the prince chose to visit our community,” she told the Jamaica Gleaner, adding that the planned visit has also provided short-term employment for some residents.
For the evening event, The Duchess of Cambridge chose a £369 print dress from Willow Hilson Vintage – a Cheltenham-based boutique. Thanks to Heaven on Twitter for the id.
The 369 “Coral & Turquoise” Vintage 1950’s Striped Coral & Turquoise Print Dress was described as, “This eye-catching 1950’s dress, in a wonderful striped palette of turquoise blue, coral, and yellow with a black filigree pattern, is the perfect piece to add to your vintage wardrobe.
Her thin shoulder straps join the straight-cut neckline, which boasts a turned-down collar along the edges. Her fitted bodice is accented by a cinched waistline. Her wonderful skirt is set off by small gathered pleats along the waistband that drape into the skirt, creating an iconic 1950s silhouette. Her matching cotton shawl is set off by turquoise blue lining to one side.”
Catherine paired the outfit with her Maria Black Cha Cha earrings.
Another new element of the look was Russell & Bromley Impulse slingback pumps. Thanks to Innominate on Twitter for the id.
Paying a tribute to the host country, The Duchess of Cambridge wore a gold Inzzpire 365 She’s Royal Bracelet. Thanks to Kate’s closet and Nuria on Twitter for the id.
Tomorrow, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be meeting the Prime Minister and undertaking various visits.
