The King has left the Bahamas after a visit that Buckingham Palace described as a “strong diplomatic success”, with Charles said to be “deeply grateful” for the warm reception he received.
Charles said farewell to the Caribbean nation following a whirlwind tour that celebrated its people, culture and ties with the UK. He boarded a plane at Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau to head to Georgetown, Guyana, the next stop in his regional tour, which culminates in a Commonwealth leaders’ summit in Antigua and Barbuda.
Programme Highlights
During his visit, the King met young boxers, charity workers, military personnel and politicians. He also surprised crowds by joining a Junkanoo carnival parade through the streets of Nassau on Wednesday.
Within hours of arriving on Tuesday, Charles acknowledged the “great suffering of the past” and confirmed that the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting would discuss the legacy of slavery at the gathering he will open next week in his role as head of the “family of nations”.
Palace Response
The tour came amid renewed calls from Caribbean nations for Britain to apologise for its role in the transatlantic slave trade and to consider reparations. A small number of protesters at some royal events held placards reading “pay us what you owe us”.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty was delighted to return to the islands, which have such a special place in his heart.” The spokesperson added that the King was “deeply grateful for the warmth and scale of the welcome he received from so many people, including from the prime minister”.
Departure Ceremony
Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis joined the King for several events and was at the airport to say goodbye, as was the King’s representative, Governor-General Dame Cynthia Pratt. Before the doors of the ministerial jet Voyager shut, a Guard of Honour gave a royal salute and the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence bands played the national anthem.
