King Charles III's visit to Bermuda is no holiday—it is proof of his determined work rate. The King's decision not to hurry home after his US adventure is a sign of determination from our monarch to keep on keeping on, says the Mirror's Royal Editor Russell Myers.
A Welcome Change of Scenery
Turquoise waters, pink sand beaches, and the chilled out vibes of island life might sound like the perfect recipe for relaxation after the Trump show circus. Yet, the King's decision to not hurry home following his US adventure is not bound by checking into a holiday resort. This is a determination from our monarch to keep on, keeping on.
When details emerged of the State Visit to America, ostensibly to commemorate the 250th anniversary of independence, there was much to ponder over whether Charles would take the opportunity to tick off another location. His work rate since ascending to the throne three-and-a-half years ago, despite being diagnosed and living with cancer in that period, is to be admired.
A Strategic Choice
As head of state in 14 Realms around the world, as well as a deep connection to 55 other countries of the Commonwealth, the world may often seem a rather small place when you're King. Belize in Central America, a quick trip to the Caribbean, or perhaps head north to Canada? Certainly all those options are enticing. Instead, an arguably left field decision to visit Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, provides much food for thought.
The United States visit many weeks before the King and Queen's arrival had drawn controversy from all quarters. At the behest of the British government, struggling to maintain the so-called 'special relationship' under the threat of punishing tariffs and backdrop of another high stakes war in the Middle East, serious questions were raised over why on earth the monarch was being asked to cosy up to a President and an administration that think nothing of riding roughshod over their allies. Trump's brutal criticism of the Prime Minister, for not wishing to join America's controversial conflict in Iran, has undeniably left Britain on the back foot.
Onto the stage steps our King. The benefit of serving a 50 year apprenticeship for a job you were born to do has been there for all to see this week. While Trump clearly holds the royal family and in particular Charles and his late mother Queen Elizabeth II in high regard, the King's ability to expertly execute the soft power diplomacy, so often associated with the royals, cannot be underestimated. Multiple standing ovations during his historic speech at the joint session of Congress, public praise on the streets for his message of peace and collaboration—as well as from the President himself—is proof this diplomatic mission was a success.
Bermuda: A Different Kind of Royal Tour
Which brings us to this paradise island. Charles will travel to Antigua and Barbuda later this year for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. While the island has quietly sounded its intention to break away from the British crown, much like its neighbour Jamaica and following in the footsteps of Barbados—which became a Republic in 2019—that level of controversy is set for another day.
The 2022 royal tour of the Caribbean—including Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas—by the Prince and Princess of Wales was defined by protest, demands for reparations and independence from the British Crown. Bermuda—which sits interestingly placed in forming part of Charles' legacy—will not present such challenges. The scenes for his official welcome on Friday spoke volumes.
In 1995, the island held an independence referendum that saw 74 percent of the electorate vote against a split from the UK. While the Republican movement still exists in some small part, there has been no similar call for another vote in 30 years. Thousands of locals and holiday goers packed into the aptly named King's Square, as Charles was enthusiastically greeted with loud cheers, whoops and applause, as he waved to the flag-waving crowds standing just to catch a glimpse of their royal guest.
Young children extended their hands out to be shaken by the King, and one shouted enthusiastically: "He shook my hand!" As he walked along the crowds of people, he repeatedly held his hands up, surprised by the hundreds who had come to see him. Posters, books, flowers and other gifts were handed over to him by the well-wishers. One person fainted, although possibly due to the high temperatures, rather than being overcome with emotion.
That being said, this environment will have been a welcome gear shift from the political cauldron of being in the US. Bermuda, as a well documented tax haven as well as an island of magnificent beauty, is unique in its protection from Britain and the benefit of US investment.
Charles' visit will encompass a more traditional royal tour, rather than a hotbed of political discourse. There will be talk of ties and bonds, enthusiasm for the next generation and a respect for different cultures, that bear a much deeper meaning than the hateful rhetoric that has been typical of this current White House administration. Charles will enjoy his time in the sun, and leave the result of his US mission for another day.
