protests
Royale Caribbean voyage: reparations claims to Prince Edward
Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie visit the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Photo: Joe Giddens/PA Wire/dpa
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Already on the Caribbean trip of Prince William and Duchess Kate there were repeated protests against the British royal family. Prince Edward is now being confronted with demands for reparations.
After the trip to the Caribbean by Prince William and Duchess Kate, the trip by Prince Edward and his wife is also threatened by demands for reparations from the former colonies.
The British Queen’s youngest son at 58 and 57-year-old Countess Sophie were warmly welcomed in the island state of Antigua and Barbados, but with clear messages.
Clear message to Edward
The country’s head of government, Gaston Browne, called on the two royals to use their “diplomatic influence” to bring about justice for the injustices suffered during the colonial era, according to a report by the PA news agency. While he knows the royal family does not interfere in controversial matters, he wants Edward and Sophie to understand these issues, Browne said, adding: “The reality is that we have been left without modern institutions such as universities and medical facilities. »
Browne continued that the country’s long-term desire is also to become a republic. But that is not yet the case. Queen Elizabeth II is still the head of state of Antigua and Barbuda. However, the Caribbean state of Barbados only broke away from the British royal family last autumn.
Travel gets a bitter aftertaste
For Edward and Sophie, the trip that started on Saturday should already have a bitter aftertaste. The couple is on behalf of the 96-year-old Queen, who is celebrating her 70th anniversary this year, and was actually intended as a charm offensive. But just one day before their departure, a trip to Grenada had to be cancelled. The reasons for this were not given. However, it was speculated that there were concerns about protests against the royals.