For the final day of the Cambridges' tour of Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas, William and Kate carried out a number of engagements in picturesque Abaco.
It was an absolutely gorgeous day in Abaco. Known as the boating capital of the Bahamas, the Abacos Islands are a chain of boating and sailing paradise spanning 120 miles.
Wikipedia notes: "Dive sites include Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park with its underwater caves and colourful coral reefs. Turtles, eagle rays and sharks populate Walker’s Cay National Park in the far northwest. Numerous marinas dot the coast, offering boat access to the Sea of Abaco’s shallow, navigable waters."
The area has long been known for shipbuilding, and their chief exports include fruit, pearl shells and lumber.
The Duke and Duchess stepping off the plane.
HAPPENING NOW: The Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge have arrived in Abaco. pic.twitter.com/L5ALx76yMQ
— OURnews Bahamas (@OurNewsRev) March 26, 2022
William and Kate's first port of call was Daystar Bible Church.
Much of the day's itinerary was focused on seeing the effects of Hurricane Dorian and hearing about the impact it had on the Bahamas. Described as a "catastrophic" Category 5 hurricane, it is regarded as the worst natural disaster in the Bahamas history. It is estimated it claimed 245 lives and left behind $3.4 billion worth of damage.
Marsh Airport on Great Abaco was completely destroyed.
Chris Ship shared a video.
Look at the damage that still exists from a hurricane in 2019. Proving that the impact on lives and livelihoods is felt long after the event itself #RoyalVisitBahamas pic.twitter.com/0wRrLcmmsd
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) March 26, 2022
Hello! reports: "They were greeted by Pastor Silbert Mills, who explained that one of the three church buildings was "completely destroyed, taken off its foundation".
The Duke and Duchess laid flowers at the memorial wall to pay their respects to all those who lost their lives.
'They also made a visit to Abaco's Memorial Wall to honor the many victims of the hurricane. It is estimated that over 2,000 people lost their lives in the storm. During the service, Kate was invited to lay some flowers in a touching tribute.'
The Telegraph reports Kate said the church was "at the heart of the community" during such a devastating event. William added: "You must have been terrified." Pastor Mills told the newspaper it was "a dream" to welcome the couple today.
The Duchess speaking to a young boy during a walkabout.
The Duchess of Cambridge speaks with a young boy in Dundas Town, Abaco. The Royals will soon depart for Grand Bahama. VIDEO: Berthony McDermott pic.twitter.com/cKpRft0g6g
— Nassau Guardian (@GuardianNassau) March 26, 2022
From there, the Duke and Duchess enjoyed Bahamian cuisine at a Fish Fry event.
Kate tried some conch pistol, which is known as nature's Viagra, and joked, "I'm a little bit more adventurous than William is."
The verdict? "It's lovely," Kate said.
'According to local legend, the colourless, slimy snack is the conch’s male genitalia. She gave a thumbs up after swallowing the delicacy and was rewarded with a huge cheer. The Duke insisted he could “handle it” but did not hang around, opting instead for a drink at the bar.'
A video from the tasting event.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge enjoy a conch salad made by Jade Adderley at the Fish Fry in Dundas Town. pic.twitter.com/TgyfrTzeRG
— OURnews Bahamas (@OurNewsRev) March 26, 2022
More from the Evening Standard:
''William was offered a Gullywash – coconut juice with condensed milk. He seemed to enjoy it and joked: ‘You guys talk amongst yourself I’m staying here.’
They moved on to stalls by the beach where vendors were selling handbags and homemade honey.
While talking to stall owner Kimberly Roberts, 49, of Abaco Ceramics, William looked at the honey for sale in jars on the table then pointed to Kate and said: ‘Catherine has bees at home.’
Time to say 'hello' outside.
The next stop on the itinerary was Grand Bahama, where a lovely welcome awaited the royals from Bahamians and tourists.
FREEPORT: As the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge prepare to takeoff from Abaco, Bahamians and tourists are lined off in front of the Grand Bahama Children’s Home ready to welcome them in song.#theroyalvisitbahamas pic.twitter.com/Rb8rBIOeFQ
— OURnews Bahamas (@OurNewsRev) March 26, 2022
William and Kate visited Grand Bahama Children's Home.
The Grand Bahama Children's Home (GBCH) is a safe haven for abandoned, abused and neglected children in the Northern Bahamas (Grand Bahama, Abaco and Bimini). The team work tirelessly and are committed to giving the best care they can so that each child can heal and thrive.
On their mission page, they shared the following history: "In 1977 The Grand Bahama Children’s Home (GBCH) started as a vision. Out of concern for children that were being abused, neglected, or abandoned by those closest to them, a group of Bahamians banded together to create a safe space. For children in the Northern Bahamas, refuge came through the idea of Mr. Terrance Roberts, Chairman; Isidell Ferguson, Vice-Chairman; Sylvia Davis, Secretary; Ellaine Sands, Assistant Secretary; Hadley Forbes, Asst. Treasurer; Bernie Davis and Dr. Breast, Directors and Mrs. Moon Kim-Malonson, Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee. Together, they secured apartments as housing for the children where the very first crib was a set of drawers in an efficiency loaned to the Home."
The couple joined in prayers before leaving.
GB CHILDREN’S HOME: Exiting from a tour of the children’s home, the royal couple say a prayer with one of the residents.#theroyalvisitbahamas pic.twitter.com/d7xmLiDMCd
— OURnews Bahamas (@OurNewsRev) March 26, 2022
On their last stop, the Cambridges toured Coral Vita.
Coral farming is the process whereby fragments of corals are collected from local reefs, raised in farms until mature, and then installed at the restoration site.
More on the efforts of Coral Vita:
'Unlike ocean-based projects, land-based farms can use breakthrough techniques that allow for faster growth of more diverse array of corals. By using microfragmenting - a process pioneered by the Mote Marine Laboratory - we can accelerate coral growth up to 50x natural rates. Many coral species that serve as critical building blocks for reefs (such as Brain or Great Star corals) grow too slowly to be feasible for restoration projects using ocean-based nurseries. Now, Coral Vita can grow these corals in months rather than decades.
Land-based coral farming enables the usage of assisted evolution techniques to improve coral resiliency to changing oceanic conditions that threaten reef health. Corals that are native to each restoration project can be raised to be more tolerant to threats such as warming temperatures or acidification, as we can control their growing conditions. Coral Vita advisors are leading experts in coral resiliency and accelerated growth methods, putting the company at the forefront of efforts to help reefs survive for future generations.
Farming corals on land further reduces risks that ocean-based nurseries are exposed to, such as storms, boating accidents, or warming events. Also, ocean-based farming limits the type of corals to the site-specific location of the nursery. Growing corals on land allows us to produce a range of native corals which meet the needs of a particular site, as Coral Vita can tailor water conditions that replicate those of restoration site. Sooner rather than later, Coral Vita's land-based farming offers a viable solution to counter large-scale degradation.'
You might remember Coral Vita won an Earthshot Prize in the 'Revive Our Oceans' category. Founder Sam Teicher said: "It’s the honor of our lives to have Coral Vita’s work and the global fight to protect coral reefs uplifted by winning the Earthshot Prize. We look forward to scaling our efforts around the world and collaborating with local communities, scientists, governments, the private sector, and innovators to protect the ecosystems that sustain us all."
I thought it fun to see the couple posing for selfies during the tour.
Here's a great shot of the Duke and Duchess with Olympian Steven Gardiner.
The Duchess chose the Izzy dress in 'pink marble zebra' by Rixo London for the day's events.
The Izzy is described as having "all the effortless prep of a Hepburn-esque shirtdress, made unique by this hand-painted print in bubble-gum pink". It features hand painted marble print, button-down, shirt-style bodice, a Relaxed collar and fitted hip panel.
Kate wore the Finlay Henrietta Light Tortoise sunglasses (with thanks to Lady Parky).
Kate wore almond-toe Castaner wedges in camel.
The Duchess wore her Nadia Irena earrings again.
And carried the Emmy London 'bright pink' Natasha cupcake clutch.
We'll see the Duke and Duchess departing for London around 9.15 pm local time in the Bahamas :)
A day full of events. This is the first time of the royl tour I'm not a fan of the Duchess' outfit, but personally I don't like shirt dresses.
ReplyDeleteNice! I love these shirt dresses and more casual sun dress looks. I also love Pepto Bismol pink.
ReplyDeletePink is my favorite color, so I love this dress. I like the hip-hugging panel that shows off Kate's great figure. With the shoes and earrings Kate looked very island-appropriate. I was interested in Coral Vita when it was highlighted by the Earthshot Prize. I like to go scuba-diving and am glad so many people are involved in maintaining beautiful reefs.
ReplyDeleteThey packed a lot in one day. Coral Vita has a wonderful way to preserve the reefs. Make sure your sunscreen is marked reef-friendly or reef safe to do your your small part.
ReplyDeleteI love shirt dresses, and the pink looks great. It looks fresh,
ReplyDeleteand comfortable which was good for the days'engagement.
Fantastic and relaxed day of events. They really settled into the groove today. I’m going to miss seeing them and all Kate’s bright colours.
ReplyDeleteWilliam's comments:
ReplyDelete"I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future. In Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon. But we have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with communities in all three countries, understanding more about the issues that matter most to them.
"Catherine and I are committed to service. For us that's not telling people what to do. It is about serving and supporting them in whatever way they think best, by using the platform we are lucky to have.
"It is why tours such as this reaffirm our desire to serve the people of the Commonwealth and to listen to communities around the world. Who the Commonwealth chooses to lead its family in the future isn't what is on my mind. What matters to us is the potential the Commonwealth family has to create a better future for the people who form it, and our commitment to serve and support as best we can," he concluded.
I don't think any leader, any Royal, has ever been so honest. Of course people will start to pick it up apart. But the Cambridges deserve better because they have shown us, throughout this tour, how we who are privileged (and let's be honest, a lot of us on this blog are very privileged simply to have the time to come on here and comment and reflect ourselves) could behave. Brave William & Kate, this tour was amazing for those who want to see hope and not cynicism.
Couldn't agree more.
DeleteWell said
DeleteA charming shirtdress, very flattering and in a fun shade of pink. I own a Rixo dress myself and love it. I think this one and the wedged espadrilles were just right for the engagements -- pretty but relaxed and casual.
ReplyDeleteIf I'm remembering correctly, Prince William wrote his thesis at St Andrews on coral reefs, or perhaps one in particular.
Home again now, and to all the debriefing and rethinking that the royals and their staffers will be needing to do. This was an interesting tour if not a wholly joyful and successful one. There is much to be learned from it.
She looks beautiful in everything she wears. Have enjoyed seeing all of her outfits this week. Especially her handbags and jewelry. It has been exciting.
ReplyDeleteShe looks beautiful in everything she wears. Have enjoyed seeing all of her outfits this week. Especially her handbags and jewelry. It has been exciting.
ReplyDeleteThe yellow print departure number is a dreadful 1980s flashback. I beg you, Fashion World, retreat while you can.
ReplyDeleteThe Pepto-Bismol pink color of this dress is not to my taste, but I had several dresses in this style in the mid-80s. Comfortable and modest; men seemed to love their soothing femininity. This final day must have been exhausting and the Cambridges carried it off like the professionals they are. I am sure they are delighted to be headed home.
For anyone sniping about somber colors for wreath laying, I can only recall Catherine’s pink ensemble at Ground Zero in New York and proclaim grief and sacrifice should be met with hope and optimism, especially if one is Christian. Live and so confound the enemies of life and freedom.
Karen in Virginia
Freedom is not dressing for the male gaze.
Delete“men seemed seemed to love their soothing femininity”
DeleteMen? Are we really still talking about dressing for men?
I'm not overwhelmed, I'm not underwhelmed, I'm just whelmed. But I love those earrings, like legit LOVE.
ReplyDeleteI'm shocked there were pictures of her eating. I had always thought that royals could not be seen eating in public because they didn't want pictures of them chewing out in the interwebs.
ReplyDeleteWhere on earth do these ideas of royal rules come from. There are endless photos of royals eating. Honestly they’re human beings who eat.
DeleteLol, Ivy Lin. Now there are pictures, AND video, of her swallowing a Conch pen*s with a big grin on her face. Loved the way she smiled at Will after she slurped that down.
DeleteA lovely classic dress for these events and Kate looks lovely in it.
ReplyDeleteThis drop waist style does not flatter her at all. It astounds me that anyone would choose this dress for her given the resources at hand. Imo this was a missed opportunity to showcase local designers or British designers of Caribbean descent.
ReplyDeleteWhile I heavily dislike the dress (worst of the tour), I think this was a highlight in terms of engagements. I wish we had seen more days like this.
ReplyDeleteIt’s great that Wiliam got to visit the Earthshot winner. I always hoped we would see him visiting/supporting them personally a bit more. This endeavour of him is very ambitious and I feel like he needs to put more visible work in it to really get it on it’s feet. I talked about the lack of promotion and additional content when the competitors and later winners were announced. And now, in the mean time it would be good if he/they visited all the winners, and maybe even mention great developments that happen in all the competitors work in the meantime. Keeping the topics and his initiative in the public mind. I mean, he has a team for this, so that would obviously be their job, while he had to take in the public visits. It would be a shame to see this idea running into oblivion after two or three years. It’s gonna take years of hard, constant dedication to make it shine on its own. PP and PC made it happen, but it wasn’t always easy. But their schemes run smooth on their own today which is a great success, as many similar endeavours frazzle out at one point.
C.
The Duchess looks beautiful, but I don't like drop waists, regardless of my personal tastes the Duchess wears this dress well. I did see a photo somewhere of a model wearing this dress with a belt and it looked quite good.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, my favorite look was the bespoke Emilia Wickstead dress Kate arrived in the Bahamas in. I "ahhhh"-ed out loud. I thought that dress would have been pretty amazing if the overturned collar was in the same shade as Kate's shoes... that would have been a show stopper. That look was my favorite. I would have paired different earrings with it though- maybe some real jewels, like her Kiki McDonoughs or some long drop earrings; I wasn't a fan of the turquoise. LOVED the look overall though!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, as usual!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, as usual!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your wonderful photos, videos, and articles with us! They are amazing!
ReplyDeleteI think this dress looks lovely! Kate seems so happy! She seems to really enjoy meeting with everyone! Kate is a true natural!
ReplyDelete