THE Earl and Countess of Wessex have been met with protests on the second leg of their Caribbean tour amid criticism for the Royal Family’s past comments on slavery.
Edward and Sophie received their second red carpet and guard of honour welcome of their tour after landing in St Vincent and the Grenadines, as scouts, girl guides and cadets waved the national flag.
Steel drums playing One Love by Bob Marley was the backdrop to the couple’s official welcome to the island.
However later on a group stood outside Government House on the island with banners such as “end to colonialism” and “#CompensationNow”.
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Other banners included “down with neo colonialism” and “Britain your debt is outstanding”.
The protests come shortly after an open letter from the Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission which urged Edward and Sophie to avoid “phoney sanctimony” over slavery.
In an open letter to the pair, Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission said: “We hear the phony sanctimony of those who came before you that these crimes are a ‘stain on your history’.
“For us, they are the source of genocide and of continuing deep international injury, injustice and racism.
“We hope you will respect us by not repeating the mantra.
“We are not simpletons.”
Upon arriving, Edward was greeted by governor general Dame Susan Dougan, followed by acting prime minister Montgomery Daniel.
The couple carried out separate engagements for part of their one-day trip to the island.
Sophie visited a community college, where she was welcomed by the La Gracia Dance Company.
She posed for pictures with the children before heading onto a number of stalls set up next to the college theatre.
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At the same time, Edward visited the island’s national stadium where he met athletes training for Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games.
Before departing, Edward and Sophie will travel to the prime minister’s residence for a meeting with the acting prime minister and members of cabinet.
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