Prince William's surprise statement about never leading the Commonwealth

Prince William has suggested he may never lead the Commonwealth as King, saying his tour of the Caribbean has brought a "sharper focus" on the future of the monarchy.

The Duke of Cambridge said on Sunday that he understood he may never succeed the Queen and the Prince of Wales as the head of the Commonwealth, vowing never to be "telling people what to do".

Prince William and Kate Middleton in Belize
Prince William has shared that he may never lead the Commonwealth and revealed there is now a 'sharper focus' on the future of the monarchy. Photo: Getty

William shared his surprise assessment of the tour, telling reporters he and wife Kate Middleton 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," he said.

"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."

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It comes as William made some last-minute changes to a speech on Saturday, where he acknowledged that relationships with Commonwealth countries will "evolve" as he attempted to change the narrative of the tour, which has been slammed for being out of touch and rooted in colonialism.

"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," the Duke told reporters.

William and Kate have been met with numerous protestors during their trip, with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness telling the pair the country was ready to "move on" and wanted to sever ties with the British monarchy as soon as they could.

Prince William and Kate Middleton
William said "that future is for the people to decide upon" while speaking about Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas. Photo: Getty

William acknowledged this, saying foreign tours are "an opportunity to reflect", sharing that they had learned a lot during their time in the Caribbean.

"I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future," he said. "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."

Previously in the tour, William has spoken about slavery, describing it as "abhorrent" and something that "forever stains our history".

"I want to express my profound sorrow," he said, however, he was slammed with many saying it was not enough.

As momentum continues to grow for a number of Caribbean countries to become republics, William added, "I want to say this: we support with pride and respect your decisions about your future. Relationships evolve. Friendship endures."

Last week, Minister Henry Charles Usher announced the Belize government would be reviewing the country's constitution, saying, "Perhaps it is time for Belize to take that next step in truly owning our independence".

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