King Charles celebrates Bahamian culture on Caribbean tour
King Charles praised young Bahamians for keeping their country's heritage alive as he returned to the place where he witnessed its independence 53 years ago.
King Charles praised young Bahamians for keeping their country's heritage alive as he returned to the place where he witnessed its independence 53 years ago.
The 77-year-old monarch addressed schoolchildren and community leaders at a youth rally in Nassau on Tuesday (27.10.26), beginning his first Caribbean tour since becoming King.
The gathering at Clifford Park included performances, cultural displays and a parade celebrating the achievements of the Bahamas' younger generation.
Charles visited the same park in 1973 as Prince of Wales when he represented Queen Elizabeth II at the country's independence celebrations.
During his latest speech, he praised the resilience of Bahamian people and the traditions that have developed through difficult chapters of the nation's history.
He acknowledged "the great suffering and injustices of the past", while encouraging those present to celebrate their country's successes and look towards new opportunities.
The King thanked younger generations for preserving their ancestors' legacy and bringing fresh creativity to Bahamian life.
He also drew attention to the challenges facing low-lying Caribbean islands as the world responds to climate change.
Urging young people to protect the natural environment, Charles declared: "Our world cries out for healing."
Earlier, Charles received a ceremonial welcome at Nassau's airport, where he met Governor-General Dame Cynthia Pratt and Prime Minister Philip Davis.
He also inspected a guard of honour drawn from the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.
His programme includes a visit to the defence force's base at Coral Harbour to see a disaster-response vessel and pay tribute at the HMBS Flamingo memorial.
A visit to Bonefish Pond National Park will focus on mangrove conservation and ways coastal communities can become more resilient.
The King is also expected to meet local craftspeople at a cultural festival in Nassau.
His remarks came as Caribbean leaders continued to seek discussions about slavery's lasting legacy, including calls for an apology and reparations.
Charles confirmed that Commonwealth governments would discuss the subject at their summit in Antigua and Barbuda next week.
Buckingham Palace has said the tour will also highlight "modern partnerships and opportunities for the future".
After leaving the Bahamas, Charles will travel to Guyana for a state visit before heading to Antigua and Barbuda.
Queen Camilla is due to join him there for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which brings together leaders from 56 member countries.
