For the first full day in The Bahamas, today March 25, Prince William and The Duchess of Cambridge visited a school in the pouring rain, thanked hospital workers who worked during the pandemic, watched a Junkanoo parade in Parliament Square, and took part in a sailing regatta before ending the evening with a reception hosted by the Governor-General (the last two events will be a separate post – which you can view here).

Embed from Getty Images

The first stop of the day was to Sybil Strachan Primary School in Nassau where William and Kate met with the students and staff and joined in for an assembly, which included a choir performance. The school was closed for in-person learning for nearly two years because of the pandemic.

Embed from Getty Images

Years ago, getting one speech from Kate during a tour was a miracle. This year, we got two full length speeches. Kate gave her second speech of the tour at the school. Again I complain that KP hasn’t bothered to put up the transcripts, but here is some of the transcript from Hello Mag. I’ve included a full video of the speech from the Daily Mail below.

She confidently delivered her words to the hundreds of people gathered at the assembly, speaking to the students as she said: “The pandemic has taken you away from your classrooms and your friends and learning from home has had its challenges. That is why it is so wonderful that after nearly two years away, you have recently returned to school and been reunited with your teachers and friends again.

“One of the hardest things that so many of us found about the pandemic was being separated from the people we love. We have rediscovered how important our families are, and just how important our friends are.

“I always think it is the simple things in life that bring the most joy: playing together, chatting to your friends at school, eating meals together, listening to each other’s stories. These are the things that bring us together and give meaning to our lives.”

Kate continued: “The connections, the relationships and friendships that you make during school are so special. So please look after them, cherish them and take time for them. And be kind, understanding and loving to yourself and others.”

As she thanked the Bahamas for giving them such a warm welcome and saying she wished she could visit all 700 islands during their stay, Kate added: “Our three children, George, Charlotte and Louis, all love being by the sea, so I hope they will be able to experience your clear waters and beautiful beaches before too long.

“However, as much as you have these natural wonders to enjoy, I know that the last few years have not been easy for many of you. I also wanted today to say a big thank you to your parents, guardians and teachers. They, I am sure, have found the pandemic hard too, but they are doing one of the most important jobs out there. Nurturing your young minds and helping to shape your futures.”

Hello

Side note: Not sure why the audience had to stand the entire time she was speaking. That must have been annoying.

As part of the assembly, William and Kate were presented with a portrait of the Queen on behalf of the schoolchildren.

Embed from Getty Images

Before leaving the school, the Cambridges planted a tree in the Peace Garden to commemorate their visit and The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. They also sealed a time capsule that contained a letter from them both to the students of tomorrow, along with some mementos from their visit.

Embed from Getty Images

The next stop of the day was a visit to the Garden of Remembrance where the Cambridges attended a celebration for key workers who worked throughout the pandemic.

Embed from Getty Images

William and Kate then moved to Parliament Square where they attended a Junkanoo Parade. The Government of Bahamas website describes the Junkanoo:

Junkanoo, a Bahamian national festival, is a kaleidoscope of colours and sound. The rhythmic sounds of cowbells, goat skin drums and whistles, accompanied by an array of brass instruments, create a sweet musical beat that will move you; while brilliantly coloured costumes capture your eye, and bring much visual delight.

Gov of Bahamas

The origins of the Junkanoo:

The true origin of Junkanoo is unknown. However, its roots can be traced back to West Africa. The most popular legend states that the name originated from John Canoe, an African tribal chief who demanded the right to celebrate with his people even after being brought to the West Indies in slavery, During pre -and post -slavery days, Christmas was the greatest time for celebration in the Bahamas, and Junkanoo was the highlight. This still remains today.

Gov of Bahamas

Embed from Getty Images

During the event, William and Kate did a walkabout, meeting members of the public. People has quotes from some of the citizens who met the couple.

Charisma Thompson, 46, who was there with friends, chatted with William during the lively parade in Parliament Square.

“He said, ‘Thank you for your patience and sorry for the weather,’ and we said, ‘It’s not your fault,’ ” Thompson shared. “We told him we love him and Kate and we didn’t mind waiting. He was loving the excitement and you could see it was exciting for him.”

“We know there are people here and in Jamaica who have a problem with them and are unhappy. But it’s not his fault. We are loving people and caring people and respect them and love the Queen,” adds Thompson, who works in sales at a Nassau store. “We are moving on for better days.” […]

Sherial Madonna, a sales professional in Nassau who shook William’s hand, said, “It was an honor to meet him — he was so gentle with the way he was with everyone.”

“It’s so awesome that they took time out to see us. It means the world to us. Some people feel that the monarchy should end here, but I’m relaxed about it. It’s been going for so long and I love all the pomp and ceremony and the connection to Britain that means some students can go over and study, for example,” she added. “We’re happy that they’re here. And we put on a good show.” […]

Rachelle Gibson, a supervisor at Excalibur Christian School in Nassau, said: “[Kate] shook all the children’s hands and apologized for being late. She told us they had just come from a school and the rain held them up.”

Maqayro Rolle, 11, said: “It was amazing. It doesn’t matter we are wet.” Drea Roberts, 17, added: “It was a great experience — she held my hand and I feel so happy. She was really friendly. I like her and how she had a voice. It was the best day.”

People

Here is another photo of a performer and her spectacular outfit at the Junkanoo.

Embed from Getty Images

This post is getting long so I’ll wrap it up with the fashion from these events and will split the regatta and the reception into a different post.

Embed from Getty Images

Kate wore a mint Self-Portrait pleated chiffon midi dress. I actually like the color and the shape, except for the seams under the bust. Her earrings are by Bahamian designer Nadia Irena – the Maya style in gold.

Embed from Getty Images

I’m including a few more photos of the Junkanoo performers.

Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images