Kate Middleton and Prince William.Photo: Chris Jackson/getty
Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamare paying homage to the sound of Jamaica!
The couple’s first main event of theirvisit to the Caribbean countrysaw them travel to Trench Town, Kingston — the birthplace of reggae music and home of two of Jamaica’s top Premier League football club teams, Arnett Gardens and Boys' Town.
Before they toured the Trench Town Culture Yard Museum — where reggae giant Bob Marley lived and interacted with other iconic musicians — William and Kate joined some young soccer players, including the winners of Jamaica’s famous Manning Cup, on a local soccer field. (Marley was also a passionate soccer player!)
During the visit, William showed off his soccer skills as he took part in a quick game, while Kate cheered him on from the sidelines. The couple met soccer stars Raheem Sterling and Leon Bailey (William was especially excited to see Leon Bailey, who plays for his favorite team, Aston Villa!).
Kate Middleton and Prince William.Chris Jackson/Getty
William and Kate then headed to the Trench Town Culture Yard Museum where they joined in some live music and played the drums. As they toured the museum, they learned about the impact that reggae music has made around the world.
“So much musical history was made here,” William said.
Kate Middleton.Chris Jackson/getty
Trench Town was referenced in Bob Marley’s hit, “No Woman No Cry,” in which he mentions “the government yard in Trench Town.” He also named a song after the area.
Prince William and Kate Middleton.Chris Jackson/getty
Donnette Dowe, manager of Trench Town Culture Yard, hopes the royal visit will encourage tourists to start visiting again. Visits to the cultural site have fallen significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m excited about that, that the prince chose to visit our community,” she told theJamaica Gleaner, adding that the planned visit has also provided short-term employment for some residents.
Kate Middleton and Prince William.Chris Jackson/getty
Upon their arrival in Jamaica earlier in the day, they were whisked off for an official meeting with the Governor-General of Jamaica, Sir Richard Allen.
Kate Middleton.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Their visit also comes amid controversy. As they touched down in Jamaica, aprotest calling for slavery reparationsfrom the British monarchy was taking place just miles away in the capital city of Kingston.
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Kate Middleton and Prince William.Samir Hussein/WireImage
Kate and William’s visit to Jamaica also comes amid reports that the Caribbean country is making moves todrop Queen Elizabeth as head of state.
Sources tell PEOPLE that William and Kate are aware of the situation and the protests. Any decision about becoming a republic is for the people and government of Jamaica, the sources point out. But William is expected to acknowledge the issue of slavery in his speech on Wednesday evening.
source: people.com
