Jamaica PM Andrew Holness tells Prince William and Kate that island will seek independence
- UK royal couple did not immediately react to the surprise announcement, except to make a couple of brief nods
- Former British colony would become the second Caribbean island to sever relations with Queen Elizabeth after Barbados
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness told Prince William and Kate on Wednesday that the British commonwealth intends to become fully independent in an unexpected announcement that comes as other countries consider cutting ties with the monarchy.
Holness also noted that there are “unresolved” issues as he greeted Prince William and Kate in front of a media scrum.
“We are moving on,” he said. “We intend to...fulfill our true ambitions and destiny as an independent, developed, prosperous country.”
The former British colony would become only the second Caribbean island to sever relations with Queen Elizabeth in recent years, with Barbados doing so in November.
The royal couple, who flanked Holness on either side when he made the announcement, did not immediately react except to make a couple of brief nods.