The Duke and Duchess Wraps Up Tour In Hopkins

March 21, 2022
by Larry Waight +

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wrapped up the last leg of their southern tour just after midday today in the beautiful village of Hopkins.

The highlight of today’s activities was the Royal’s attempt to move to the rhythm of the Garifuna drums. Prince William was heard saying, “a little bit of rum, then the Garifuna comes out of me, I need rum!” as he twirled a local Garifuna woman around.

While spectators, locals, and media watched on in awe of a prince dancing to the Garifuna music, they egged him on with cheers whenever he surprised them with a move or two. Others had their eyes on the Duchess who also twirled and swayed to the musical performance by a local dance group consisting of women and children.

The Royal couple were greeted in Hopkins village just before midday by villagers and children from a local primary school. They were escorted under a shed on the beachside where they witnessed a cultural presentation, and even sampled sahou and cassava bread and also tried their hands at beating the mata.

Afterward, they planted a tree on the beachside in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and walked along the beach greeting locals as they went along.

A couple of feet away they sat down with representatives from various environmental groups to discuss the impacts of climate change on Belize, its citizens, flora fauna, and the environment.

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After that was finished, the Royal Couple were escorted to the newly constructed Hopkins pier and then whisked away in their waiting Range Rover, which drove them away as they waved goodbye to locals that had welcomed them into their community.

Prior to their visit to Hopkins, the Royals were given a tour of the Che’il Maya Chocolate farm in Maya Center Village where they were also treated to a cultural dance by the local Maya dance company.

Prince William and Kate will complete the final leg of their Royal Tour in Belize tomorrow with a visit to the Caracol Maya Ruin and a tour of the Batsub training area. The events will culminate with a reception at the Cahal Pech Maya Ruin before the couple flies out of the country on Tuesday, morning.