Earl and Countess of Wessex Postpone Visit to Grenada

The Earl and Countess of Wessex’s scheduled visit to Grenada has been postponed at the last minute, just one day before their six-day platinum jubilee tour of the Caribbean.

This postponement comes weeks after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s visit.

Buckingham Palace gave no explanation for the sudden change in plans, which came after discussions with the Grenada government and the Governor-General.

It is unusual for a royal visit, which is usually well-planned, to be cancelled with such short notice.

The couple will start their tour on Friday, April 22, and will visit Antigua, Barbuda, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent, and the Grenadines.

Buckingham Palace said the couple wanted to visit Grenada later, but no further details were given.

Grenada proposed the postponement on the advice of the Governor-General, the Queen’s representative on the island.

Royal aides have not elaborated on the reason for the postponement.

It is understood that the palace and the host Caribbean countries had discussed the couple’s agenda.

During such conversations, the postponement was proposed.

The couple’s journey aims to honor the island as well as the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge faced some criticism and protests on their recent tour of Belize, the Bahamas, and Jamaica, with some calling for the three countries to become republics.

The Prime Minister of Jamaica told the couple that his country was looking to a future without the monarchy.

Grenada gained independence in 1974, and the Queen remains head of state.

Its centre-left opposition party, the National Democratic Congress, has previously said it would put the question of the removal of the Queen as the head of state to the people in a referendum on constitutional change if it came to power.

The National Democratic Congress was the governing party from 2008 to 2013 but lost its seats in 2013 to the new national party.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement, “The Earl and Countess will meet communities, local entrepreneurs and craftspeople, and young people in celebration of the culture, future, and vibrancy of the islands.”

While visiting St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Earl of Wessex will meet athletes in training for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Birmingham this summer.

Meanwhile, the Countess will speak to women in leadership roles about the community’s response to the eruption of the La Soufriere volcano.

In Antigua and Barbuda, the Earl and Countess of Wessex will hear more about the importance of sport in the community.

Their Royal Highnesses will meet some of the West Indies’ legendary cricketers and Antigua’s national rowing team.

Finally, in St. Lucia, the Earl and Countess will explore the varied landscape of St. Lucia, visiting the Sulphur Springs and the Pigeon Island National Landmark.