A Royal Reception at the Cahal Pech Archaeological Site
Following the investiture, the royal couple was hosted at the Cahal Pech Archaeological Site for a reception by the Queen’s representative in Belize, Governor General Froyla T’zalam. With a guest list of approximately three hundred and fifty government officials, including parliamentarians, municipal leaders and others, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were able to engage with them for just over an hour before they retired for the night.
Duane Moody, Reporting
The Governor General’s reception at the Cahal Pech Archaeological Site was an event fit for royalty. Plaza B was transformed not only to host Prince William and Catherine, but also to celebrate the rich Maya cultural heritage – foods, marimba music and the re-enactment of the blessing of the event by a cacique.
John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“We are delighted to be the first stop in this the tour of the Caribbean of her majesty’s platinum jubilee. Anecdotally, your highnesses might find it interesting that this ancient site we call Cahal Pech was the palace of a ruling Maya family who lived here during the classic Maya civilization. So it is absolutely fitting that we gather in this ancient spot.”
It was during this event that Prince William made a statement, conveying the warmest greetings from Queen Elizabeth the Second, his grandmother. He echoed that Belize remains a jewel.
Prince William
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge
“Ladies and gentlemen I am honoured to convey the warmest well wishes from my grandmother, the Queen of Belize on the occasion of her platinum jubilee. She always speaks so fondly of her visits to Belize, which of course include a stop here at Cahal Pech in 1994 and she may have mentioned something about a gibnut.”
Before giving the toast, Prime Minister John Briceño also spoke about the climate change and essence of the Commonwealth.
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Your visit to Belize and the Caribbean region reminds us of the ties that bind us as members of the Commonwealth. Our shared values including our commitment to peace, social, economic and environmental justice are among the guiding principles of the Commonwealth which is living proof that no matter the differences in climate or culture, we can live as one family.”
During his speech, Prince William shared his first visit to Belize at the age of eighteen, when he did jungle training with BATSUB.
Prince William
“Jungle training just after I left school. What I remember of that visit is receiving the results of my formal school results of ‘A’ levels while I was in the jungle. It really was mortifying having my grades read out over military radio with a whole bunch of soldiers listening in. Thankfully, the results weren’t too bad. But my time with BATSUB today brought it all flooding back. In our short time here, Catherine and I have been lucky enough to witness some of the extraordinary biodiversity that you so loving nurture here in your jungles and your reefs. You take your responsibility as custodians of nature very seriously.”
Following the speeches, the couple retired for the night. Duane Moody for News Five.
