Wessexes faced with protesters during St Lucia visit demanding apology from the Queen

Protesters in St Lucia have demanded apologies and reparations from the Queen, during a visit by the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

Edward and Sophie had earlier received a warm welcome to the island, but were met with the group of around 10 protesters as they visited a cocoa plantation.

One member of the group, who did not give his name, said: “We want reparations now. The Queen of England needs to apologise for slavery.”

Another added: “London Bridge is falling down.”

They also held banners saying “repatriation with reparations” and “Queen say sorry” while playing drums and chanting.

At the venue, the countess attempted to grind cocoa beans at the woman-led business, and listened to staff talk about the impact of COVID-19 on trade, as well as tourism.

The earl and countess did meet some supporters on the island, with one telling them during a walkabout of Soufriere: “I salute you, my prince”.

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Edward also spoke with a road sweeper, telling him, “I hope you keep this lot in order” while pretending to wave the broom the man was holding, followed by cheers as royal couple left.

They had arrived in the town by boat, before being welcomed with flowers.

Edward and Sophie then headed to Sulphur Springs, where they learned about the evolution of the volcano. The countess put her hand in the water, remarking: “It’s as warm as a hot bath”.

They later visited a stadium in Soufriere, where the watched a performance celebrating the island’s young people, and eventually joined in waving St Lucian flags.

There has been similar protests in St Vincent and Grenadines earlier in the pair’s royal tour, where some campaigners told the Wessexes “compensation now” and “Britain your debt is outstanding”.

While in Antigua and Barbuda, the earl and countess were told to wield their “diplomatic influence” to provide “repertory justice” by the country’s prime minister Gaston Browne.

However, Edward, the Queen’s youngest son, was accused of “disinterest” during Mr Browne’s speech by anti-monarchist campaigners, after he was spotted laughing nervously when asked to respond.

Edward joked he had not taken notes during the speech so was unable to respond to Mr Browne’s points – but the prime minister did not laugh.

Their visit to Grenada was called off earlier in the tour, after “consultation with the government of Grenada and on the advice of the governor general”, according to Buckingham Palace.

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