The News
William and Kate Wiggle Their Hips in Belize
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge delighted crowds in Belize with their impressive dance moves during a warm welcome to a village.
Prince William showcased a little shimmy as they partook in a welcome dance in Hopkins, known as the country's happiest village.
However, it was Kate who took the lead by hitting the dance floor first, showcasing her dance skills alongside nine local school children from the Garifuna Cultural Centre.
Despite his initial hesitation, Prince William eventually joined in, encouraged to display his moves in the local punta style dance while groups of excited children cheered him on, proudly waving Belize flags.
Before long, Wills found himself dancing with local organizer Laura Cacho, holding hands and swaying to the music as locals erupted in cheers of delight.
The royal couple was treated to a cultural extravaganza by the Garifuna community in Hopkins, situated on the picturesque Caribbean coast.
Kate, elegantly clad in a blue floral dress, and William, opting for a more casual look sans jacket and tie, watched as nine youngsters aged 9 to 15 years old performed four intricate dance routines.
In addition to the lively dancing, they were also offered a taste of local delicacies including planting coconut broth, hoodoo too, and a sweet savoury porridge known as Sir Howard Belizean Celebrity Chef Sean Kylan.
Following their dance performance, Kate and William commemorated their visit and the Queen's Platinum Jubilee by planting a local yellow copper pod tree.
Despite the absence of the 95-year-old Queen due to her inability to travel, she remains a beloved figure in Belize, with her last visit dating back to 1994 alongside her late husband Prince Philip.
Local bar owner Felix Jefferson expressed the community's admiration for the British Royals, stating that William and Kate's visit was met with open arms and genuine enthusiasm, showcasing their willingness to engage with the local culture and embrace the Caribbean way of life.
Reflecting on the significance of the royal visit, Jefferson shared his personal connection to the royal family, highlighting the impact of Kate and William's presence in providing a glimpse into the UK lifestyle.
The couple also took the opportunity to meet with marine conservation specialists to gain insights into Belize's unique marine environment, boasting the world's second-largest reef, and visited a newly reconstructed pier with Beverly Wade from the office of Belize's Prime Minister.
Earlier in the day, the royal duo immersed themselves in the local culture by visiting a cacao farm, where they actively participated in the traditional process of grinding nibs, a labor-intensive task typically carried out by women in rural communities.