NASSAU, Reuters – Britain’s Prince William said he supported and respected any Caribbean nation’s decision about its future. This is as Belize, Jamaica, and the Bahamas consider ending their ties to the British monarchy.

William, Queen Elizabeth’s great-grandson, recognized that the relationship between the crown and three Caribbean states was shifting at the close of his tour, which had been marred by protests against the British Empire.

“Next year, I know you are all looking forward to celebrating 50 years of independence – your Golden Anniversary,” he said in a speech in the Bahamas capital Nassau.

With Jamaica marking 60 years independence and Belize marking 40, last year I wanted to make this clear: We stand with you and we respect and support your choices about the future. Relations evolve. Friendship endures.”

This speech, which is the strongest indication yet that the royals would support three countries abandoning the queen’s head of state, is a repeat of Barbados’s decision in November.

Buckingham Palace states most often that these matters belong to the politicians and locals.

Elizabeth watched the former British colonies cut their ties over her 70-year tenure on the throne, and she is still the queen of 15 realms including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Canada.

But, William and Kate’s tour to the Caribbean by the Duchess and Duke of Cambridge has brought attention to the decline in support for monarchy. Protests and demands for reparations from Britain were raised during their trip, as well as an apology for the slavery.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Andrew Holness from Jamaica was direct to William and stated that his country desired “independence”.

British media also criticised public relation mistakes that saw the royals shake hands with Jamaican children over wire fences. These appearances were called “tone deaf” by Daily Mirror tabloid, which said it was a throwback colonial times.

These tribulations have revealed wider questions about Britain’s role and future after the U.S. sexual abuse scandal involving Prince Andrew (resolved last month) and critics of William, Prince Harry.