Spectacular video has emerged of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge swimming with sharks as they donned scuba gear to explore the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
The footage was posted along with images of the weekend diving trip in Belize on the Royal couple’s Twitter account on Tuesday afternoon.
The pair were seen swimming alongside each other and giving the OK hand signal as they viewed the coral and marine life.
Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world 🐠🐟🦈. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/KDRbhM1tz5
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2022
In the video William said it had been “really fantastic” and hailed the “wonderful work” of those helping to ensure the coral and fish are protected.
He said: “(It’s) really fantastic to see the underwater environment here in Belize, and what wonderful work they've been doing to protect the coral and the fish life.
“Belize’s work on marine protection is world-leading, which is crucial when you're protecting the world's second largest barrier reef, and in fact it's a Unesco World Heritage site.
“And it’s clear to see the Belizeans value their environment, whether it's the marine environment or the land environment.
“It’s great to see that their commitments are going further and further, and we should support them and value their efforts to protect both the marine and the land environments.”
On Sunday, we were lucky enough to spend time diving at South Water Caye, directly above the spectacular Belize Barrier Reef. It was a privilege to see for ourselves the world-leading ocean conservation work being done here. pic.twitter.com/BdKzU3TOsi
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) March 22, 2022
In a tweet accompanying the post, it was noted that the effects of climate change “are evident”, but also that the government of Belize and communities there “deserve huge recognition” for committing to protect 30% of its marine environment by 2030.
A Palace source said Kate and William were requested to go diving at the reef by the government of Belize, which was keen for them to see the marine conservation they are working on.
William and Kate have now said goodbye to Belize after a four-day visit that has seen them experience the nation’s heritage, Maya culture and dance with the locals.
The couple were waved off by a group of dignitaries after being given a red-carpet farewell with a guard of honour present.
The next stop of their Caribbean tour takes them to Jamaica where later they will visit Trench Town, the Kingston neighbourhood where reggae great Bob Marley grew up.
The couple were facing protests on their arrival as activists gathered outside the British High Commission building in Kingston to call for the UK monarchy to pay reparations for slavery and apologise for human rights abuses.
The Advocates Network coalition of Jamaican politicians, business leaders, doctors and musicians wrote an open letter detailing 60 reasons why the monarchy should compensate Jamaica, to mark the country’s 60th anniversary of independence.
Demonstrators were holding signs reading “Princesses and Princes belong in fairytales... not in Jamaica” and “apologise”, and holding copies of the open letter.
The protest began ahead of the Cambridges’ arrival in Jamaica on Tuesday, where they will stay until Thursday when they depart for the Bahamas.
Earlier in the tour there was opposition from villagers in Belize, who cited a range of issues including objections to the Cambridges’ helicopter landing site, which forced a trip to a farm on Sunday to be scrapped.
It was replaced with a visit to a chocolate producer before the couple travelled to the cultural centre of the Garifuna community in Hopkins.
