Every Must-See Moment from Kate Middleton and Prince William's 2022 Caribbean Tour

Kate Middleton and Prince William started off their week-long Caribbean tour in Belize on March 19.

The couple will be representing William's grandmother Queen Elizabeth on their tour to mark the monarch's Platinum Jubilee year, which celebrates her 70 years on the throne. The Queen will be watching with interest from her home at Windsor Castle.

This is the couple's first joint official overseas tour since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had originally planned to kick off their tour with a visit to a cocoa farm in the foothills of the Maya Mountains in Belize, but the visit was canceled after villagers staged a protest about colonialism and the use of a football field by the royals for landing their helicopter.

A royal source confirmed that the visit had been canceled for "sensitive issues" involving the community in Indian Creek and that the couple would visit a different location.

Kensington Palace declined to comment at the time.

PEOPLE now understands that William, Kate and their staff wanted to continue with their planned visit to the sustainable farm in the foothills of the Maya Mountains and talk to the indigenous people, but the local Belizian authorities advised against it. The couple decided to plan on visiting another nearby cocoa farm instead.

Kate and William shared a rare glimpse from inside their plane on their Instagram account to celebrate the start of their tour.

"Arriving in Belize, the first stop of our Caribbean tour! 🇧🇿 🇯🇲 🇧🇸," they captioned a personal photo on Instagram.

The couple arrived at Philip S. W Goldson International Airport in Belize on March 19 after an 11-hour flight from a Royal Air Force base in England. They changed into their arrival clothes on the plane and walked down the steps to an awaiting red carpet.

Kate paid tribute to her host country's flag by wearing a blue lace Jenny Packham skirt suit and a matching clutch, while William wore a light blue suit to meet the Governor-General of Belize, Froyla Tzalam, and her husband, Daniel Mendez.

During their offical welcome at the airport, William was greeted by the guard of honor, complete with a 21-gun salute, as Kate chatted with dignitaries. The couple was accompanied by a 15-strong entourage and some U.K. media.

Following their official welcome, the pair met with the Prime Minister of Belize, Juan Antonio Briceño, who's more commonly known as Johnny Briceño, and his wife Rossana Briceño at the Laing Building in Belize City.

Kate and William began their first full day of the tour on March 20 with a visit to the family-run Che'il Mayan Cacao Farm and Chocolate Factory in Maya Center Village. Their schedule included a tour of the farm and a demonstration that explained the family's chocolate-making process.

The royal couple tasted raw cacao and learned how it was transformed into world-renowned Mayan chocolate.

"You make it look so easy!" Kate told the guide as he expertly extracted cacao beans from a pod during a demonstration. She also tried her hand at grinding some cacao nibs.

As the couple sampled some chocolate, Kate said, "I think our children will be very jealous."

"Do you take apprentices?" William joked with Julio Saqui, a member of Belize's Maya community and owner of the family-run, 10-acre farm. "Can I come and work for you? It's my kind of thing."

The royals took in a load of information about the land and the local history of the cacao bean from Julio's brother Narcisio Saqui, who explained that, at one point, the cacao bean "was traded as cash — worth more than gold" and has a host of health benefits.

"Are you saying chocolate is good for us?" a delighted William asked, as the two dipped tortilla chips from a chocolate fountain and tried hot chocolate made from the organic farm.

Kate chose a tropical ensemble to enjoy the occasion. She wore a blue floral, smocked Tory Burch midi dress, which she paired with her Stuart Weitzman Minx wedges and an Anya Hindmarch straw fan clutch.

The couple continued their day with a trip to the beachfront village of Hopkins, the cultural center of the Garifuna community in Belize. The Duke and Duchess were greeted with a demonstration of Garifuna culture. The couple also met with conservation specialists to hear about marine protection and the restoration efforts being taken to preserve the area's precious barrier reef.

While visiting Hopkins, William and Kate danced to the local "punta" and sampled the Hudutu broth-style meal as they immersed themselves in Garifuna culture.

Laura Cacho, a 57-year-old local woman, who helped host the couple's visit, was super impressed by the couple and their dance moves.

"They are an amazing couple and we would love them to come any time with their children Charlotte, George and Louis," Cacho told PEOPLE.

"They really know how to dance. They took the culture from me and I didn't need to teach them," Cacho added. "They're so good at it. They were excellent."

Vkeveen Martinez, 15, one of the teens from the Light of Hopkins dance group, also told PEOPLE, "It was amazing. It was a lot to get a prince out to dance, and I held his hand."

Laura Cacho also expressed that William and Kate's visit has helped uplift the spirits of the community.

"Their visit is going to bring unity, especially after COVID — it's a blessing for the economy to have them here," she said.

On the next stop of their trip, William and Kate visited ancient Mayan ruins at an archaeological site deep in the Chiquibul Forest on March 21.

Archaeologist Allan Moore hosted the couple and took them on a tour around the ruins before they climbed the magnificent "sky palace."

The Mayan civilization built the temple palace 3,000 years ago and it would have been the center of a community of around 200,000 people.

"What you are seeing here is like the inside of Buckingham Palace," Moore, associate director of the Institute of Archaeology (NICH) Belize, told PEOPLE. "The visit is important"

Afterward, William and Kate spent time with BATSUB (British Army Training Support Unit) in the jungle, which gives tropical environment training to British troops and international partners.

The time spent was a bit of a trip down memory lane for William, who spent a period of time with the unit under the guidance of the Welsh Guards in 2000, as part of his gap year between Eton College and St. Andrew's University.

Later in the evening, the couple got ready to attend a reception at the Mayan ruins at Cahal Pech near San Ignacio. The party is in celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

On their final night, the couple arrived at a special party at the Mayan ruins of Cahal Pech. The event was hosted by the Governor-General of Belize and Prime Minister Johnny Briceño. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met with community leaders, well-known Belizeans, and members of the government throughout the evening.

To celebrate the occasion, Kate wore a hot pink shimmering metallic gown with ruffled sleeves by the British brand, The Vampire's Wife, and accessorized with statement earrings and an embroidered Mayan clutch. William opted for a blue suit.

During the event, William gave a speech and shared how "delighted" the couple were to be in Belize and how they enjoyed the opportunity to explore and learn more about "Belize's long and proud history and culture." He also recalled his grandmother Queen Elizabeth's trip to Belize in the '90s: "I am honored to convey the very warmest 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 included a memorable stop here at Cahal Pech in 1994."

William continued, "Yesterday we also had a taste of Belize's wonderful cultural diversity — from Mayan chocolate to Garifuna drumming. And yes, you even got us dancing! Belize may be small, but your rich blend of ethnic groups contributes to the harmonious tapestry of life."

He went on to praise Belize's support for the people of Ukraine and their response to the COVID-19 pandemic before adding, "We hope to return again soon and to show our children this wonderful country," he said. "They are rather jealous that they are not here with us now!"

William and Kate said their goodbyes to Belize on March 22, and boarded the RAF VIP Voyager jet to set off to their next stop on their tour: Jamaica.

Kate paid tribute to her host country and wore the colors of the flag. She had on white trousers, a vintage red belted Yves Saint Laurent jacket that she's had since college (where she first met Prince William!) and a white handbag.

As the couple took off on their plane, they shared surprise footage from an unknown scuba diving excursion they undertook at South Water Caye last weekend.

"On Sunday, we were lucky enough to spend time diving at South Water Caye, directly above the spectacular Belize Barrier Reef," they captioned their Instagram video. "It was a privilege to see for ourselves the world-leading ocean conservation work being done here."

In the clip, William and Kate are seen jumping into the water in their scuba gear as they explore the Belize Barrier Reef.

The royals arrived in Jamaica on March 22 for a packed day of travel and activities in Trench Town, Kingston — the birthplace of reggae music and home of two of Jamaica's top Premier League football club teams, Arnett Gardens and Boys' Town.

William joined a group of young soccer players on a local soccer field to take part in a quick game, while Kate cheered from the sidelines. They also met soccer stars Raheem Sterling and Leon Bailey.

The couple also met some more Jamaican sports stars, including the recent Olympics bobsleigh team, who competed in the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Additionally, they posed for a rare selfie with the successors of the famous "Cool Runnings" Jamaican bobsleigh team.

"It was a priceless moment — it was an utter shock that they did it," Chris Stokes, one of the inspirations behind the 1993 hit film, Cool Runnings, told PEOPLE.

The Jamaica Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation's official Instagram account shared photos from the memorable moment and wrote, "What an honour it is to have The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge not only in Jamaica but sitting in one of our history-making bobsleighs! We are thankful for the support and looking forward to once again being the #HottestThingOnIce in the 2026 Winter Olympics!"

Then, William and Kate headed to the Trench Town Culture Yard Museum where they enjoyed live music and played the drums. As they toured the museum, they learned about the impact that reggae music has made around the world.

Donnette Dowe, manager of Trench Town Culture Yard, hopes the royal visit will encourage tourists to start visiting again. Visits to the cultural site have fallen significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As they explored Jamaica, William and Kate were greeted by large crowds of well-wishers who filled the streets to greet the couple.

Their visit also comes amid controversy, as protests calling for slavery reparations from the British monarchy were taking place just miles away in Kingston. There have also been reports that claim the Caribbean country is making moves to drop Queen Elizabeth as head of state.

Sources told PEOPLE at the time that William and Kate were aware of the situation and the protests. Any decision about becoming a republic is for the people and government of Jamaica, the sources pointed out. But William is expected to acknowledge the issue of slavery in his speech on the evening of March 23.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had an offical meeting with Jamaica's Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, on March 23. During their meeting, Holness addressed his country's intention to break away from the British monarchy, referencing the anti-colonial protests and the call for the country to drop William's grandmother Queen Elizabeth as head of state.

"There are issues here, which as you know, are unresolved, but your presence gives us an opportunity for those issues to be placed in context, to be out front and center and to be addressed as best we can," Holness said. "But Jamaica is, as you would see, is a country that is proud of its history and very proud of what we have achieved. And we're moving on and we intend to… fulfill our true ambitions and destiny to become an independent, developed and prosperous country."

After signing the visitors' book in the lobby, William and Kate also met Holness' wife, Juliet Holness, before being presented with an official gift of Appleton Estate Ruby rum, created by the first female master blender in the world Dr. Joy Spence.

During their visit, Kate delieved her first (and only) speech of the couple's tour, which focused on her mission of championing early childhood education around the globe.

"I truly believe we are on the cusp of one of the biggest opportunities for positive change in generations," she said in a speech delivered to faculty and staff at Shortwood Teacher Training College in Kingston.

Upon the royal couple's arrival, they met with College Principal Dr. Claudette Barrett-March and Will and Kate were taken to the John F. Kennedy Library for a discussion around early years in Jamaica and the College's research faculty. After their discussion, they walked to the Practising Infant and Primary School to meet children and their parents.

William and Kate attended a special dinner on the evening of March 23 at King's House, the official residence of the Governor-General of Jamaica, Sir Patrick Allen, who represents Queen Elizabeth.

For the evening, Kate wore a green Jenny Packham gown, paying homage to the color of Jamaica's flag. She also accessorized her look with emerald jewels on loan from the Queen.

Kate also wore her special insignia, the Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victoria Order (GCVO) and the Royal Family Order badge, which she reserves for formal royal occasions such as state dinners and banquets.

Later in the evening, William delivered a landmark speech and expressed his deep "sorrow" for the horrors of the slave trade, and the role that Britain played in it.

"I want to express my profound sorrow. Slavery was abhorrent. And it should never have happened," he began, referring to his country's role in the trafficking of people to the Caribbean and the United States.

"While the pain runs deep, Jamaica continues to forge its future with determination, courage and fortitude," he continued. "The strength and shared sense of purpose of the Jamaican people, represented in your flag and motto, celebrate an invincible spirit."

As William continued his speech, he spoke of his time in Jamaica on behalf of the Queen, who has a "deep affection" for the country.

"It is no secret that the Queen has a deep affection for Jamaica, forged on her very first visit here with my grandfather, The Duke of Edinburgh, in 1953," he said. "And, likewise, I have been touched to hear today from Jamaicans, young and old, about their affection for The Queen."

He concluded, "Catherine and I only wish we had more time to spend with you all in Jamaica. There is so much more to learn. I hope this will be one of many visits. And next time we'd love to bring our children too. Governor-General, thank you again for hosting us all tonight. I hope you all have a happy evening. And 'one love.' "

The couple's final outing in Jamaica occured on March 24. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended a special military parade for service members from across the Caribbean who recently completed the Caribbean Military Academy's Officer Training Program.

As they departed the ceremony, the couple stood in the back of a dark green open-top Land Rover, just as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip did during their visit to Kingston in November 1953. Jamaican Defence Force Sgt. Denver Levy, who drove the couple around the parade ground, told PEOPLE at the time: "I am excited. We have practiced a few times. I'm not nervous — we did something similar three or four months ago."

William wore the white topical uniform of the Blues and Royals, while Kate opted for a white lace Alexander McQueen dress and Philip Treacy hat.

In a speech during the ceremony, William said: "Congratulations to everyone on parade today. I have stood to attention myself on many parades as you do now, proud of my accomplishments, yet also hoping that the Reviewing Officer keeps the speech short."

After the ceremony, the couple met with newly commissioned officers and staff at the Jamaica Officers' Club, where they were hosted by Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman — the first and only woman to achieve a Flag Rank.

The couple have wrapped up their time in Jamaica and are off to their final destination: The Bahamas.

The Duchess of Cambridge wore a special brooch in honor of Queen Elizabeth for her final look in Jamaica. She accessorized a green dress by Emilia Wickstead with the Queen's hummingbird brooch, which was gifted to the monarch by the people of Jamaica when she visited in 2002 in celebration of her Golden Jubilee.

William and Kate touched down in The Bahamas on March 24. Kate paid tribute to the colors of her host country's flag in an aquamarine dress by Emilia Wickstead and the two received a ceremonial welcome before heading to a meeting with Bahamas' Prime Minister Philip Davis.

A local girl, 8-year-old Aniah Moss, presented the couple with a bouquet of flowers as soon as the couple came down from the Royal Air Force Voyager jet.

"[Kate] said I had a nice dress and I was beautiful and thank you for the flowers," Aniah told PEOPLE at the time. Asked what she thought of the royals, she added, "I think they're very tall!"

During their visit, the couple will take part in The Bahamas Platinum Jubilee Sailing Regatta in Nassau, meet with one of William's Earthshot Prize winners, Coral Vita, on Grand Bahama Island, see their ground-breaking ideas for restoring and preserving reefs and see firsthand how people in Abaco coped in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in 2019. But first, William and Kate met with Prime Minister Philip Davis and his wife Ann-Marie Davis.

The couple stayed in the penthouse suite at The Cove at the Atlantis Bahamas Resort, which was not only a luxurious place to stay, but also aligned with their message of conservation, according to Audrey Oswell, President and Managing Director of Atlantis Paradise Island.

"We have always admired the focus of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge," Oswell said, "as it aligns with our mission at The Atlantis Blue Project Foundation to promote sustainability and protect the environment."

The couple stood under large umbrellas to escape the torrential downpour on their first full day in The Bahamas, but that didn't stop them from having a fruitful day.

The royals dropped in on a class at Sybil Strachan Primary School in Nassau, where they met with students and staff before joining the school's morning assembly on March 25. They were greeted by a "Guard of Honor" of schoolchildren, the Minister of Education, Glenys Hanna-Martin, and the school's principal, Ricardo Rolle.

The couple watched a performance from the school choir and a traditional Rake n' Scrape band. Rake n' Scrape music originates from the musical traditions of the Turks and Caicos Islands, whose people brought it to The Bahamas between the 1920s and 1940s.

Kate gave a speech during the outing and adressed the children in The Bahamas, saying, "The pandemic has taken you away from your classrooms and your friends, and learning from home I'm sure has been very difficult. That is why it is so wonderful that after almost two years being away from each other, you have recently returned to school and been reunited with your teachers and friends again. I can certainly feel the excitement and energy here today in this room."

The couple took part in their traditional royal duty of planting a tree in the Peace Garden at the school to mark their visit and Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee. They also sealed a time capsule that contains a letter from the couple to the students of tomorrow, along with some mementos from their visit.

Despite the rain, William and Kate arrived at the Junkanoo street festival, where the lively parade took place in Parliament Square.

Charisma Thompson, 46, who was there with friends, chatted with William briefly during the parade.

"He said, 'Thank you for your patience and sorry for the weather,' and we said, 'It's not your fault,' " Thompson told PEOPLE. "We told him we love him and Kate and we didn't mind waiting. He was loving the excitement and you could see it was exciting for him."

"We know there are people here and in Jamaica who have a problem with them and are unhappy. But it's not his fault. We are loving people and caring people and respect them and love the Queen," added Thompson, who works in sales at a Nassau store. "We are moving on for better days."

Kate also met with many locals and visitors among the crowds.

Rachelle Gibson, a supervisor at Excalibur Christian School in Nassau, said: "She shook all the children's hands and apologized for being late. She told us they had just come from a school and the rain held them up."

Maqayro Rolle, 11, said: "It was amazing. It doesn't matter we are wet." Drea Roberts, 17, added: "It was a great experience — she held my hand and I feel so happy. She was really friendly. I like her and how she had a voice. It was the best day."

Following the celebration, William and Kate shared a trio of photos on Twitter, writing, "Thank you Bay Street. That was amazing."

As the rain continued, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed to Montagu Beach for one of the country's first sailing regattas since the start of the pandemic, where the couple cheered on young sailors from the Royal Nassau Sailing Club helming iconic Bahamian sloop boats.

Before the race, Kate picked out a "wonderful" hog snapper from a large display of freshly caught fish on the shore. Fisherman Gregory John Brown showed off his recent catch and told PEOPLE, "I held up this Nassau grouper for them and said I'd caught it in 80'- deep water near the Berry Islands."

"They said, 'Wow!'" he added.

The couple browsed the stalls where Brown noted, "The prince seems really down to earth. They're good people. He may lead a different way of life, but he seemed like a whilst Bahamian person — like a real Bahamian. I want them to have a great time here."

For the final glam night of the tour, Kate evoked Cinderella in a gown from British designer Phillipa Lepley that paid tribute to her host country's flag. The event was a glittering evening reception at Baha Mar Resort on the white sand beaches of Cable Beach in Nassau.

Hosted by the Governor-General of The Bahamas, Sir Cornelius Alvin Smith, who represents Queen Elizabeth in the island country, the party gave the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge the opportunity to meet community leaders and notable people from across The Bahamas' many islands.

During the event in Nassau, William gave a speech in which he acknowledged that views of the monarchy are rapidly shifting in the Caribbean countries where Queen Elizabeth remains head of state.

"With Jamaica celebrating 60 years of independence this year, and Belize celebrating 40 years of independence last year, I want to say this: We support with pride and respect your decisions about your future," he said. "Relationships evolve. Friendship endures."

The royals held hands while leaving the Friday night gala.

On March 26, the final day of their tour, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge traveled to Abaco's main island on Saturday to learn about the impact of Hurricane Dorian and to see how communities are still being rebuilt more than two years later.

For her final day of outings, Kate wore a bright pink dress by the British brand RIXO, wedge heel espadrilles and carried a matching pink clutch.

William and Kate first paid a visit to Daystar Evangelical Church to hear first-hand what it was like to be on the island at the point the hurricane hit, and how people have come together to support each other during an incredibly difficult time.

Upon their arrival, William and Kate were greeted by local Members of Parliament Kirk Cornish and Pastor Silbert Mills. The couple then joined a discussion with local residents to hear about how the community has pulled together since the hurricane.

The couple also stopped by Abaco's Memorial Wall on March 26.

The royals also stopped by a Fish Fry — a quintessentially Bahamian culinary gathering place that is found on every island in The Bahamas.

During the outing, William and Kate met vendors who prepared a taste of Bahamian cuisine, including the local favorite – conch salad.

"That was lovely," Kate said after sampling the conch.

The Duchess of Cambridge even stepped behind the counter to make conch salad herself as Jade Adderley, a vendor at the Fish Fry in Dundas Town, Abaco, looked on.

"I'm not as fast as you!" Kate told him.

They also met locals on a royal walkabout. They were especially attentive to the younger children who came out to meet them.

At one point, William brought a young photographer to meet Kate. Kate, who is an amateur photographer, chatted with the young girl about her camera and they looked at her pictures together.

As the day wound down, Will and Kate visited The Grand Bahama Children's Home on March 26, pushing kids in swings on the playground.

Of course, Will got on the pitch for a round of his favorite sport! The Grand Bahama Children's Home provides a safe environment to about 30 vulnerable children, ages 1 to 17, who are not able to live with their families.

Upon their arrival, the Duke and Duchess were met by senior staff before being taken on a tour of the home by two older children. William and Kate then met children and a group of staff in the garden to hear about the challenges they have faced, notably during the pandemic and after the hurricane.

The royal dad was completely in his element as he played with children.

Kate admired some of the children's creations during the couple's visit.

Before the pair left, a selfie was in order!

On the final stop of their tour, Will and Kate met with staffers from 2021 Earthshot Prize winner, the Coral Vita Freeport Coral Farm, on Saturday. Coral Vita was the inaugural winner of the Revive Our Oceans Earthshot in recognition of the organization's work to give new life to dying coral reefs.

As the royals left the Caribbean, William released an unprecedented statement about the future of the nations he and Kate visited.

"I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future. In Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon," William said.

"Foreign tours are an opportunity to reflect. You learn so much. What is on the minds of Prime Ministers. The hopes and ambitions of school children. The day-to-day challenges faced by families and communities," William began his statement.

"I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future. In Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon. But we have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with communities in all three countries, understanding more about the issues that matter most to them.

"Catherine and I are committed to service. For us that's not telling people what to do. It is about serving and supporting them in whatever way they think best, by using the platform we are lucky to have.

"It is why tours such as this reaffirm our desire to serve the people of the Commonwealth and to listen to communities around the world. Who the Commonwealth chooses to lead its family in the future isn't what is on my mind. What matters to us is the potential the Commonwealth family has to create a better future for the people who form it, and our commitment to serve and support as best we can," he concluded.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge boarded their RAF VIP Voyager jet after wrapping their tour in The Bahamas. For her final appearance on the tour, Kate wore a belted yellow floral peplum dress by Alessandra Rich.

The pair said goodbye to the Bahamas and headed home for London on Saturday night.