We can be so proud of our royals

William and Kate have done our country proud in the Caribbean. The latest royal tour has not been without its controversies and missteps but the couple have used it as a learning experience.

In doing so, they have proved that they understand their chief duty – to serve.

In a statement, the Prince said: “Catherine and I are committed to service. For us, that’s not telling people what to do.

“Foreign tours are an opportunity to reflect. “You learn so much – the day-to-day challenges faced by families and communities.”

He and Catherine have pledged to listen, and respect the desires of the citizens of the Commonwealth – and to honour the wishes of countries who want to go it alone.

Their humble and dignified behaviour will make the Queen and the country proud.

A future without Her Majesty doesn’t bear thinking about. But think about it we must.

Her 70 years of service have been impeccable. She has been a beacon, the bedrock of the nation, underpinning a turbulent period in our history.

CARING

In times of war, in times of crisis, she has been the one we have looked to. Calm and precise but at the same time warm and caring, she is loved and respected by everyone from world leaders to schoolchildren.

She has already planned for our future – by naming Camilla as a future Queen.

The world will be very different by then, and even more so when William and Kate reign.

But we have already seen the signs we are in safe hands. Governments, statesmen and Prime Ministers are temporary but the royals go on, unchanging, unflinching in their devotion to the country – above the everyday squabbles and turbulence of politics.

William and Kate are on the right track. We and everyone else still in the Commonwealth will be fine under their stewardship.

They have proved that they are not just beloved here, but beloved across the world.

William’s statement continues: “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.”

No one could ask for more.