#NotMyPrince: Why Prince Harry faces protests on Caribbean tour

Prince Harry touched down in Antigua yesterday for the start of a two-week tour of the Caribbean - but he faces republican protests after a social media campaign was launched under the hashtag #NotMyPrince.

Campaigners describe themselves as an "anti-colonial welcoming committee for the Prince" with the aim of "breaking the bonds of the Empire". They say they want to "resist colonisation of the mind" and have demanded an "apology and reparations" for slavery.

#NotMyPrince, which has borrowed its name from the #NotMyPresident campaign against Donald Trump, is centred in Barbados, where last year Prime Minister Freundel Stuart announced the island would drop the monarchy and elect a president to coincide with its 50th anniversary of independence on 30 November.

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However, reports the Daily Telegraph, the plan has been quietly postponed. "Instead of a president they will have to make do with an appearance by the 'Queen of Barbados', the singer Rihanna, at a concert attended by Prince Harry," adds the newspaper.

The #NotMyPrince movement has even quoted the words of Meghan Markle, Harry's new girlfriend, who has a black mother and white father, after she said: "You create the identity you want for yourself, just as my ancestors did when they were given their freedom."

The Times believes the trip has been overshadowed by the Prince's relationship with the US actress. Earlier this month, Prince Harry issued a strongly worded statement criticising the media for subjecting the Suits star to a "wave of abuse and harassment".

Meanwhile, Harry, who will visit seven Commonwealth countries during his trip, delivered a message from the Queen last night, congratulating Antigua and Barbuda on the 35th anniversary of its independence.

The visit is a diplomatic challenge for the royal, who is there as the Queen's personal representative, and is "likely to be the biggest test yet of his ability to win over the public", says the Telegraph.