King Charles left the Bahamas this morning having seemingly won over hearts and minds. He arrived as the country's head of state, but with strident demands for a formal apology over Britain's historic links with slavery and reparations ringing in his ears. But during his two days in the country, only a handful of protesters showed up and local media barely covered the issue at all. Most - informally at least - seemed touched by the way in which Charles had so enthusiastically embraced Bahamian culture: from his use of the local phrase 'I reach, Amen' (meaning 'I am here') - which had the crowds at a youth rally screaming their approval hours after his arrival - to his joyful impromptu dancing at a traditional Junkanoo parade. One onlooker said: 'He really seemed to have done his homework. We appreciate that.' Another added: 'His Majesty has moves!' King Charles wowed everyone with his dance moves at a Junkanoo parade in Parliament Square in Nassau yesterday Only a handful of protesters showed up and local media barely covered the issue of Britain's links to slavery at all during the King's visit. Pictured: Members of the Ethiopian African Black International Congress in Nassau on Wednesday Royal aides acknowledge that there may be difficult conversations to come, but it is clear that His Majesty is leaving with a spring in his step as he heads into Guyana today and onto Antigua and Barbuda on Friday for the remainder of this three-country Caribbean tour at the request of the British government. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said of the visit: 'His Majesty was delighted to return to the islands, which have such a special place in his heart. 'You will have seen the immense pleasure it gave him to be there, right across all elements of the programme, and I know he was deeply grateful for the warmth and scale of the welcome he received from so many people - including from The Prime Minister, of course. 'The great wall of cheers he received when greeting crowds will echo long in his memory - and be a source of tremendous pride and encouragement as the tour continues to Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda.' They added: 'The Youth Rally performances and the Junkanoo were particularly joyful standout highlights - but I don't think anyone had expected him to get so swept up in the carnival spirit that he would actually join the parade. 'Such a moment aside, as The King had hoped, the visit proved an opportunity to celebrate and reaffirm the modern partnership between The Bahamas and the UK, to address the shared challenges of the future and also to acknowledge the great injustices of the past in a respectful way. The King shook hands with representatives of community and voluntary organisations during a garden party in Parliament Square in Nassau 'In that sense, I think most would agree the Visit has been both a sensitive balancing act and a strong diplomatic success.' The King departed from Lynden Pindling International Airport, where he was received by the Acting Chief of Protocol, Celest Evans-Williams, before bidding farewell to the Governor-General, Dame Cynthia Pratt, and Prime Minister Philip Davis, with whom he appeared to have got on famously. Proceeding to the Parade Area, the King greeted Commissioner of Police, Shanta Knowles, and Commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Commander Floyd Moxey. A Guard of Honour presented arms and formed a Royal Salute, while the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence bands played their National Anthem. The King will arrive on the official RAF government plane in Guyana later for a two-day state visit at the invitation of the President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who will also be greeting him personally. While he has been among the loudest voices calling for formal British acknowledgement of, and compensation for, its role in the historic transatlantic slave trade, he also enjoys a warm relationship with the King as the pair have bonded over Charles' passion for the environment. Indeed, the monarch has worked extensively to help protect Guyana's huge forest regions and President Ali repaid the favour by appearing in the recent Harmony documentary to thank Charles for his work. The King will also be greeted in Guyana by Ambassador Ivan Evelyn and British High Commissioner, Joseph Fisher, alongside the UK's Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who has flown out for talks on the back of the trip. Guyana is Britain's biggest trading partner in the Caribbean. Tonight, the King and President Ali will hold talks before attending a State Reception in the garden of State House marking 60 years of bilateral relations between the two nations. The King will view a performance of music and dance reflecting the Guyanese culture, before greeting guests, including Guyanese changemakers, parliamentarians and politicians, Chevening and Commonwealth scholars, and British members of the Guyanese diaspora community. READ MORE: Heir force one! King Charles shares rare glimpse onboard luxurious government private jet - which costs £2,000 per hour to run
King Charles has moves! Monarch leaves Bahamas with his dancing hogging the headlines despite calls for slavery apology and reparations
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