Prince WilliamandKate Middletonmet with Jamaican hero Chris Stokes — the real-life inspiration behind the1993 hit filmCool Runnings— on Tuesday, and the athlete reflected on thecontemporary tensions surrounding the royal couple’s tour.
Taking a measured view of the royal family’s overarching role in history (both Jamaican and British), Stokes told PEOPLE, “It’s important not to lose sight of what the monarchy means to the British people — that is number one.”
He added, “People talk about reparationsand so on, which are worth discussing, but that should not take away from what you do in this moment we find ourselves in and what sort of future we seek to create.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton meeting with bobsleigh legend Chris Stokes during a visit to Trench Town, Jamaica on March 22.Chis Jackson-Pool/Getty Images
As for a growing movement toremove Queen Elizabeth, 95, as Jamaica’s head of state, Stokes told PEOPLE: “It’s unreasonable to think forever that the Queen or King of the moment will be head of state to far-flung countries. But having respect for the institution is important regardless of the role that it has here.”
Stokes said that William, 39, and Kate, 40, are carrying out “a tough job” representing the monarchy among sometimes unwelcoming crowds, but “you could see it wasn’t their first rodeo.”
Kate Middleton.Samir Hussein/WireImage
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“That’s important for the modern-day monarchy — they presented themselves with humility and graciousness,” he continued. “They knew a little bit more about us than we knew about them. They treated the entire situation with a great deal of respect which is important regardless of situation.”
“This is Jamaica, and we let strangers into our houses and make them feel at home,” he continued. “There is a tight bond between Britain and Jamaica that goes back hundreds of years. There has been colonialization, but also what one of our poets calls ‘colonialism in reverse.’ So, for example, three of the four athletes of our bobsled team are from the U.K. with Jamaican heritage. Children or refugees have been winning medals for Holland.”
Queen Elizabeth.Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty
Stokes emphasized, “We need to embrace a new tomorrow even though we don’t know what that shape is. But that means living together with respect.”
Stokes' tempered optimism, however, does not mean he’s papering over the past.
“Frankly,” he noted, “there are plenty of sins and blame to go round. As any family we must heal and go forward and as individuals improve ourselves. We have disagreements in families and between friends, but what isnotJamaican is not being gracious or treat our guests with respect.”
He added, “I just believe it is an important step to start from where you are today. The relevant question is what you do tomorrow.”
source: people.com
