Last year, ahead of Queen Elizabeth’s Jubbly, various Windsors were sent around to Commonwealth nations to “celebrate” Liz’s platinum year on the throne. Prince William and Kate were sent to the Caribbean on what became one of the funniest Flop Tours of all time. Their tour was full of tone-deaf colonialist imagery, chain-link fences, Kate backing away from Black people and the then-Cambridges getting fired live on camera in Jamaica. It was glorious. Then just a few weeks later, the Earl and Countess of Wessex were sent to the Caribbean too, to visit all of the countries Kate and William didn’t get to. The Wessexes made a big deal about how they wouldn’t f–k it up and then, you guessed it, they flopped too.
The thing is, even though the Wessexes’ Caribbean tour flopped just as badly as Will and Kate’s, barely anyone paid attention to it. There were fewer media outlets on the Wessexes’ tour and the photo-ops were more tightly controlled. Still, the dueling Flop Tours were enough to make the Windsors realize that they couldn’t go on their colonialist tours the same way anymore. Crash-cut to this year, where Princess Anne recently went to Australia and New Zealand and she barely got any attention whatsoever. Sophie and Edward said to themselves: that’s the way to do it, we’ll go on tour and not bring any media with us at all. And that’s exactly what they’re doing.
Sophie and Edward flew to the Cayman Islands for a tour this week. They’ve literally been there all week and I can’t find ANY photo agency covering the tour at all. The only people photographing them are the British embassies and the Cayman government. Part of this is about controlling the message, of course. But part of it is that… they’re really making the British taxpayer pick up the tab for their Caribbean vacations (I mean “tours”) and then they’re not opening anything up to the international media??
So is this the new model for how the Windsors do foreign tours now that King Charles is in charge? No-media tours with tightly controlled imagery from the government? That’s just… political propaganda. I mean, it always was.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Instar, Instagram, Backgrid, Cover Images.
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- North America Rights Only – Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia -20220428- Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex meet staff and students from a number of St Lucian schools, at Camille Henry Memorial school in St Lucia, as they continue their visit to the Caribbean, to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. -PICTURED: Prince Edward, Sophie Countess Of Wessex -PHOTO by: PA Images/INSTARimages.com Disclaimer: This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact INSTAR Images for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207. This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. INSTAR Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded For images containing underage children: Be advised that some Countries may have restricted privacy laws against publishing images of underage children. Inform yourself! Underage children may need to be removed or have their face pixelated before publishing
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- LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 22: Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Forfar and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on November 22, 2022 in London, England. This is the first state visit hosted by the UK with King Charles III as monarch, and the first state visit here by a South African leader since 2010.,Image: 739545265, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: NO UK USE FOR 48 HOURS- Fee Payable Upon reproduction – For queries contact Avalon sales@Avalon.red London +44 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles +1 310 822 0419 Berlin +49 30 76 212 251 Madrid +34 91 533 42 89, Model Release: no, Credit line: Avalon.red / Avalon
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- North America Rights Only – Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia -20220428- Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex meet staff and students from a number of St Lucian schools, at Camille Henry Memorial school in St Lucia, as they continue their visit to the Caribbean, to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. -PICTURED: Prince Edward, Sophie Countess of Wessex -PHOTO by: PA Images/INSTARimages.com Disclaimer: This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact INSTAR Images for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207. This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. INSTAR Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded For images containing underage children: Be advised that some Countries may have restricted privacy laws against publishing images of underage children. Inform yourself! Underage children may need to be removed or have their face pixelated before publishing
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- Manchester, UNITED KINGDOM – Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex visit Manchester ahead of the Queen’s funeral. The royal couple visit the Council’s book of condolence at Manchester Central Library to add their signatures, before moving on to view the floral tributes left in St Ann’s Square by locals in mourning. The pair will also visit Manchester Cathedral to light a candle for her late Majesty and view their books of condolence and meet with volunteers involved with managing the tributes. Pictured: Sophie Countess of Wessex BACKGRID USA 15 SEPTEMBER 2022 USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
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- London, UNITED KINGDOM – Celebrities seen on the red carpet for the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Pictured: Sophie Wessex, Sophie Countess of Wessex, Countess of Wessex BACKGRID USA 1 DECEMBER 2022 BYLINE MUST READ: BDC Images / BACKGRID USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
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- North America Rights Only – Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia -20220428- Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex meet staff and students from a number of St Lucian schools, at Camille Henry Memorial school in St Lucia, as they continue their visit to the Caribbean, to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. -PICTURED: Prince Edward, Sophie Countess of Wessex -PHOTO by: PA Images/INSTARimages.com Disclaimer: This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact INSTAR Images for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207. This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. INSTAR Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded For images containing underage children: Be advised that some Countries may have restricted privacy laws against publishing images of underage children. Inform yourself! Underage children may need to be removed or have their face pixelated before publishing
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- Royals Host State Banquet In Honor Of South African President State Visit To The UK Featuring: Earl of Wessex and Countess of Wessex Where: London, England, United Kingdom When: 22 Nov 2022 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages.com/Cover Images **North America Rights Only**
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- Royals Host State Banquet In Honor Of South African President State Visit To The UK Featuring: Countess of Wessex Where: London, England, United Kingdom When: 22 Nov 2022 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages.com/Cover Images **North America Rights Only**
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- North America Rights Only – Castries, Saint Lucia -20220426- Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex meet staff of the British High Commission residence in Castries, Saint Lucia as they continues their visit to the Caribbean, to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. -PICTURED: Prince Edward, Sophie Countess of Wessex -PHOTO by: PA Images/INSTARimages.com Disclaimer: This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact INSTAR Images for licensing fee and rights information at sales@instarimages.com or call +1 212 414 0207. This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. INSTAR Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded For images containing underage children: Be advised that some Countries may have restricted privacy laws against publishing images of underage children. Inform yourself! Underage children may need to be removed or have their face pixelated before publishing
Who invited them?
Any indication they are representing the despised tory government?
Isn’t this where all the shady business people and criminals hide their money? Sounds like an under the radar business trip to me to hide some assets.
Yep, or doing a big withdrawal for Charlie and his new coach and thrones!!
It’s where Armie Hammer was holed up during the pandemic. His family, who are shady business people, hide their money there.
Yes, and it’s British colony.
Actually, London is one of the biggest tax havens along with Delaware and many other places people wouldn’t suspect. These islands have tax treaties with the US and every person has to declare they are not an American Citizen subject to tax when setting up a bank account, regardless of nationality. You can’t open a bank account if you are not a resident.
Edward has done tours quietly with no international mention or photographers for the last twenty years and more, this isn’t a new strategy for them. It was then under the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme to hand out awards to school kids. His father used to do it when he was younger with no international mention either.
I don’t think anyone invited them. I think Charlie chinless is afraid that he is becoming a nonentity and is trying to micro manage every one. Poor little insecure king
He is insecure isn’t he. I wonder if Sophiesta and Edward were dangled a carrot, as in Edwards promised title, for this “tour”…..
As for the Waling’s, Chuckie couldn’t send them to the Caribbean as CopyKeen would have demanded an entourage of every RR in attendance. 🙄🙄🙄🙄
They are all insecure, horrible and insufferable people that haven’t given one thought about the people that they tax into poverty.
Bothsidesnow, yes, they are ALL insecure, that’s why they had to drive Megan out, and I honestly believe that if Harry had caved and stayed, he would be in one of two places by now, an asylum or Africa, because they would have made his life even more of a living hell than it was before he met Megan
I wonder if they gave out autographed photos of themselves again?
I spit out my water on that one!!! 🤣🤣
Hahahahaahhaha
I still can’t believe they did that. Do they really think that literally anyone wants a framed photo of those two? 😂
Cayman Islands are still a British Territory administered by UK. It’s not an independent country with the monarch as head of state. Maybe they’re doing a tour of British territories only? I think are are four or five, and they’re all major tourist destinations.
I think Bermuda is also a a British Territory administered by UK but I may be wrong.
Does anyone know about the status of the British Virgin Islands?
Just googled because I was curious. The BVI are a British Overseas Territory, as are the Caymans. There are 14 total BOTs, mostly Caribbean.
You’re correct about CI being a British territory. There are also the British Virgin Islands, Turks & Caicos, Montserrat, Anguilla, and Bermuda. Strangely enough, I think they use Eastern Currency (EC) Dollars as their currency but, like most English-speaking Caribbean countries, they do accept $US.
We have our own currency!
A waste of tax payers money, it has attracted zero publicity. Media houses will not waste money following them around because Edward and Sophie do not sell.
Anne and her husband were touring New Zealand a few days ago, a waste of money too ……zero publicity.
It sounds like an ideal trip. Lovely destination, good weather, a few appearances and no pesky journalists. I’ll happily volunteer my services for the next one.
I would be more interested in following your trip that Sophiesta’s visit Cyres 👀. Lordy she is the most boring of the mean girls
Dibs on the BVI!
Bunch of losers.
They are not going to be able to pull off zero media when the Waleses go to Australia.
Heads would roll but we know they would never do that. They like the press too much and the rota wouldn’t stand for it.
I’m guessing they try to go to Australia in the fall when the kids are on school break to take them.
They look like they’re enjoying themselves and didn’t recoil from Black people. Did Eddie Munster even know what he was looking at/for when he “inspected” the Honour Guard? Did C-Rex eliminate Sophie’s clothing allowance bc her shoe game is atrocious, as were some of those dresses. The white dress would have looked better with different shoes.
Looks like Eddie hadn’t bought a new suit since the 80s (or is that oversize, overlong style 90s?) & ooh, yeah, Sophie’s shoes are dreadful. I hope they bought something at that agricultural fair. Again we’re seeing them at people’s stalls with their wares on display–don’t waste their time, Sophie, buy something! Those handbags for sale are nicer than the one she’s carrying. And why is she holding a sales receipt in that first photo? It’s almost as long as a CVS receipt!
I saw somewhere that Eddie has taken to wearing George VI’s old clothes, so maybe that’s why his clothes fit so poorly?
@SueBarbri33 if that’s accurate I really don’t know what to think. Part of me finds it incredibly macabre for him to wear his grandfather who died 12 years before he was born clothes, even though I’m sure there’s nothing wrong with them and they’re high quality. Another part wonders if he does that because they literally won’t buy him any clothes? If that’s the case I sincerely hope they are pushing their kids to get a great education and jobs because depending on the largesse of this family?!!
so working royals don’t need to be covered by the rota everywhere they go? There’s not a “public interest” in having their events covered by this particular press pool? They can just go and travel and work and not having tabloid reporters covering their every move?
Huh. You don’t say.
Well I think it’s fair to ask what their work actually is if the PR component isn’t happening. Omid Scobie’s Yahoo column is about the pair this week, well tbh it’s about Harry and Meghan since they have replaced reporting focus that should be centered on working royals. Scobie said he could only find articles about Eddie & Sophie in Cayman Island publications.
I think it’s a better approach, if a Government of another country invites them, then they should go with minimum fuss. No issues here
I saw a few photos of this trip, and they both look stressed out. Not getting the DoE title must have really devastated them. Oh well!
The Caymens were where all the Brits from Jamaica fled to when it was no longer controlled by whites.
Be sure to check your hedge funds while there.
The real reason there are no photos from agencies is no one is interested in Sophie and Edward. this is nothing new or a new media strategy. The agency photographer who usually goes with them doesn’t seem to gone this time. Soon after Harry and Meghan left the royal rota did attend an engagement with Sophie but I guess they realised that she was not interesting to the editors or the public. And Anne is not required by the Palace to have the royal rota following her around. Harry and Meghan tried to get the same treatment as Anne and the Palace told them it was not possible.
Why is Anne not required by the Palace to have the royal rota following her around?
As the “Senior Female British Royal” after Queen Camilla, I do not understand why the royal rota is not required by the Palace to follow her around.
The royal rota are not interested in Anne, Edward and Sophie.
Isn’t it time to ditch the tiaras and sashes? They both look so out of it.
Has he lost a ton of weight? Or picked up a suit from Goodwill? That double breasted suit is so dated and huge!
The Rota usually doesn’t cover them, so this is business as usual for everyone involved. Their pictures do not sell and there’s zero interest in their exploits.
I wonder how they determine who the Rota covers.
The Cayman Islands, the Land of Banks. It makes sense King Charles wanted less press coverage as the conversations concerning offshore accounts would surface.
Sofia and Edward do not attract interest even when they’re amongst the family members. They are also the worst-dressed couple in that family. I saw a photo of Sofia wearing a hat resembling pheasant tails attached. Only the monarch and the heir enjoy all the precious gems and extravagance displayed at events.
I agree they need to abandon the tiaras and sashes while on tours in those Commonwealth nations.
I don’t think anyone in NZ knew Princess Anne was coming. Then she arrived just after a massive cyclone had devastated part of the country. She rededicated some memorial and visited a big library. Honestly, I was wondering why?! So yeah, low key visit. Did anyone in the Caymans know the Wessexes were turning up?
Two things strike me with this story. First, that Edward & Sophie despite being late 50s look better than W&K early 40s. Second, sadness at how these Commonwealth royal visits are now, quite rightly, perceived: inappropriate, condescending, and generating minimal interest.
How could the British Establishment have let a couple like Harry and Meghan leave? And how it must be regretted now – by said establishment, by the UK government and by Charles (and probably Anne and the older aunts and uncles).
The UK Foreign Office and the Prime Minister need to wake up now and row back on any planned tour of Australia by W&K.
Exactly.