Prince Charles praises Jamaican contribution as Windrush shame hangs over UK

Prince Charles said: "The 800 Jamaicans who arrived in the Windrush came to symbolize an entire generation. Their courage, their ingenuity and their determination , along with those of their children and grandchildren, continue to shape and enrich our communities and our society.'

Prince Charles hailed the contribution of Jamaican immigrants to the UK (

Image: Reuters)

Prince Charles said Jamaicans' contribution to the UK was "immeasurable" as he celebrated the country's Diamond Jubilee.

Charles said the Jamaican diaspora "remains a vibrant, beloved and respected part of our society", and noted that the strong relationship between Britain and Jamaica has been "forged over centuries and continues to be strengthened by the myriad bonds between our people."

Charles went on to praise the Windrush generation - with shame at the UK's treatment of those who migrated to those shores that still hang over the country.

Jamaican politicians are currently considering relinquishing the Queen as head of state, as Barbados did last year.

The words of the heir to the throne were read by the Most Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, at a service of praise and thanksgiving in Birmingham to commemorate Independence Day from Jamaica.

Bishop of Dover, Rose Hudson-Wilkin (

Picture:

PENNSYLVANIA)

In his message, Charles said, "The contribution of Jamaicans to the life of this country has been immeasurable.

"The United Kingdom owes a deep debt of gratitude to the many Jamaicans who proudly served in the British Armed Forces in World War I and World War II, and to those who in 1948 sailed on the HMT Empire Windrush from Jamaica to the UK to help us rebuild our country from the ravages of war.