William & Kate A NEW ERA

THE COUPLE ARE DETERMINED TO PUT THEIR STAMP ON THINGS AS THEY SET ABOUT MODERNISING THE MONARCHY

- Kylie Walters

Between the fun and frivolity of visiting local markets and riding in a bobsled, there were heartbreaking reminders of Britain's colonial past - so it is fair to say that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's March Caribbean tour had its fair share of ups and downs. But the trip made one thing abundantly clear for Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton - it's time for a change.

"William and Kate were obviously hurt by the criticism of the tour and know that the royal family needs a shake-up in the future," a source told UK's Closer magazine.

The transformation of how William sees the monarchy working under his reign started before the pair had even headed for home. Ditching The Firm's mantra of'never explain, never complain', the prince, 39, delivered an emotional speech where he expressed his deep sadness for Britain's role in the slave trade while in Jamaica on March 23.

"It should never have happened," William said before throwing his support behind the country, which has declared its intention to pull out of the Commonwealth and become a republic.

The moving address is just the start of a more open and transparent approach for the prince, who is determined to make changes to ensure the royal family continues to thrive long into the future.