The Duke of Cambridge has said that the future of Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas is "for the people to decide," adding that he and the Duchess are "committed to service… not telling people what to do."
PHOTOS: Prince William and Kate visit Bahamas island affected by hurricane on final day of royal tour
Sharing his reflections on their eight-day Caribbean visit, Prince William said: "Foreign tours are an opportunity to reflect. You learn so much. What is on the minds of Prime Ministers. The hopes and ambitions of school children. The day-to-day challenges faced by families and communities.”
WATCH: Prince William addresses future of Commonwealth in speech
Referring to the debate over whether each of the three nations might break away from the British monarchy to become republics, he said: "I know that this tour has brought into even sharper focus questions about the past and the future.
READ: Prince William and Kate 'FaceTimed' their three young children during royal tour
GALLERY: 16 times the royals couldn't believe their eyes
"In Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas, that future is for the people to decide upon. But we have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with communities in all three countries, understanding more about the issues that matter most to them."
The future king continued: "Catherine and I are committed to service. For us that's not telling people what to do. It is about serving and supporting them in whatever way they think best, by using the platform we are lucky to have.
"It is why tours such as this reaffirm our desire to serve the people of the Commonwealth and to listen to communities around the world."
William spoke at an event in the Bahamas
And he stressed that he is not focussed on becoming a future leader of the Commonwealth himself, as his grandmother the Queen has been for 70 years.
READ: Kate Middleton and Prince William's flirty exchange on tour revealed
SEE: Prince William and Kate look so in love in rare PDA moment in The Bahamas – photos
"Who the Commonwealth chooses to lead its family in the future isn't what is on my mind," he said. "What matters to us is the potential the Commonwealth family has to create a better future for the people who form it, and our commitment to serve and support as best we can."
The royals have been enjoying the final day of their tour
The royal visit has been rocked by controversy at various points over the past week, with small but vocal protests from campaigners calling for an apology and reparations from the UK over the historic slave trade.
GALLERY: Prince William and Kate dazzle at Bahamas reception on last night of royal tour – best photos
At a speech in Jamaica, the Duke expressed his "profound sorrow" over the issue, describing slavery as "abhorrent" and saying "It should never have happened."
William and Kate depart The Bahamas tonight to return to the UK in time for a Mother's Day reunion with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Make sure you never miss a ROYAL story! Sign up to our newsletter to get all of our celebrity and royal news delivered directly to your inbox.