Kate and William should honeymoon in Caribbean

The wait to hear the site of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s honeymoon destination is reminding me of the build-up to learn who would host the 2018 football world cup. Australia is the sentimental favourite, with William teasing out this possibility, as he visited flood-ravaged areas 'down under'. 

I will proffer a vote on this matter which is likely to be as good as the two that England obtained in its ill- fated 2018 bid. The betrothed should make an island in the English- speaking Caribbean – any of its many marquee spots, in fact - the place for their romantic getaway.

Among these nations that were once British colonies, there are idyllic locations which offer sun, sea and rarefied air befitting VIP guests. The region has hosted royal newlyweds before. The late Princess Margaret spent her honeymoon on a six week Caribbean cruise and later kept a private home on the island of Mustique.

Not even a dreamy fool like me would think that such a momentous choice will be based solely on where Kate and William can have a fun time. Long before economists spoke about leadership by “nudging,” kings, queens and their heirs were speaking to subjects through auspicious events and symbolism.

So Prince William – a declared fan of South London-born rapper Tinie Tempah – will be aware that he is reflecting a piece of the zeitgeist through his choice of honeymoon destination. The future King could make an utterly conventional choice, such as a decision to honeymoon in Australia. Or, he could be thoroughly modern and party with his new bride under blue Caribbean skies, with the sprightly sounds of calypso music in the background.

In the islands of the Caribbean, where many still swear allegiance to the queen, the royal honeymoon would reinforce the institution of the British monarchy and recall the ties that bind through the Commonwealth. As the second in line to the throne, William could - through this gesture - signal an interest in raising the profile of the region.

For the Caribbean, the presence of the royal newlyweds would be a massive boost to its pitch as a community of tourism-dependent economies. The star dust that goes with a royal visit, would arrive just as it is reported that the Chancellor will ditch an increase of airport passenger duties in his budget - a tax that was potentially ruinous to travel from the UK to destinations in the Caribbean. The Caribbean: fit for royalty, even as it remains affordable.

Among the former British colonies that constitute the Commonwealth, there are many that can stake a claim for such a royal endorsement. India, for example, is increasingly a world tourism powerhouse and is otherwise lathered with attention, for its ascendant role in global commerce. Only last year, India hosted the Commonwealth Games. But put bluntly, they just can’t hoover up all the attention among the ranks of “emerging” economies. Other countries need a break too.

If Russia’s unlikely choice to host the 2018 world cup holds the promise of animating the growth of football in that country, so too would a royal Caribbean honeymoon signal an engagement with that region and offer a fillip to the tourist product. A Caribbean backdrop would also provide a blaze of colour to the royal wedding album.

Philip Dayle is a research fellow at the Runnymede Trust and a freelance writer who contributes to the Guardian. Follow him at Twitter.