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LONDON (Reuters) – Britain is a better place thanks to the “Gill Windrush” Prince William said on Thursday as the nation marked the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the first Caribbean immigrants after World War Two.
On June 22, 1948, A.P Windrush Empire The ship arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex, east London, brought the first of the hundreds of thousands of people who came to Britain between 1948 and 1971 to help rebuild the country after the war. To mark the anniversary, church services, processions and exhibitions honoring the cultural contribution of the ‘Windrush generation’ will be held in London and across the country, with events commencing at Tilbury Docks.
“Their contributions to Britain cannot be overstated,” Prince William, King Charles’ eldest son and heir, said in a video message.
“We are a better people today because the children and grandchildren of those who came in 1948 remain and become part of who we are in 2023. And for that we are eternally grateful.”
Many events will also acknowledge the prejudices that the Windrush comers and their descendants had to overcome.
Those who came aboard the German-built Windrush which had been captured by the British as a prize of war and renamed after an English river, spent their first nights in London sleeping deep underground in a shelter beneath. Clapham South underground station.
They then found jobs in the National Health Service or in the public transport systems, but many were victims of racism, with discrimination still to this day in some aspects of life.
In 2018, Britain apologized for its “appalling” treatment of Jill Windrush, after tightening immigration policy led to thousands being denied basic rights even though they had lived in Britain for decades, and dozens were wrongfully deported.
Event organizers said the 75th anniversary was seen as a moment to reflect on this mistake, as well as to celebrate the contribution of immigrants to British society.
“We know they struggled,” said William. “But they also experienced joy; and it really changed lives for them and their families.”
His father commissioned 10 portraits of 10 members of the Windrush generation as part of the festivities. These will be displayed at Buckingham Palace later this year.
“I think it is very important that we really see and hear these pioneers who came out of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury in June 1948,” King said.
Among the events on Thursday are a procession in Brixton, the area of ​​south London where many immigrants have made their homes, and services at London’s Southwark Cathedral and at Windsor Castle, which the monarch will attend.
On June 22, 1948, A.P Windrush Empire The ship arrived at Tilbury Docks in Essex, east London, brought the first of the hundreds of thousands of people who came to Britain between 1948 and 1971 to help rebuild the country after the war. To mark the anniversary, church services, processions and exhibitions honoring the cultural contribution of the ‘Windrush generation’ will be held in London and across the country, with events commencing at Tilbury Docks.
“Their contributions to Britain cannot be overstated,” Prince William, King Charles’ eldest son and heir, said in a video message.
“We are a better people today because the children and grandchildren of those who came in 1948 remain and become part of who we are in 2023. And for that we are eternally grateful.”
Many events will also acknowledge the prejudices that the Windrush comers and their descendants had to overcome.
Those who came aboard the German-built Windrush which had been captured by the British as a prize of war and renamed after an English river, spent their first nights in London sleeping deep underground in a shelter beneath. Clapham South underground station.
They then found jobs in the National Health Service or in the public transport systems, but many were victims of racism, with discrimination still to this day in some aspects of life.
In 2018, Britain apologized for its “appalling” treatment of Jill Windrush, after tightening immigration policy led to thousands being denied basic rights even though they had lived in Britain for decades, and dozens were wrongfully deported.
Event organizers said the 75th anniversary was seen as a moment to reflect on this mistake, as well as to celebrate the contribution of immigrants to British society.
“We know they struggled,” said William. “But they also experienced joy; and it really changed lives for them and their families.”
His father commissioned 10 portraits of 10 members of the Windrush generation as part of the festivities. These will be displayed at Buckingham Palace later this year.
“I think it is very important that we really see and hear these pioneers who came out of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury in June 1948,” King said.
Among the events on Thursday are a procession in Brixton, the area of ​​south London where many immigrants have made their homes, and services at London’s Southwark Cathedral and at Windsor Castle, which the monarch will attend.
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