King Charles and Queen Camilla brave downpour at Antigua parade
King Charles was left calling for an umbrella as heavy rain swept across an independence parade in Antigua.
King Charles was left calling for an umbrella as heavy rain swept across an independence parade in Antigua.
The 77-year-old monarch and Queen Camilla, 79, had just arrived at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Sunday (01.11.26) when the sudden downpour interrupted celebrations marking 45 years of Antigua and Barbuda's independence.
Camilla, dressed in a white Anna Valentine gown, was quickly handed her familiar clear umbrella by a protection officer before making her way to covered seating.
But Charles remained on the exposed platform, lifting his arms and repeatedly asking his aides: "Where's the umbrella?"
His equerry, Major Ben Rigby, eventually hurried over with a small black umbrella.
Despite the soaking, the King carried on with his duties, inspecting members of the armed forces and police as they stood to attention on the cricket pitch.
The rain lasted around five minutes, and Charles was greeted with cheers when he returned from reviewing the troops.
He responded by waving to the crowd before making light of his wet clothes.
Charles joked: "I've started growing watercress on my trousers."
Camilla also saw the funny side after the rain affected her carefully prepared appearance.
The Queen laughed and told reporters: "I've given up."
The annual parade brings together military personnel and other uniformed groups to celebrate the Caribbean nation's independence from Britain in 1981.
The couple later met people honoured for their contributions to local communities, as well as four former West Indies cricket stars: Sir Viv Richards, Sir Richie Richardson, Sir Andy Roberts and Sir Curtly Ambrose.
Their visit forms part of a Caribbean tour that has also taken Charles to the Bahamas and Guyana.
The King and Queen are in Antigua and Barbuda ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which brings leaders together to discuss issues affecting the organisation's member countries.
Charles, who is Head of the Commonwealth, is scheduled to address the summit's opening ceremony on Tuesday (03.11.26).
The royal couple are due to leave Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday (04.11.26), bringing their Caribbean visit to a close.
