The King met actor Sir Idris Elba unexpectedly at a historic tourist attraction in Antigua, where Elba said "sorry about the prime minister" amid renewed calls for the nation to become a republic.
Charles and Sir Idris encountered each other at Nelson's Dockyard, a historic naval base established in 1725, while attending separate events. The King had just set an engraved stone into a wall when he was reunited with Sir Idris, a goodwill ambassador for the King's Trust, who was hosting the One Commonwealth Night concert at the Unesco World Heritage Site.
Light-hearted exchange
"How are you?" the actor and knife crime campaigner said as he shook hands with Charles, and they greeted each other like old friends. The King asked "What are you doing here?" and, both laughing, Sir Idris replied "I get around", affectionately patting the King on the arm.
Elba added: "How are you doing though, are you having a good time? Sorry about the prime minister." It is understood the actor was referring to Antigua's prime minister Gaston Browne.
Republic calls and CHOGM
The King is in Antigua to deliver the keynote address opening the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) on Tuesday, expected to be dominated by the issue of a slavery apology and reparations. Browne reiterated on Sunday his personal wish to dispense with the British monarchy and for an Antiguan to be the head of state.
In an interview with ITV News, Browne said: "I can say to you, I am a Republican. So if you asked me about my personal view, I would like to see Antigua and Barbuda become a republic … but I have to recognise and accept the fact that there are certain constitutional provisions to become a republic, and that, ultimately, it is the decision of the people to determine whether or not we become a republic."
Elba's background and slavery issue
Sir Idris, who first found fame with the acclaimed US series The Wire, got his acting start thanks to a grant from Charles' Prince's Trust that helped him attend the National Youth Music Theatre. The 54-year-old celebrity, best known for his role as DCI John Luther in the BBC crime series, was knighted earlier this year for services to young people.
The issue of a slavery apology from Britain and the payment of reparations is likely to be the focus of discussion by world leaders attending CHOGM whose countries have endured slavery. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, in Antigua for the conference, has said he is open to "listening to calls for a formal apology" from those nations affected by the transatlantic slave trade but has ruled out considering financial reparations. In his address, the King is expected to speak about slavery with "unflinching honesty" and "sincere sorrow".
