King Charles surprised crowds in the Bahamas as he joined a colourful street parade during traditional Junkanoo celebrations in Nassau on Wednesday (October 28), the second day of his Caribbean tour.
The 77-year-old monarch, wearing a light-coloured suit and sunglasses, shook a pair of maracas in the colours of the Bahamian flag as he moved along with dancers dressed in elaborate costumes and feathered headdresses. Crowds cheered as music filled the streets of Parliament Square, where locals had gathered to welcome him.
Junkanoo Celebrations and Cultural Significance
Junkanoo is a major part of Bahamian culture, with colourful street parades traditionally held around Boxing Day and New Year's Day. The King's participation marked a departure from royal formality as he swapped it for a bit of fun in the sunshine.
Earlier in the day, Charles visited the Bahamas Boxing Academy, where he watched young fighters sparring in the ring. He was presented with a T-shirt featuring a cartoon image of himself wearing a crown, boxing gloves and a championship belt. Jermaine Gibson, president of a neighbouring boxing club, told the BBC: "He loved it, he loved it."
Conservation Visit and Tribute
Charles also visited Bonefish Pond National Park, where he met students and learned about conservation work to protect the island's mangroves. The park, which was once a rubbish dump, now covers 1,235 acres and plays an important role in protecting the low-lying island from the effects of climate change.
Earlier in the day, the King paid tribute to four Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marines who died when their vessel was sunk by Cuban fighter aircraft in 1980.
Tour Context and Next Stops
On Tuesday, Charles acknowledged the suffering caused by slavery during a speech to young people in the Bahamas. A small group of protesters also gathered near Wednesday's parade, calling for reparations.
The Caribbean tour is Charles's first visit to the region since becoming King. He is due to travel to Guyana next before heading to Antigua and Barbuda, where Queen Camilla will join him for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
