King Charles III was caught in torrential rain during the 45th annual Antigua and Barbuda Independence Parade at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, repeatedly calling out "Where's the umbrella?".
The King and Queen Camilla arrived shortly before 6.30pm local time for the event, which is the centrepiece of the Caribbean nation's independence celebrations.
Rain interrupts parade
Within moments of stepping onto the dais, heavy rain began to fall. Camilla, wearing a white Anna Valentine gown, quickly asked her staff for an umbrella and, after gesturing several times, a personal protection officer brought her a clear umbrella. She then moved to sheltered seating to watch the rest of the parade.
The King, however, remained standing in the downpour, repeatedly asking "where's the umbrella?" while gesturing with his arms. Eventually, his equerry hurried over with a compact black umbrella as Charles walked to the centre of the cricket ground to inspect the Guard of Honour, with rain continuing to fall heavily.
Inspection and reception
Charles stood on a small dais as dozens of troops stood to attention on the cricket pitch, which had been transformed into a parade ground. He then moved off to inspect the service personnel while sheltering beneath the umbrella.
Upon his return, he was greeted with cheers from the crowds, mirroring the reception he received on arrival, and acknowledged their enthusiasm with a wave. The heavy downpour ceased as swiftly as it had started, lasting roughly five minutes and enabling the celebrations to continue in dry conditions.
Charles later quipped: "I've started growing watercress on my trousers."
Tour continues
Charles and Camilla then met prominent figures recognised for their contributions to public life across culture, sport, education and community service. Charles arrived in the Caribbean nation on Friday ahead of his opening of a Commonwealth summit on Tuesday, hosted by Antigua and expected to be dominated by discussions on slavery.
Charles is undertaking a nine-day tour of the Caribbean. Upon his arrival in the Bahamas on Tuesday, his first stop, the King acknowledged the "great suffering of the past" and confirmed that the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) would address the legacy of slavery.
