Sir Vivian Richards has accepted an invitation to become an ambassador for King Charles's Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) after meeting the monarch in Antigua.
Meeting at the Stadium
The West Indies World Cup winner met the King and Queen at the National Stadium that bears his name, ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this week. Sir Vivian appeared alongside fellow West Indies legends Sir Curtly Ambrose, Sir Andy Roberts, and Sir Richie Richardson for a private meeting with Charles and Camilla, followed by an Independence Ceremonial Parade at the stadium.
Greeting Sir Vivian like an old friend, Charles said it was "so good to see you again." Sir Vivian said: "Having the King here, on our island, as we host so many world leaders, is an important time in our history. The King is a great ambassador, not only for the commonwealth but also the young people, he's very, very invested in the future and that's the focus needs to be on."
Ambassador Role Accepted
Sir Vivian accepted the invitation on behalf of the King to be an ambassador for the SMI scheme, saying: "I can't tell you what an immense privilege it is to be asked and I have gladly accepted. I am delighted to help my country and these islands raise the profile in any way I can."
The King's Sustainable Markets Initiative, founded by Charles in 2020 when he was Prince of Wales, will deliver a number of key moments throughout the CHOGM programme this week. The partnership extends to the Commonwealth Business Forum 2026, as well as being partner for One Commonwealth Night and the CHOGM Leaders Cricket Match.
Rain-Soaked Ceremony
Earlier, the King joked he was "growing watercress on my trousers" after he and the Queen were drenched in a Caribbean torrent as they marked Antigua and Barbuda's 45th anniversary of independence. Charles and Camilla watched the islands' military and police personnel perform ceremonial drills and marches, but were soaked at the start of the evening.
Welcomed by the chief of defence staff, Brigadier General Telbert Benjamin, and the commissioner of police of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, Everton Jeffers, the King and Queen arrived to cheers in the stadium. Just as they took to the dais to take the salute, the heavens opened, with aides scrambling to find umbrellas. Camilla's brolly was located first, with the King angrily motioning for one as it took a few more minutes for the equerry to find him one.
A spokesperson for the Sustainable Markets Initiative said: "The partnership reflects the growing importance of sustainability, investment and private-sector action to the Commonwealth's future."
Speaking after his meeting, Sir Curtly Ambrose, renowned for his devastating pace delivered from a towering 6ft 8inch frame, joked with Charles "you look different in real life." He said: "Super happy to be here and a great honour to be asked alongside my countrymen. Whenever they call, I'll be there and ready to help in any way I can."
Charles also held a private meeting with the President of Kenya, William Ruto, who is the captain of the Wider Commonwealth Cricket Team, and President of Guyana, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who is the captain of the Caribbean Commonwealth Cricket Team. The King was invited to toss a commemorative coin to decide which side took to the field first in a five over match, which was followed by a ten over game between Commonwealth Future Stars Under-23.
