King Charles was officially welcomed to Bermuda on Friday with a ceremony full of pomp and pageantry in the heart of the former capital St George's. Hundreds of school children and islanders gathered in King's Square to witness the event, which included a 21-gun salute and a guard of honour from the Royal Bermuda Regiment.
The King arrived in the British overseas territory on Thursday evening following a four-day state visit to the United States. During his time in America, he helped strengthen the UK-US special relationship, and President Donald Trump lifted tariffs on Scottish whisky after interventions by the Queen and King, seen as a parting gift.
Among the crowd was four-year-old Theo Godfrey, dressed in a red guardsman's tunic and imitation bearskin hat, purchased from the official Buckingham Palace shop two years ago. His mother joked that he has 'worn it ever since.' Many children waved Union flags as the King stood on a dais to receive the royal salute and remained motionless during the national anthem.
After the official welcome, Charles met the crowds, shaking hands with well-wishers as the military band played Bob Marley and the Wailers' song 'Jamming.' During his first full day on the island, the King is scheduled to visit Trunk Island's 'Living Classroom' environmental initiative, attend a reception at City Hall in Hamilton, and meet Muppets designer Michael Frith.
Later, at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Charles will watch a performance by the National Gombey Dance Troupe and end the day with a garden party at Government House, featuring a cross-section of people representing Bermudian life.
