5 Striking Photos of King Charles Braving the Rain in Antigua

King Charles and Queen Camilla attended Antigua and Barbuda's Independence Day celebrations on November 1, marking the country's 45th anniversary of independence. The royal couple joined the festivities at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, where Charles was expected to carry out a military inspection. However, a sudden downpour interrupted the proceedings, leaving the King caught in the rain. Despite the unexpected weather, the monarch pressed on with his duties, creating some striking moments captured on camera.

With no umbrella in sight, Charles seemed increasingly aware of the situation, at one point standing with his hand on his head as the rain soaked his suit. The King reportedly mimed holding an umbrella while repeatedly asking members of his entourage, "Where's the umbrella?" However, there was a reason for the delay. Antiguan custom required everyone to remain still during the national anthem, so his team couldn't immediately step away to get one. His equerry, Maj Ben Rigby, eventually came forward and handed him an umbrella.

Despite the wet weather, Charles did not let the downpour interrupt his public appearance. The monarch was seen raising his hand to wave at the cheering crowd, even as rain continued to fall on him and his already soaked suit. He carried on with the proceedings, acknowledging those who had gathered to see him rather than allowing the unexpected weather to get in the way of his duties.

While Charles was busy getting soaked, Camilla seemed to have a slightly easier time of it, thanks to the umbrella she had. The Queen had not joined her husband for the first part of his Caribbean tour and arrived in Antigua several days later. The couple looked happy to be reunited, even if the weather wasn't exactly welcoming. Camilla's reported fear of flying may have had something to do with her delayed arrival, as she has previously spoken about finding air travel frightening.

With an umbrella finally in hand, King Charles got on with the military inspection, walking across the stadium to review the assembled troops despite the heavy rain. He later stood to watch hundreds of young people march past in their cadet, scout and nursing uniforms to salute him. Another detail worth noticing was the red poppy pinned to his suit. Worn as a symbol of Remembrance, it honors those who lost their lives in service and recognizes the sacrifices of the Armed Forces. Its appearance was particularly fitting as November marks the annual Remembrance period in the UK.