King Charles III’s appearance at Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence Day parade took an unexpectedly wet turn when a tropical downpour swept across the grounds on Sunday, November 1.
The 77-year-old monarch and Queen Camilla, 79, were at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium for celebrations marking 45 years of the country’s independence. Charles wore a light-colored suit for the outdoor occasion.
Earlier that day, the couple had attended a service at St John’s Pentecostal House of Restoration. Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams and Bishop Ernest Flemming welcomed them, according to the Court Circular.
Charles had already visited the Bahamas and Guyana during his autumn tour. Camilla joined him for the Antigua and Barbuda leg, which combines local engagements with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Charles Asks for an Umbrella as Camilla Takes Cover
RT_India (@RT_India_news), November 2, 2026
Camilla was handed a transparent dome umbrella and escorted toward the royal seating. Charles remained exposed to the rain, turning toward aides and raising his arms while waiting for one of his own.
“Where’s the umbrella?” he repeatedly asked, according to the Press Association’s report published by ITV News. He also appeared to mime holding one as he signaled for assistance.
Once an umbrella arrived, Charles continued with the ceremonial inspection. Military personnel stood to attention on the cricket pitch, which had been transformed into a parade ground.
The crowd cheered when he returned from inspecting the troops, and he acknowledged them with a wave. The storm lasted around five minutes before the celebrations continued in dry conditions.
The King Jokes About Growing Watercress on His Suit
The King jokes with Prime Minister Gaston Browne after the downpour
The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily), November 2, 2026
Speaking afterward with Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Charles found a botanical comparison for the state of his clothes.
“I think I’m about to grow watercress on my suit,” he said in footage shared by the royal household and reported by Reuters.
Camilla also appeared to enjoy the lighter side of the incident. PEOPLE reported that the couple shared a laugh after the interruption.
The official schedule continued beyond the parade. Charles later received Browne and the governor-general in audience and attended the start of a cricket match at the stadium.
The Downpour Recalls His Frustration With a Leaking Pen
The footage brought back comparisons with another filmed mishap from the opening days of Charles’ reign.
On September 13, 2022, he was signing a visitors’ book at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland when a pen leaked onto his hand. He stood up and handed it to Camilla, who pointed out the spreading ink as he wiped his fingers.
The exchange took place during a visit following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, as SBS News reported at the time. Charles subsequently joked at another engagement about hoping his pen would work, acknowledging its tendency to let him down.
A Commonwealth Address Is Next on His Schedule
Charles is scheduled to address Commonwealth leaders on Tuesday, November 3. The visit has also renewed scrutiny of Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
The Associated Press reported that some Caribbean leaders want slavery reparations discussed at the gathering. Charles has expressed sorrow over the suffering caused by slavery but has stopped short of a formal apology.
Buckingham Palace’s itinerary also includes the Commonwealth opening ceremony and dinner, along with a reception the King will host for new heads of government.
Separate engagements announced for Camilla include visits to the American University and a local school. The tour is scheduled to conclude with the couple’s departure from Antigua and Barbuda on November 4.