King Charles III was caught in a torrential downpour during an official visit to Antigua and Barbuda as he attended an independence anniversary parade.
The sudden squall struck the royal couple shortly after their arrival at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The monarch, aged 77, was left stranded on an uncovered stage as rain swept across the arena.
Queen Camilla was quickly handed a clear umbrella and escorted away from the platform to take shelter. Charles was left standing alone in the heavy rain for a prolonged period, visibly irritated as he waved his arms and repeatedly asked for protection from the storm.
The King eventually secured an umbrella of his own before stepping forward onto the field to inspect the assembled troops. Spectators in the crowd cheered the drenched monarch as he braved the torrential weather to carry out the formal military inspection.
Reaction to the downpour
Queen Camilla could not hide her amusement when she rejoined her husband on the platform after the rain cleared. She was seen laughing as the royal couple reunited on the dais, according to a report by People magazine.
The King later made light of the incident as he attempted to dry his sodden formal clothes. While drying off, Charles joked with the Prime Minister of Antigua that he was going to start growing cress on his trousers.
Independence anniversary celebrations
The military parade formed the centrepiece of official celebrations marking 45 years of independence for Antigua and Barbuda. The Caribbean nation gained full independence from the United Kingdom in 1981, though Charles continues to serve as the country's reigning monarch and head of state.
The event took place at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The venue is named in honour of the celebrated Antiguan cricketer who led the dominant West Indies teams of the late 1970s and 1980s.
The ceremony was staged as part of an official royal tour of the Caribbean, marking the royal couple's latest joint appearance in the region.
