King Charles III was caught in a heavy downpour during a military parade at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua and Barbuda, where he was temporarily left without an umbrella. The incident took place during the royal couple’s Caribbean tour connected to their Commonwealth engagements.
As the rain intensified, Queen Camilla received an umbrella from Major Ben Rigby, the King’s aide-de-camp, and was taken to a covered area. Charles remained exposed for several moments before calling out: “Where is my umbrella?”
Cameras captured the King’s irritation, as well as Camilla laughing at the situation. She was seen opening her hands and shaking her head while struggling to contain her laughter.
Once under cover, Charles appeared to recover his sense of humour. Speaking to Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, he joked: “I think I’m going to start growing watercress in my suit.” An aide eventually brought him an umbrella.
The episode occurred during celebrations marking Antigua and Barbuda’s Independence Day. The country became independent from the United Kingdom on November 1, 1981, and the British King and Queen took part in the commemorations.
Sources: La Vanguardia.