Queen Camilla received a very wet welcome to Antigua and Barbuda. The royal joined King Charles for the latest stop on their Caribbean tour, but a sudden downpour disrupted their arrival. The rain soaked both royals during an independence parade. However, Camilla eventually saw the funny side and declared, “I’ve given up.”
Queen Camilla says “I’ve given up” after getting soaked with King Charles in Antigua
According to The Telegraph, the downpour hit as King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a parade at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on November 1.
The event marked the 45th anniversary of Antigua and Barbuda’s independence.
An aide quickly handed Camilla a clear umbrella, and she headed toward covered seating. Charles, meanwhile, remained in the rain for several moments.
Video from the event showed the King lifting his arms and repeatedly asking, “Where’s the umbrella?”
Eventually, an aide rushed over with a small black umbrella. By then, the rain had already soaked Charles. Still, he continued with the ceremony and inspected members of the armed forces and police. He later joked about his drenched trousers.
“I’ve started growing watercress on my trousers,” Charles quipped.
Camilla had her own response. After the rain dampened her dress and hair, she laughed and told reporters, “I’ve given up.”
The incident came after Camilla skipped the earlier legs of the trip. Reports cited her long-known dislike of flying as one reason she joined Charles in Antigua and Barbuda.
Charles had already visited the Bahamas and Guyana before Camilla arrived. During that stretch, he also spoke about Britain’s colonial past amid sensitive discussions surrounding his Caribbean tour.
The Antigua visit also coincides with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Charles will attend as head of the Commonwealth before the tour concludes on November 4.
Despite the unexpected downpour, both royals continued with their engagements. Their lighthearted reactions added a memorable moment to the Caribbean tour.
