Idris Elba and King Charles reportedly shared a light-hearted moment during a surprise meeting in Antigua. It was reported that the “Luther” star joked with the monarch about the rain. However, the remark was seemingly interpreted differently by some reports.
Idris Elba and King Charles engage in fun chat at Nelson’s Dockyard
Idris Elba’s “sorry about the rain” remark to King Charles at Nelson’s Dockyard has been clarified, as per a source. According to HELLO!, Elba met Charles at Nelson’s Dockyard on November 2. The King was touring the site ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
The actor was reportedly attending an event there. Charles had just placed an engraved stone into a wall before the pair greeted each other. Elba shook the King’s hand and asked, “How are you?” Charles reportedly responded, “What are you doing here?” The actor replied, “I get around,” with both men laughing. He also patted the King on the arm.
The conversation then seemingly turned to how the visit was going. HELLO! reported that Elba had said, “Sorry about the rain.” However, various reports seemingly interpreted the remark as “sorry about the prime minister.” That prompted speculation that he was referring to Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
For context, Burnham reportedly said he was open to discussing a formal British apology for the transatlantic slave trade, while ruling out financial reparations. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the move. She argued that it risked putting pressure on the King ahead of his address to Commonwealth leaders.
Meanwhile, the weather had already interrupted the royal visit. On Sunday, Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, were reportedly caught in a downpour at Antigua and Barbuda’s independence celebrations. The King briefly waited for an umbrella before inspecting the troops.
Elba and Charles’ familiarity follows years of shared charity work. As a teenager, the actor had received a £1,500 grant from the then Prince’s Trust to attend the National Youth Music Theatre. He has since worked with the King on youth initiatives. Charles also presented him with his knighthood at Windsor Castle in June. “I am a product of intervention,” Elba has famously said.
