Queen Camilla was quick to find shelter when a torrential downpour interrupted her arrival with King Charles in Antigua, leaving her husband with one pressing question.
"Where's the umbrella?" the King repeatedly asked, throwing up his arms as rain fell over the Sir Vivian Richards cricket stadium.
The King joked he was “growing watercress on my trousers” after he and the Queen were drenched in a Caribbean torrent as they marked Antigua and Barbuda’s 45th anniversary of independence, at the nation’s annual independence parade.
© Getty ImagesCamilla was promptly handed a transparent dome umbrella and made her way toward the nearby royal seating. Charles, meanwhile, remained standing in the rain as members of his entourage worked to find one for him.
Queen Camilla heads for shelter during royal arrival
Footage shows the Queen stepping away from the small red-carpeted platform with her umbrella held overhead, accompanied by a uniformed officer.
Charles, wearing a beige suit and Camilla in a white Anna Valentine chiffon dress with gold embroidery, were then introduced to a group of “national honourees” – individuals recognised for giving distinguished service to the country and its people across public life, culture, sport, education, and community service. Joining him on the open dais again, Camilla and Charles laughed as they chatted to each other, Camilla gesturing to her wet, windswept hair and Charles to his soaked suit.
© Getty ImagesAs his wife moved toward cover, the King appeared to mime holding an umbrella, raising his hand while looking toward the people around him.
The brief scramble unfolded in front of the assembled service personnel, with the rain visibly falling across the stadium. Camilla later saw the funny side of the unexpected interruption. An umbrella was eventually located and handed to Charles, allowing the ceremony to get underway.
King Charles continues Antigua's independence celebrations
The weather did little to interrupt the military proceedings once the King had some protection from the downpour.
Charles stood on the dais while dozens of troops lined up on the cricket pitch, which had been transformed into a parade ground for the national celebrations.
He then stepped away to inspect the service personnel, sheltering beneath his umbrella as he made his way along the assembled ranks.
© AFP via Getty ImagesThe crowds cheered his return, giving him another warm reception after welcoming him on arrival. Charles acknowledged them with a wave.
The parade was a centerpiece of the couple's visit, with Buckingham Palace confirming their attendance alongside a church service celebrating the country's national occasion.
After watching view the parade’s closing ceremony, the King and Queen met four West Indies cricketing knights: Sir Viv Richards, Sir Richie Richardson, Sir Andy Roberts and Sir Curtly Ambrose. Just before meeting them in a room bearing Richards’ portrait, Camilla turned to a member of the media and laughed, gesturing to her damp dress and dishevelled hair. “I’ve given up” she laughed, shrugging her shoulders.
King Charles and Queen Camilla's Caribbean tour
The Antigua and Barbuda visit forms part of the royal autumn tour, which also includes the King's visits to the Bahamas and Guyana.
The couple's schedule brings together community engagements and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, where Charles is attending as Head of the Commonwealth.
© Getty ImagesTheir itinerary also includes Government House and a garden visit, while Camilla has separate engagements at the American University and a local school.
The tour is scheduled to conclude on November 4. Before then, Charles and Camilla are due to join Commonwealth leaders for the meeting's opening ceremony and dinner.
