The King and Queen left Antigua this morning after a successful Caribbean visit, despite the intensifying dispute over reparations and the incident that became known as ‘umbrella-gate’.
The couple said goodbye at the island’s airport to Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams and his wife, Lady Williams, along with Chief of the Defence Staff Brigadier General Telbert Benjamin and Everton Jeffers, Commissioner of Police of the Royal Police Force.
The Royal Police Force Band performed God Save The King before playing the National Anthem of Antigua and Barbuda. The Grand Commander then ordered a salute, after which the Royal Standard and the flags of the United Kingdom and Antigua and Barbuda were lowered.
King Charles inspected the Guard of Honour before Their Majesties boarded the Government’s RAF Voyager aircraft at VC Bird International Airport.
Charles, 77, had spent eight days travelling, making a royal visit to the Bahamas and a state visit to Guyana. Queen Camilla, 79, joined him in Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, known as Chogm.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave as they leave Antigua and Barbuda this morning
King Charles III and Queen Camilla prepare to board their aircraft in Antigua and Barbuda
The King and Queen are seen off as they depart Antigua and Barbuda
The King and Queen attended the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
Royal aides and diplomats have described the tour as highly successful in meeting its original aims, including strengthening regional trade agreements and advancing initiatives in areas such as the environment. However, the visit was overshadowed by the increasingly heated debate over whether the British government should apologise for the country’s historic role in the transatlantic slave trade and pay billions in compensation.
The issue had been gathering momentum in the run-up to Chogm, as calls grew across the Caribbean for Britain to take action.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham unexpectedly intensified the debate on the eve of the conference by saying he was prepared to begin a constructive discussion about an apology. His comments went further than those of any previous British political leader.
Although Burnham ruled out the possibility of an accompanying financial payment, Caribbean politicians have seized on his remarks and are now openly demanding that the UK pay reparations.
The dispute has left Charles, both head of the Commonwealth and head of state in several Caribbean realms, in a difficult position. Buckingham Palace had said only days earlier that, as a constitutional monarch, he would follow government policy—which at that stage was firmly opposed to both an apology and reparations.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham speaks to the media in St John’s, Antigua, this morning
Andy Burnham attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua
Another widely discussed moment from the tour was ‘umbrella-gate’, when the King appeared to gesture angrily for an umbrella after being drenched by an unexpected shower during a parade.
He later joked about the episode with Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, telling him that he was so wet he could grow watercress on his trousers. The moment nevertheless quickly spread across social media.
Those who met the King also praised his energy and enthusiasm, as well as his lifelong commitment to environmental issues. Climate change is a particular concern across the Caribbean and the Commonwealth, where many nations face serious risks from rising sea levels.
Charles is said to have returned from the tour feeling ‘invigorated’ and is expected to resume a demanding programme of engagements in the UK, including official Remembrance events.
In a post shared by the Royal Family account this afternoon, Charles wrote: ‘As my wife and I depart the Caribbean, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the people of The Bahamas, Guyana, and Antigua and Barbuda for the warmth of their welcome and the many kindnesses they have shown us throughout this tour.
‘After three nations, four speeches, nine days, more than 40 different engagements and countless hands shaken in firm friendship, I return home with so many treasured memories… and one slightly damp suit! Charles R.’