Downpour interrupts Charles and Camilla’s parade arrival

A downpour interrupted King Charles and Queen Camilla’s arrival at Antigua and Barbuda’s 45th annual Independence Parade, leaving the King in the rain while staff found him an umbrella. The couple arrived at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium for the ceremony, where rain began as they stepped onto the dais. Camilla was handed a transparent umbrella and moved toward the sheltered seating area. Charles remained outside as members of his entourage searched for one, repeatedly asking where the umbrella was, according to accounts of the event. An umbrella was eventually brought to Charles. He continued with the ceremony, inspecting assembled service personnel beneath it as they lined up on the cricket pitch, which had been prepared as a parade ground. The crowd cheered when he returned, and he waved in response. After getting soaked, Charles joked that he was growing watercress on his trousers. The rain was reported to have lasted about five minutes, after which the celebration programme continued in dry conditions. The parade marked the country’s independence anniversary and brought together military and uniformed units for ceremonial proceedings. The King and Queen later met people...