King Charles Gets Drenched by Sudden Rainstorm During Caribbean Tour

King Charles was caught in a torrential downpour without an umbrella on Sunday during a royal visit to Antigua and Barbuda, leaving the monarch soaked as celebrations marked the nation's 45th anniversary of independence.

The 77-year-old monarch stood in his beige suit at the Sir Vivian Richards cricket stadium while Queen Camilla was swiftly handed a transparent umbrella and escorted to a nearby royal seating area.

Television footage and photographs captured the King throwing his arms into the air and repeatedly asking aides for protection from the elements as rain lashed the parade ground.

"Where's the umbrella?" the King asked, according to reports covering the event.

Daily Mail royal editor Rebecca English said that it was prearranged for the Queen to move to the stands while her husband inspected troops at the ceremony, according to USA Today.

Members of the royal entourage eventually located an umbrella for the monarch, allowing the military proceedings and the inspection of service personnel to proceed.

The King later made light of the soaking when speaking with Prime Minister Gaston Browne and others.

"I've started growing watercress on my trousers," the King said, according to Metro.

NBC News reported that he made a similar remark in a video posted on the royal family's Instagram account, stating, "I think I'm about to grow watercress on my suit."

Queen Camilla also laughed off the downpour after meeting four West Indies cricketing knights later in the day.

"I've given up," she said, gesturing to her damp dress and dishevelled hair.

The rain interruption unfolded against the backdrop of a broader regional tour that has brought renewed attention to historical ties between Britain and the Caribbean.

Caribbean leaders have pressed for formal apologies and financial reparations regarding Britain's historical role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Buckingham Palace stated last month that the King would address past atrocities, though the British government advises against a formal apology due to potential legal implications.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has previously called for Antigua and Barbuda to transition from a monarchy to a republic with an Antiguan head of state.

The royal tour is scheduled to continue with further community engagements and meetings with Commonwealth leaders before concluding on November 4.