King Charles III and Queen Camilla have departed Antigua and Barbuda, concluding an eight-day Caribbean tour that included visits to the Bahamas and Guyana, and participation in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Their Majesties were seen off at VC Bird International Airport by local dignitaries, including Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams and his wife, Lady Williams. The Royal Police Force Band played the national anthems before the King inspected the Guard of Honour.
While royal aides and diplomats have described the tour as successful in its aims to shore up trade deals and environmental initiatives, the visit was largely dominated by the contentious issue of slavery reparations. Calls for an apology and compensation from the British government for its role in the transatlantic slave trade intensified in the region leading up to and during the CHOGM.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham added to the debate by stating his willingness to engage in a "constructive dialogue" on an apology, though he ruled out financial compensation. This stance has emboldened some local politicians to press further for reparations.
The situation placed King Charles in a delicate position, as he serves as Head of the Commonwealth and Head of State for several Caribbean realms. This comes after Buckingham Palace had previously indicated that the constitutional monarch would follow government advice, which had been to avoid apologies or reparations.
Another notable moment of the tour, which gained significant social media attention, was dubbed 'umbrella-gate'. The King was captured on video gesturing animatedly for an umbrella while getting soaked during a parade in an unexpected downpour. He later lightheartedly commented on the incident to Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
Despite these controversies, attendees praised the King's energy and his long-standing commitment to environmental issues, a subject of particular concern for many Caribbean nations facing the threat of rising sea levels. King Charles reportedly felt "invigorated" by the tour and is set to resume a busy schedule of engagements in the UK, including Remembrance events.