King Charles' recent public mishap, dubbed 'umbrella-gate,' during a Caribbean tour was reportedly caused by an aide forgetting to bring an umbrella for the monarch, according to The Mail on Sunday. The incident occurred last Sunday as the King attended celebrations for the 45th anniversary of Antigua and Barbuda's independence.
Following a downpour at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, the King was seen waving and wiping his forehead, having been left without an umbrella. An equerry eventually provided him with a small, collapsible brolly, which a source described as likely coming from a guest in the official tent.
An insider told The Mail on Sunday that the King's umbrella had been left in the back of his car, which had then driven to the back of the stadium. A royal insider confirmed that several umbrellas were carried by staff for the remainder of the visit following the incident. The person responsible for the oversight, identified as a Personal Protection Officer, was reportedly 'spoken to.'
The King himself has reportedly taken the incident in good humor, with footage shared on the Royal Family's official Instagram account showing him joking to Antigua's Prime Minister Gaston Browne, "I think I'm about to grow watercress on my suit."
To prevent future occurrences, royal aides have reportedly created a new 'protocol' to ensure the King is prepared for inclement weather during public engagements. This new protocol involves multiple staff members carrying umbrellas during visits.
