King Charles's "umbrella-gate" moment, where he was left soaked in a downpour during a Caribbean tour, was caused by an aide leaving his umbrella in the car, The Mail on Sunday has revealed. The incident occurred last Sunday during celebrations marking the 45th anniversary of Antigua and Barbuda's independence.
Following a review of the event, a royal insider explained that the King's umbrella was still in the vehicle when it was parked at the back of the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Charles had already been dropped off for the ceremony when the rain began.
The viral footage showed the King, clad in a light beige suit, wiping his forehead and gesturing to his entourage during the sudden storm. An equerry eventually provided him with a small, collapsible umbrella.
To prevent future occurrences, royal aides have reportedly implemented a new protocol. Several umbrellas will now be carried by staff during public visits. The insider noted that following the incident, "several umbrellas were carried by staff after that for the remainder of the visit."
King Charles has reportedly taken the mishap in good stride. The Royal Family's official Instagram account later shared footage of him joking with Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, saying, "I think I’m about to grow watercress on my suit."
The individual responsible for the oversight, identified as belonging to the Personal Protection Officers, was spoken to, although the driver was not reprimanded. The umbrella provided to the King during the ceremony was thought to have come from one of the guests in the official tent.