King and Queen Depart Antigua After Caribbean Tour
Royal couple concludes eight-day visit with formal inspections and environmental initiatives, including a beach litter pick.
Carla Rooney
The King and Queen departed from Antigua today, concluding their Caribbean tour.
King Charles attended a banquet for Commonwealth leaders, his final official engagement. This event coincided with the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) during their visit.
Earlier, Queen Camilla and King Charles participated in a beach litter pick at Fort James beach. A band greeted the couple, who then learned about the local grassroots movement Adopt a Coastline.
Environmental volunteers collected 71 bags of rubbish from the beach in just two hours, Jennifer Meranto confirmed. The King also gesticulated for an umbrella during a shower while on parade.
71 bags of rubbish from the beach in just two hours.
The Royal Police Force Band played the British and Antiguan national anthems during the visit. King Charles also met Chantal Miller, a close friend of his goddaughter Fiona Compton.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham offered talks to discuss a slavery apology to affected nations, but ruled out financial reparations. Royal aides and diplomats claim the trip succeeded in its original objectives.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will fly home on the ministerial jet Voyager. The tour aimed to shore up trade deals in the region and initiatives in areas such as the environment.