Royal Visit to Antigua Marred by Sudden Downpour

An unexpected rain lasted only five minutes. An umbrella eventually provided to King Charles as he arrived for the CHOGM.

Sir Viv Richards, the legendary cricketer, met the King and Queen at the stadium bearing his name. He was also announced as an ambassador for the King's Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI).

Discussions at the CHOGM are expected to include Prime Minister Andy Burnham's offer to discuss a slavery apology from Britain. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley welcomed dialogue regarding a slavery apology.

Prime Minister Burnham ruled out financial reparations. He expressed only sorrow and regret for historic suffering.

Antigua's Prime Minister Gaston Browne personally seeks Charles's removal as his country's monarch. Browne insists the UK must pay reparations over slavery.

He claims that without compensation for the transatlantic slave trade, a repeat of those atrocities is likely.

Anglican Bishop Ernest Flemming spoke at a Commonwealth service during the proceedings. Queen Camilla is scheduled to address the opening session of the CHOGM Women's Forum.

She will deliver a message on ending gender-based violence.

A cricket match, part of the events, involved Heads of Government and Caribbean leaders. Sir Viv Richards reflected on his past, stating, "Well, to be fair, at this particular time, as you know, I was involved with the game of cricket in a big way."

He added, "That’s one I think that (is) a potential getting out delivery. So I leave that one alone OK."

Richards expressed his honor at his new role, saying, "I can’t tell you what an immense privilege it is to be asked and I have gladly accepted. I am delighted to help my country and these islands raise the profile in any way I can."