The June visit to London by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams combined high-level diplomacy, cultural engagement and philanthropy, while helping to elevate Antigua and Barbuda’s international profile ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

In a detailed account of the visit, Lady Williams said the couple undertook a demanding schedule of engagements that began with preparations for the 10th Halo Foundation Ball, also known as Wings of Charity, before expanding into meetings with senior British officials, Commonwealth representatives and cultural institutions.

The charity gala, held at the Chancery Rosewood Hotel in Mayfair, attracted more than 400 guests, including invitees connected to preparations for CHOGM 2026. Funds were raised through live and silent auctions to support five charitable initiatives aligned with Antigua and Barbuda’s development priorities and partnerships across the Commonwealth.

Lady Williams said the event received significant support from the Calvin Ayre Foundation, PLH in Barbuda and the soon-to-open Moongate resort at Half Moon Bay. Guests were also introduced to locally made products, including handcrafted items and Antiguan gin, while performances by local musicians showcased the country’s creative talent.

She highlighted the Halo Foundation’s long-standing role in promoting emerging artists, recalling that internationally acclaimed cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason first gained wider recognition after performing at a Halo event before later being invited to perform at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Lady Williams also paid tribute to National Hero Sir Vivian Richards for his continued support of the foundation through donations of signed memorabilia to raise funds for charitable causes.

Outside of the fundraising activities, the official visit included attendance at Royal Ascot, where Lady Williams selected the Best Turned Out Horse and presented a cash prize to the winning stable, while Sir Rodney Williams presented trophies to winning teams.

The couple also attended an annual dinner at St. James’s Palace hosted by the Royal Drawing School before meeting United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Lady Starmer at 10 Downing Street. They later attended the Trooping the Colour ceremony, where they were seated alongside the British Prime Minister.

Lady Williams said she also used the visit to engage with museum authorities, charitable organisations and young Antiguans and Barbudans living in the United Kingdom, while exploring opportunities to secure funding for cultural and heritage initiatives.

One of the foundation’s immediate priorities, she noted, is raising support for the Generation Next Football Club to help create opportunities for local footballers in the international sports market.

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office in London also played a key role in the event by providing promotional gift bags and helping to attract travel wholesalers, retailers and travel writers. Major British media organisations were also invited to cover the gala.

Sir Rodney Williams said the mission reflected Antigua and Barbuda’s growing role on the international stage and its commitment to strengthening diplomatic, cultural and Commonwealth partnerships while preparing to host CHOGM 2026.

The Governor General and Lady Williams also commended Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Karen-Mae Hill, and her team for their support throughout the visit.

The programme concluded with engagements involving members of the Royal Household, Commonwealth officials and international business leaders, reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic and philanthropic outreach.

Lady Williams credited the volunteer team behind the Halo Foundation for helping to deliver the ambitious programme, saying their dedication made the mission’s success possible.