King Charles III arrives in Antigua and Barbuda for historic Royal Visit
The Monarch’s arrival marks his first visit to Antigua and Barbuda as King, with the country preparing to welcome Commonwealth leaders for CHOGM.
By Cory Wayland
The Union Jack flew proudly as King Charles III stepped onto Antiguan soil on Friday evening, beginning a Royal Visit that places Antigua and Barbuda in the international spotlight ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
The aircraft carrying the Monarch touched down at V.C. Bird International Airport at 7:48 p.m., where a formal welcoming party of national dignitaries and officials awaited his arrival.
Among those gathered were Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams, Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Minister Maria Browne.
The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Band provided the musical accompaniment to the ceremony, performing “God Save the King” and “Fair Antigua and Barbuda” as His Majesty stood on the dais.
Friday’s arrival carries particular significance as it marks King Charles III’s first visit to Antigua and Barbuda since ascending the throne. His previous visit was in 2017, when he travelled to the country as the Prince of Wales.
The King will be joined by Queen Camilla during the visit, which comes as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), bringing together leaders and representatives from across the Commonwealth.
The Royal Visit also coincides with the nation’s 45th anniversary of political independence, adding another layer of significance to an already important period in the country’s calendar.
The ceremonial setting was complemented by the Union Jack emblazoned on the tail of the military aircraft and the formal attire of members of the parade, providing a fitting backdrop for the Monarch’s arrival.
Antigua and Barbuda represents the final Caribbean stop on the King’s autumn tour, following his visit to The Bahamas on October 27. His regional engagements will be followed by a State Visit to Guyana.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/10/30/king-charles-iii-arrives-in-antigua-and-barbuda-for-historic-royal-visit. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
About the author
Cory Wayland is the Social Media Co-ordinator at Antigua.News, where he manages digital content strategy, audience engagement, and real-time news publications across social platforms. With a keen eye for trending topics and a commitment to factual storytelling, Cory plays a key role in shaping the online voice of Antigua.News.
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Comments (2)
Shame October 30, 2026, 9:58 PM
I hope he walked with our money
ReplyIrish till I die October 30, 2026, 10:00 PM
The Union Jack flew proudly to remind you all you are still living a colonial mindset. No independence of thought … are you proud to be forgetting slavery and colonialism. Wake up and see you are being taken as a docile and unimportant nation.
Reply