A Royal Welcome and a Commonwealth Celebration

Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla concluded their visit to Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. The visit, which began with the King’s official arrival on Friday, 30 October, coincided with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 and brought Their Majesties into contact with the country’s culture, history, communities and natural environment.

Across the programme, Their Majesties met community organisations, young people, educators, artists, environmental groups and leaders from across the Commonwealth.

The engagements reflected Antigua and Barbuda’s heritage and national identity, as well as the work taking place to support education, community service, environmental stewardship and opportunity for young people.

On Sunday, 1 November, Their Majesties attended a church service at St. John’s Pentecostal House of Restoration and later joined the Independence Ceremonial Parade at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The parade marked the country’s 45th anniversary of Independence and celebrated the service and achievements of Antiguans and Barbudans. The King also met the Prime Minister and the Governor-General and took part in the Commonwealth Cricket Celebration, including the ceremonial coin toss for the Heads of Government match.

The following day, Their Majesties visited Government House, where they met representatives of charitable organisations, uniformed youth groups and education initiatives.

They viewed the Government House Art Gallery and Museum, including an exhibition on the history of Antigua and Barbuda, and unveiled a plaque marking the restoration of Government House. The visit also recognised the contribution of local artists, students and craftspeople.

At Agave Gardens, Their Majesties learned about the Antigua and Barbuda Horticultural Society’s work in seed preservation, drought-resistant planting and horticulture. They met traditional seedworkers and local artisans and heard how heritage plants and locally sourced products support food security, livelihoods and the preservation of traditional skills.

The Queen later attended the CHOGM Women’s Forum at the American University of Antigua, where she met organisations working to prevent violence against women and girls. The King visited Nelson’s Dockyard to learn about heritage conservation, coral restoration and efforts to address sargassum. He also supported the launch of the Commonwealth Nature Initiative and attended the Commonwealth Business Forum at the Sticky Wicket, where he met Commonwealth leaders, business representatives and investors.

On Tuesday, 3 November, Their Majesties attended the opening of CHOGM at the National Performing Arts Centre. The Queen visited Princess Margaret School, where she met students participating in a Queen’s Commonwealth Writing Competition workshop and viewed a student art exhibition. The King attended a reception for newly appointed Heads of Government at Weatherills, while Their Majesties also took part in an oceans engagement at Fort James Beach, meeting people working in coastal protection, marine conservation and water safety.

The day concluded with Their Majesties hosting a dinner for Commonwealth Heads of Government at Blue Waters Resort. The occasion brought together leaders and delegates from across the Commonwealth during Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of CHOGM.

The dinner marked the close of a programme through which Their Majesties experienced the people, culture and ambitions of Antigua and Barbuda and joined Commonwealth leaders in the host nation.