King Charles left visibly fuming as torrential downpour intrerrupts Antigua independence parade

Queen Camilla, by contrast, was swiftly provided with a see-through dome umbrella and ushered to the nearby royal seating area, later seeing the humour in the situation.

Charles was spotted gesturing as though holding an umbrella overhead, repeatedly asking those around him: “Where’s the umbrella?”

He threw his arms up in exasperation before one was finally located and handed over.

With the umbrella at last in hand, the military-themed programme of events got under way.

The King took his position on a small dais while dozens of service personnel stood to attention on the cricket pitch, which had been transformed into a parade ground.

He then moved off beneath his umbrella to carry out an inspection of the troops assembled before him.

Upon his return, the gathered crowds greeted Charles with enthusiastic cheers, mirroring the warm reception he had received on arrival.

The King acknowledged the spectators’ support with a wave as the celebrations continued around him.

The sudden cloudburst proved mercifully short-lived, lasting roughly five minutes before clearing and allowing the rest of the festivities to proceed under dry skies.

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Despite his soaking, Charles maintained his characteristic good humour throughout the episode. He later quipped: “I’ve started growing watercress on my trousers.”

The remark drew amusement from those around him, much as the initial umbrella mishap had entertained Queen Camilla.

The brief interruption did little to dampen the spirit of the occasion, with the independence anniversary celebrations carrying on as planned once the rain had passed.