The King was officially welcomed to Bermuda with a ceremony full of pomp and pageantry.
Charles stood in the heart of the British overseas territory’s former capital St George’s for the event watched by hundreds of school children and islanders.
A 21-gun salute heralded the King’s arrival in the aptly named King’s Square, where a guard of honour was waiting and he was received by the Commanding Officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Simons.
Charles arrived in Bermuda on Thursday evening after a four-day state visit to America where he helped put the UK-US special relationship on a firmer footing.
The monarchy’s soft power diplomacy is seen as its strongest weapon in support of the UK’s overseas interests and it appears his host President Donald Trump was won over.
A parting gift came from the US leader who lifted tariffs on Scottish whisky after an intervention by the Queen and King.
Some of the islanders had come prepared for the royal visit, with one little boy, Theo Godfrey, aged four, dressed like a guardsman in a red tunic and imitation bearskin hat, and many of the children lining the square waved Union flags.
His mother purchased the outfit from the official Buckingham Palace shop two years ago and joked “he’s worn it ever since!”
Charles stood on a dais as the royal salute was given by the troops and remained motionless as the national anthem was played by a regimental band.
Parade Commander, Major Kenji Bean invited the King to inspect the guard of honour and he walked with Charles as he strode past the troops.
After the official welcome, the King went to meet the crowds shaking hands with well-wishers as the military band played Bob Marley and the Wailers song Jamming.
During the first full day of the tour, the King will visit Trunk Island, home to the “Living Classroom,” an initiative which helps young people understand the island’s ecosystem and encourages environmental stewardship.
In the capital Hamilton, Charles will be received at City Hall by the Premier of Bermuda and the Mayor of Hamilton, who will present local councillors.
Charles will also meet Bermuda-born Michael Frith – designer of many of the Muppets characters – and his wife, Kathryn Mullen, who will briefly showcase their internationally acclaimed puppetry work and explain the Bermudian inspiration behind aspects of their work.
At the Royal Naval Dockyard, the King will visit the Keep Yard and join members of the public to watch a performance by the National Gombey Dance Troupe.
Charles will end the day with a garden party at Government House featuring a cross-section of people representing Bermudian life.
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