King Charles may have let his frustration slip as the heavens opened up in a heavy downpour during his welcome in Antigua last week, but he proved there were no hard feelings for the rain. The monarch, along with his wife Queen Camilla, concluded a 9-day royal tour of the Caribbean with a banquet for Commonwealth leaders in Antigua.

While delivering a speech, the King addressed the umbrella incident, now being dubbed as 'rain-gate'. Charles, who is the head of the Commonwealth, called the 84 dignitaries the "family of nations" and one of the "world's more improbable organisations".

"It is one of the few organisations able to unite countries famous for snow, countries famous for deserts, and, most of all - countries whose citizens are utterly convinced they enjoy perfect weather all year round," he said. "Although perhaps part of my role as head of the Commonwealth is to provide an umbrella for you all!" The witty joke was well received as laughter echoed through the hall, followed by a round of applause.

The King also appeared pleased with himself and did not hesitate to crack a joke at his own expense. This lighthearted moment served to ease the tension of the formal proceedings, highlighting the monarch's ability to connect with his audience through humor.

The royal tour, which spanned several islands, was aimed at strengthening ties between the British monarchy and the Caribbean nations. Despite the logistical challenges posed by the unpredictable tropical weather, the King maintained a positive demeanor throughout the trip.

Observers noted that the King's willingness to laugh at himself has become a hallmark of his reign, contrasting with the more rigid protocols of the past. By acknowledging the 'rain-gate' incident, he effectively turned a potentially awkward moment into a memorable highlight of the banquet.

The 84 dignitaries in attendance represented a diverse array of cultures and political systems, all united under the Commonwealth banner. The King's speech emphasized the importance of unity and mutual support among these nations.

As the tour concluded, the royal couple expressed their gratitude for the warm hospitality they received across the Caribbean. The 'rain-gate' incident will likely be remembered not as a mishap, but as a testament to the King's approachable and humorous nature.

The event in Antigua marked a significant milestone in the King's ongoing efforts to modernize the image of the monarchy while respecting the traditions that define the Commonwealth.