Autumn Tour to The Bahamas, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda

The Bahamas

In The Bahamas, The King was formally welcomed by a Guard of Honour, made up of 96 members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. 

During the salute, bands played the National Anthem of The Bahamas, after which The King inspected the Guard of Honour.

The King later attended The Future Bahamas Youth Rally and Exhibition at Clifford Park, the historic site where The Bahamas officially gained its Independence in 1973.

His Majesty, as The Prince of Wales, attended the Independence Celebrations over fifty years ago to deliver a formal message from Queen Elizabeth II to the Bahamian People. 

The engagement was centred around young people, providing an opportunity to reflect on shared history while looking to the future by celebrating the achievements and aspirations of young Bahamians.

During the Youth Rally, His Majesty watched a cultural performance, including a Choral Prayer by Combined National Youth and Children’s Choirs, a Combined Youth Rake & Scrape Performance, which showcased the traditional folk music of the Bahamas, and a Spoken Word Song & Cultural Presentation.

Following the conclusion of the performances, The King delivered an Address from the Main Stage, after which His Majesty greet performers and young people. Read His Majesty's speech in full here.

Guyana

In Guyana, The King will undertake a programme of engagements reflecting the country's remarkable cultural diversity and extraordinary natural heritage.

His Majesty will meet President Ali before participating in engagements that highlight Guyana's role in environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

The King will visit the Umana Yana, where he will meet Indigenous leaders and representatives, recognising the vital contribution of Indigenous communities to the stewardship of Guyana's forests and ecosystems. The programme will also include an engagement at the Georgetown Seawall, showcasing initiatives focused on mangrove restoration and coastal resilience.

His Majesty will participate in discussions linked to the Commonwealth Nature Initiative and the Global Biodiversity Alliance, bringing together leaders, experts and advocates working to address some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.

The King will also attend a Commonwealth War Graves engagement, honouring those who served in times of conflict, and will celebrate Guyana's rich cultural life through engagements with artists, young people and local communities.

A reception with members of the business community at the Sticky Wicket will highlight innovation, entrepreneurship and economic partnership across the Commonwealth. The programme will conclude with a State Dinner hosted in His Majesty's honour.

Antigua and Barbuda

In Antigua and Barbuda, Their Majesties will join celebrations marking the nation's Independence anniversary. The King and Queen will also attend the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, where His Majesty, as Head of the Commonwealth, will address leaders from across the association.

The visit will begin with the formal reception of the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by a series of engagements highlighting the country's history, culture and national achievements.

Their Majesties will attend a church service and the Independence Day Parade, joining Antiguans and Barbudans in celebrations taking place across the country. The King and Queen will also undertake a walkabout at Government House and participate in engagements showcasing local heritage and the natural beauty of the islands.

The King will visit Nelson's Dockyard, where discussions will focus on sustainability, conservation and the protection of historic sites. Environmental themes will continue with an oceans-focused engagement examining efforts to preserve marine habitats and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Their Majesties will meet young people throughout the visit, including at a reception for participants in the Youth Forum at The University of the West Indies and an engagement linked to The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition. The Queen will also attend a Women's Forum celebrating leadership, enterprise and community action across the Commonwealth.

A reception for newly appointed Commonwealth leaders at Weatherills Estate and a gathering for representatives attending Commonwealth meetings will provide opportunities to strengthen relationships and discuss shared priorities for the future. 

Throughout the tour, Their Majesties will meet people from every walk of life, celebrating the creativity, resilience and optimism of the peoples of The Bahamas, Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda, and reaffirming the enduring bonds that unite Commonwealth nations.