THE King and Queen are to embark on a major Caribbean tour later this month, celebrating Britain’s enduring Commonwealth relationships and bringing together communities, young people, businesses and leaders from across the Commonwealth family.
Their Majesties will undertake their Autumn Tour from October 27 to November 4, culminating in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.
The King will first visit The Bahamas before undertaking a State Visit to Guyana, while both Their Majesties will travel to Antigua and Barbuda for a programme of engagements and CHOGM 2026.
The nine-day tour will place particular emphasis on the Commonwealth, young people, environmental conservation, biodiversity, community resilience and economic partnerships.
Buckingham Palace said Their Majesties will meet community leaders, volunteers and young people as well as those working to strengthen communities and protect the natural environment.
The tour comes as the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 56 independent countries spanning Africa, Asia, the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific, prepares for one of its most important gatherings.
The King heads to The Bahamas
The King’s programme in The Bahamas will begin in Nassau, where His Majesty will attend a Youth Rally celebrating the contribution made by young Bahamians to national life.
The Bahamas is one of the Commonwealth realms in which The King serves as Head of State.
His Majesty will meet members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force at its Coral Harbour Base and attend engagements focusing on environmental conservation and sustainability.
The King is also due to attend a sporting engagement and visit Parliament Square, where he will meet representatives from across Bahamian society.
His programme will include audiences and a Garden Reception bringing together community leaders and other guests.
Historic State Visit to Guyana
The King will then travel to Guyana for a State Visit at the invitation of President Irfaan Ali and at the request of the British Government.
The visit has particular significance as Britain and Guyana mark 60 years of bilateral relations in 2026.
Guyana gained independence from the United Kingdom in May 1966 and became a republic in 1970, but remained within the Commonwealth.
During his visit, The King will travel to Georgetown and take part in a programme highlighting the South American nation’s remarkable natural environment as well as the relationship between the two countries.
His Majesty will visit Commonwealth War Graves and take part in engagements focusing on biodiversity, conservation and sustainable development.
The King will attend the Global Biodiversity Alliance Conference and meet the National Toshaos Council, which represents Indigenous communities in Guyana.
There will also be a Business Reception focusing on enterprise, innovation and economic partnership.
His Majesty is additionally due to visit Georgetown’s famous seawall, an important part of the capital’s coastal defences and a landmark for the city’s residents.
King and Queen join Antigua and Barbuda celebrations
The King will then be reunited with The Queen in Antigua and Barbuda as the country prepares to welcome leaders from across the Commonwealth.
Their Majesties’ visit will coincide with an important moment in the country’s calendar, with Antigua and Barbuda celebrating Independence Day on November 1.
The King and Queen will attend a church service and the country’s Independence Day Parade at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, named after one of the greatest cricketers in Caribbean and Commonwealth history.
Their Majesties will also visit Government House and participate in a garden visit.
The King’s engagements will include events focusing on the environment, heritage and sustainable development as well as a meeting with business leaders at the Sticky Wicket Business Forum.
The Queen will undertake her own programme, including visits to a local school and the American University.
Commonwealth leaders come together
The visit will culminate in the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, known as CHOGM, which runs in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, from November 1 to 4.
As Head of the Commonwealth, The King will attend accompanied by The Queen.
Their Majesties will participate in the formal opening ceremony and attend the CHOGM dinner alongside Commonwealth leaders.
The King will also host a reception for new Heads of Government.
This year’s summit has the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth” and will focus on issues including trade, investment, innovation, climate resilience, equality and sustainable development.
Representatives from business, civil society and youth organisations will join political leaders for the wider CHOGM programme.
The modern Commonwealth encompasses 56 independent countries and some 2.7 billion people, making it one of the world’s largest international associations.
Its members are linked not simply by history, but through cooperation in areas including trade, education, democracy, development, sport and cultural exchange.
The King became Head of the Commonwealth following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, continuing a role that had been a major part of his mother’s public life.
The position is distinct from his role as King of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms.
The forthcoming tour will therefore see His Majesty fulfilling several different constitutional and diplomatic roles, as Head of State in The Bahamas, undertaking a State Visit to the republic of Guyana and, finally, joining leaders in Antigua and Barbuda as Head of the Commonwealth.
For Britain, the nine-day tour will also provide another opportunity to strengthen longstanding friendships with countries with which the United Kingdom shares deep historical, cultural and personal connections.
From young people in Nassau and Indigenous representatives in Guyana to business leaders and Commonwealth Heads of Government gathering in Antigua, the visit will celebrate both those historic ties and the modern partnerships that continue to connect Britain with nations across the Commonwealth.
Their Majesties will conclude the tour and depart Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday, November 4.
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