During a recent royal visit to the Caribbean, King Charles III and Queen Camilla attracted attention not just for their official engagements but also for their shared fondness for a sweet treat. Photos captured during their time in Antigua and Barbuda revealed the Queen with a packet of RJ’s licorice tucked into the door pocket of her car.
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The couple’s visit to Antigua and Barbuda was part of a broader royal tour that saw King Charles undertaking solo engagements in The Bahamas and Guyana before Queen Camilla joined him. Their arrival in Saint John’s on Sunday, 1 November, coincided with special church services celebrating the nation’s 45th Independence Day.
Encouraged by a wave of public affection, Queen Camilla, 79, was spotted as she exited her car at the service. Onlookers quickly noted the presence of RJ’s licorice, a snack popular among the royal pair. King Charles, 77, had previously been seen with the same brand during an appearance at London Fashion Week earlier in the year in February. In that instance, a video circulated on social media where the King emerged from his car, with RJ’s licorice prominently visible, prompting the brand to delight in the surprising royal connection.
In the aftermath of Charles’ London Fashion Week appearance, a spokesperson for RJ’s Licorice expressed their excitement about the brand being associated with the monarch. They stated, “We were just as delighted as everyone else to spot a pack of RJ’s Black Licorice in the background of the recent video.” This endorsement would undoubtedly bring the New Zealand-based company into the spotlight, appealing to both royal fans and licorice lovers alike.
As the royal couple concluded their Caribbean tour, King Charles took to social media to convey his gratitude. Reflecting on their experiences across three nations, he expressed heartfelt thanks to the people of The Bahamas, Guyana, and Antigua and Barbuda for their warm hospitality. The post, shared on 4 November, emphasised the numerous engagements they had attended, remarking on “four speeches, nine days, over 40 different engagements, and countless hands shaken in firm friendship.”
The King’s charm was encapsulated in a light-hearted comment about getting caught in the tropical rain without an umbrella, leading to a soggy suit during the visits. The message was signed off with “Charles R,” subtly incorporating the Latin word for king, “rex,” into his identity.
The royal couple’s enthusiastic engagement with the Caribbean nations reflects not only their commitment to the Commonwealth but also highlights how personal interests, such as a love for licorice, can resonate with the public. Their warm interactions and presence during significant national celebrations serve to strengthen ties with the communities they visit.
In addition to the joyful moments surrounding the royal engagements, their tour presented opportunities for the monarch to reinforce the UK’s ongoing relationships with Commonwealth countries. Such goodwill gestures demonstrate the importance of maintaining cultural and historical connections, particularly as these nations celebrate significant milestones in their national narratives.
As King Charles and Queen Camilla return to their royal duties in the UK, their Caribbean tour will be remembered for its blend of formal engagements and personal touches, emblematic of their approach to modern monarchy.
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