AFTER a 19-year wait to welcome a reigning monarch to these shores, it was going to take more than a little bit of rain to dampen Islanders’ spirits. To be fair, it was more than a little bit of rain that book-ended the whistlestop tour by King Charles III and Queen Camilla yesterday. The heavens opened just as the royal limo pulled into the Royal Square at around 1.

30pm, and although umbrellas were soon furled as the squall headed away, they were needed again later. One minute the King and Queen had been chatting to Islanders over Battenberg cake and roast beef (or tofu) sandwiches at the Pomme d’Or; the next they emerged to glowering skies. A sprinkle quickly became a deluge as the royal couple mounted a dais to witness a march-past by members of the blue-light services, as well as Scouts, Guides and members of other organisations.

Picture: PETER MOURANT. (38582017) At least “KC” had a roof over his head, but the “Sunshine Band” took the full force, as did the increasingly bedraggled participants. Most of them remembered the “eyes right” order and smiled as they passed the VIP guests, but for a few the conditions were too much, with some long faces and even a teardrop or two to mix with the rain.

“Be prepared” is meant to be the Scout motto, but in fact it was a pack of Brownies who seemed best-equipped, sporting practical light blue ponchos that offered a bit of protection. In between the two spells of rain, the visit included a packed itinerary, carrie.