Prince visits Caribbean islands struck by storm

The Prince of Wales was welcomed with pomp and ceremony to Antigua and Barbuda as his tour of hurricane-ravaged Caribbean islands began.

His visit started as the UK Government reaffirmed its commitment to “stand by” the islands devastated by the natural disasters.

Charles was making his first official visit to the Commonwealth nation whose island of Antigua escaped the worst of Hurricane Irma’s high winds and lashing rain, while neighbouring Barbuda bore the brunt.

The heir to the throne arrived on a British Airways flight accompanied by the new International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt.

The politician, who is making her first overseas visit since replacing Priti Patel, earlier announced a new financial package – £12million for Dominica and £3million for Antigua and Barbuda.

During the three-day trip that will also see Charles visit the British Virgin Islands and Dominica, the prince and the Cabinet minister will meet survivors, see the devastation and thank the military and NGOs for their efforts.

Antigua has the Queen as head of state, and waiting to meet the prince on the runway was the governor-