Students from Antigua and Barbuda received a rare audience with King Charles III this week during a special engagement at Dumfries House in Scotland. According to Antigua.news, the students are in the United Kingdom as part of a skills development programme focused on heritage construction methods and sustainable building practices.

During the visit, the King spent time with the group, learning about their work, their training journey, and their impressions of the programme.

The students have been touring several sites connected to The King's Foundation, including Highgrove Gardens and The King's Foundation School of Traditional Arts. At each location, they have worked closely with tutors and alumni to deepen their understanding of traditional craftsmanship, architecture, and environmentally conscious construction.

The engagement at Dumfries House underscored the growing collaboration between Antigua and Barbuda and The King's Foundation, particularly in the areas of cultural preservation and skills training.

The visit also comes ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026, which Antigua and Barbuda will host later this year. Officials say initiatives such as this exchange programme reflect broader efforts to strengthen Commonwealth ties while investing in youth development and sustainable industries.

Participants described the experience as both educational and inspiring. They noted that access to historic sites and expert mentorship is equipping them with skills they intend to bring back home to support local development.