Sorry about the prime minister, Idris Elba says to King as they meet in Antigua
It is not clear if actor Sir Idris was referring to Andy Burnham.
Actor Sir Idris Elba told the King “sorry about the prime minister”, when the two men met unexpectedly in Antigua.
Charles chatted briefly to the Luther star when he toured the Georgian era Nelson’s Dock, a tourist attraction where the celebrity was also attending an event.
It is not clear if Sir Idris was referring to Andy Burnham who has been criticised by opponents claiming he has put the King under pressure by stating he is open to “listening to calls for a formal apology” about slavery, but ruled out reparations.
While Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne reiterated on Sunday his personal wish for Antigua to become a republic and ditch the British monarchy, and said if there was no compensation for slavery “atrocities” could be repeated.
The King is due to deliver the keynote address opening the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Tuesday, also attended by Mr Burnham and expected to be dominated by the issue of a slavery apology and reparations.
Charles was visiting Nelson’s Dock and had just set an engraved stone into a wall when he was reunited with Sir Idris, a goodwill ambassador for the King’s Trust, who was hosting the One Commonwealth Night concert at the Unesco World Heritage Site.
“How are you?” the actor and knife crime campaigner asked as he shook hands with Charles and they greeted each other like old friends.
The King asked “What are you doing here?” and both laughing, Sir Idris replied: “I get around,” affectionately patting the King on the arm.
The actor said: “How are you doing though, are you having a good time? Sorry about the prime minister.”