The King has paid tribute to four Bahamian Marines who lost their lives in a deadly attack on their vessel in 1980 during the second day of his Caribbean tour.
King Charles visited the Royal Bahamas Defence Force at HMBS Coral Harbour, where he recognised the service of its personnel and honoured those who died when the patrol vessel HMBS Flamingo was sunk by Cuban fighter aircraft.
His Majesty was welcomed by members of the Defence Force before being received by its commander, Commodore Floyd Moxey.
The King also met senior Bahamian officials, including Minister of National Security Myles LaRoda, Attorney General Wayne Munroe and Deputy Commander of the Defence Force, Captain Natasha Miller.
A Guard of Honour and Colour Party, formed by 106 officers and marines, presented a Royal Salute to The King. The band’s performance included a Royal Fanfare and the national anthem of the Bahamas, before His Majesty inspected the Royal Guard.
During the visit, The King viewed a plaque commemorating his visit alongside Coronation Medals, which are due to be presented to members of the Defence Force at a later date.
One of the most poignant moments of the engagement came when The King visited the Flamingo Monument to honour four marines who died on 10 May 1980.
HMBS Flamingo sank after being attacked by Cuban MiG fighter aircraft, with Marines Fenrick Sturrup, Austin Smith, David Tucker and Edward Williams losing their lives.
The King laid a wreath at the monument in tribute to the four men, recognising their sacrifice and the lasting impact of the tragedy on their families and the wider Defence Force community.
His Majesty also met relatives of each of the fallen marines, as well as Gregory Curry, the surviving crew member who was serving as Force Chief Petty Officer at the time.
The King also visited HMBS Lawrence Major, a 56-metre vessel primarily used to respond to natural disasters.
His Majesty met the ship’s commanding officer, Commander Alexis Brown, before boarding the vessel to meet members of its company.
Those gathered included representatives of the Disaster Risk Management Unit, retired members of the Defence Force, veterans, officers, warrant officers, senior rates and marines.
The King met members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers Youth Programme and the Bahamas National Youth Guard, highlighting the importance of developing the next generation of personnel serving their country.
The visit showcased the Defence Force’s varied responsibilities, from maritime security and disaster response to youth development and community engagement.
The visit to Coral Harbour formed part of the second day of The King’s nine-day Caribbean tour, which began in the Bahamas on Tuesday.
His Majesty’s programme is focused on celebrating the region’s culture, recognising its history and strengthening relationships across the Commonwealth.
Following his engagements in the Bahamas, The King will travel to Guyana before continuing to Antigua and Barbuda, where Queen Camilla will join him for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
