Charles and Camilla say goodbye to Barbados with a trip to church before jetting to Cuba for their historic royal visit

  • Attended Sunday morning service at St. Michael's Cathedral in Bridgetown, Barbados, before flight to Cuba 
  • Charles dressed smartly for climate in a linen suit, while Camilla looked elegant in a chiffon patterned dress
  • Tonight Prince and Duchess will become the first members of the royal family to set foot in communist Cuba 

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Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall concluded the first leg of their Caribbean tour today with a trip to church.

The couple attended Sunday morning service at St. Michael's Cathedral in Bridgetown, Barbados, before flying on to Cuba for an historic royal visit.

Charles was dressed smartly for the tropical climate in a linen suit, while Camilla looked elegant in a chiffon patterned dress and heels.

The heir to the throne usually goes to church if Sunday falls within a foreign tour and the couple were joined by Governor General Dame Sandra Mason. 

Charles and Camilla attended Sunday morning service at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Bridgetown, Barbados, before flying on to Cuba for an historic royal visit
Camilla in Bridgetown today

Charles and Camilla attended Sunday morning service at St. Michael's Cathedral in Bridgetown, Barbados, before flying on to Cuba for an historic royal visit

Charles shared a few words with Bishop Maxwell before a fanfare announced the arrival of the royals to the parishioners sitting in the pews pictured). Charles and Camilla have now landed in Cuba

Charles shared a few words with Bishop Maxwell before a fanfare announced the arrival of the royals to the parishioners sitting in the pews pictured) 

The prince and duchess were joined by a number of their entourage who sat in the seats behind the couple

The prince and duchess were joined by a number of their entourage who sat in the seats behind the couple

Charles was dressed smartly for the tropical climate in a linen suit, while Camilla looked elegant in a chiffon patterned dress and heels

Charles was dressed smartly for the tropical climate in a linen suit, while Camilla looked elegant in a chiffon patterned dress and heels

The service was conducted by the Fourteenth Bishop of the Diocese, Michael Bruce St. John Maxwell

The service was conducted by the Fourteenth Bishop of the Diocese, Michael Bruce St. John Maxwell

The couple were greeted by Bishop Michael Maxwell of the Anglican Diocese of Barbados before a fanfare announced their arrival to the parishioners.

The prince and duchess were joined by a number of their entourage who sat in the seats behind the couple.

The service was staged for Charles and Camilla, who were featured in the prayers, as were the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

Bishop Maxwell asked God to 'endue them with thy Holy Spirit, enrich them with thy heavenly grace, prosper them with all happiness and bring them to thine everlasting kingdom'.

Charles and Camilla's official trip to Cuba will be a first by members of the monarchy and comes after the couple's tour of five Commonwealth Caribbean countries where the Queen is head of state.

The prince and duchess will be joined by Commonwealth minister Lord Ahmad, showing the importance the government places in developing ties with Cuba.

Charles met Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel in November last year at his London home, Clarence House, when the foreign leader visited the UK with a delegation of senior ministers.

At a Havana recording studio, the prince and his wife will meet members of the Buena Vista Social Club.

The group became worldwide celebrities when their 1997 album became a surprise global hit and Grammy award-winner.

Other highlights of the Cuban trip will include the couple meeting the owners of the famous vintage cars still running in Havana, although these will be British classics.

After being welcomed at the airport, the prince and his wife will start their visit by laying a wreath at the memorial for Cuba's national hero, the essayist and poet Jose Marti.

A spokesman for the couple said: ‘Their Royal Highnesses are looking forward to experiencing the culture and meeting the people of Cuba.’

The service was staged for Charles and Camilla, who were featured in the prayers as were the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. They couple are seen greeting senior clergymen outside the church

The service was staged for Charles and Camilla, who were featured in the prayers as were the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. They couple are seen greeting senior clergymen outside the church 

The royal couple's church visit will be there last public outing in Barbados before they fly to Cuba for an unprecedented trip tomorrow

The royal couple's church visit will be there last public outing in Barbados before they fly to Cuba for an unprecedented trip tomorrow 

During the service, Bishop Maxwell asked God to 'endue them with thy Holy Spirit, enrich them with thy heavenly grace, prosper them with all happiness and bring them to thine everlasting kingdom...' Pictured: The royal couple walking into church

During the service, Bishop Maxwell asked God to 'endue them with thy Holy Spirit, enrich them with thy heavenly grace, prosper them with all happiness and bring them to thine everlasting kingdom...' Pictured: The royal couple walking into church

The original cathedral - which Charles and Camilla are seen entering - dates back to 1665 but was demolished in 1780 by the great hurricane which left only 30 city buildings standing

The original cathedral - which Charles and Camilla are seen entering - dates back to 1665 but was demolished in 1780 by the great hurricane which left only 30 city buildings standing

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are greeted by the Bishop of Barbados, John Holder (second from left), as they arrive to attend a church service at St. Michaels Cathedral

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are greeted by the Bishop of Barbados, John Holder (second from left), as they arrive to attend a church service at St. Michaels Cathedral

The service was staged for Charles and Camilla, who were featured in the prayers, as were the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh

The service was staged for Charles and Camilla, who were featured in the prayers, as were the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh

Soldiers wait for the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall at today's church service at St Michael's Cathedral in Bridgetown

Soldiers wait for the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall at today's church service at St Michael's Cathedral in Bridgetown

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