PHOTOS: Their Excellencies Sir Rodney and Lady Williams highlight successful London visit 

In June this year , my husband and I undertook a demanding itinerary in London, traveling from Antigua to commence a series of high-profile engagements that began with preparations for the Halo fundraising ball and continued through a broad schedule of diplomatic, cultural, and philanthropic activities. 

The 10th Halo Ball, held at the Chancery Rosewood in Mayfair this year ( hosted by the Peninsula, the Dorchester, the Royal Lancaster , the Rosewood High Holborn and the Waldorf Hilton in previous years ) , was set to accommodate well over 400 guests, including pre-CHOGM invitees. Funds  were raised  on the night through live and silent auctions . 

Among other benefactors, the event was meaningfully supported by the indomitable Calvin Ayre Foundation, PLH in Barbuda , and Moongate — a distinguished boutique resort soon to be opened in Half Moon Bay . 

Music for the evening was provided by acclaimed local artists such as The Strays , featuring Hani Hechme , Tony Mayers , Adam Kirby, Jashan Hughes, Rey Wowor Graham and the phenomenal Annie on acoustic guitar , with overall audiovisual productions managed by Antigua and Barbuda’s Visual Echo. 

In addition to introducing locally handicrafted  items , art and tastily  cured alcoholic beverages , Wings of Charity is known for bringing talented performers to the world stage . It is here that Prince Harry first heard the haunting cello-playing of the  now renowned Sheku Kanneh-Mason . The rest is history, when Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex consequently requested that he perform at their wedding, after a detailed account of his talent from Future Husband Prince Harry , the Duke of Sussex . This initiation by the Halo Foundation was carried in both the UK above the line media , as well as on Royal websites. 

The world has never been the same for the talented Kanneh -Mason family since — a family  of both Antiguan and Sierra Leonean descent — very much akin to the entertaining Von Trapp family of 7 children in the 1960´s Broad Screen hit , “The Sound of Music” .

The all-black, world-renowned Kingdom Choir, a group originating out of the UK and who performed at the wedding of Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex, , also performed at Wings of Charity on a previous occasion.

It is interesting to note that one of Halo’s Goodwill Ambassadors, Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge Fame (“ We are Family” , “I want your love” and “Greatest Dancer”, to name a few hits ) has hunkered down on helping the charity in terms of its high grade musical output for a number of  years in the past. It is always so refreshing when world-class performers are willing to give of themselves and their time to help an ailing world , and are not primarily driven by profit and greed . This gives a little hope for the future of humanity. 

The Halo Foundation is also always so grateful to our only living National Hero , Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards , once G-BOAT ( our in-house acronym  for greatest batsman of all time in the world of test cricket ). Never a flinch . Never any drama . He gives  from his limited selection of autographed items with pure heart and soul , knowing that the end result lifts suffering people from patches of darkness into ribbons of light . 

Local produce, including locally made gin, was slated for auction, illustrating a robust blend of philanthropy, culture, and diplomacy. Proceeds from the Halo Ball are intended to support five selected charitable initiatives for 2026,  aligned with Antigua and Barbuda’s development priorities and partner organisations within the Commonwealth network, underscoring the country’s commitment to local , regional and international benevolence.

The itinerary also featured a wide array of engagements designed to strengthen diplomatic ties, cultural exchange, and heritage preservation. At the Royal Ascot, safely tucked away within the Royal Enclosure, I watched in awe and fascination as the event welcomed a vast audience of almost 80,000 people.  I humbly crawled into the spotlight for Antigua and Barbuda by selecting the best turned-out horse at the races and distributed  a cash prize to the winning stable. I note, “I’m a stickler for underdogs. I’m rather happy that the horse which caught my eye originated from a small stable. I’m hoping it meant something special to the groomsmen and stable hands.” 

His Excellency the Right Honourable Governor General , Sir Rodney, distributed trophies and prizes to winning teams at the races, highlighting the collaboration between sport, philanthropy, and governance. 

Our invitation to an annual St. James’s Palace dinner spearheaded by the Royal Drawing School, reinforced ongoing partnership with this venerable institution, and, the day following Wings of Charity, we engaged in constructive discussions with Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Lady Starmer at No. 10 Downing Street before being seated beside the Prime Minister and spouse at the spectacular Trooping the Colour ceremony.

I set out from the word “go” to also concentrate my  efforts on outreach to museum authorities and opportunities for nonprofit financial support, meeting groups in need of moral and financial assistance, and leaning  across to young Antiguans and Barbudans who currently reside in England or were visiting at the time. We emphasised the importance of community engagement and the role of philanthropy in enabling sustainable cultural and educational initiatives. 

Reflecting on fundraising progress, I offer this statement: “We are still awaiting the amount raised, as it takes the auctioneers a little time to collect all the pledges. But every penny is  for giving back to a good cause. We really want to kick off with a big push for Generation Next Football Club , as we need to seriously start to search for opportunities for our local talent in the sports export market .”

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourist Office in London , headed by Ms. Cherrie Osborne, was lauded for providing annual gift bags to high-profile visitors and friends of Halo alike, which included many charities from Antigua and from other areas of the world — and  Mr. Karl Williams from London contributed an entire gospel choir to perform during the evening, enhancing the event’s magical atmosphere and communal spirit.

Tourist office outreach expanded the scope of Halo ‘s Wings of Charity , inviting top wholesalers, travel writers, and retailers to participate in the evening’s momentum, while major UK media outlets—broadsheets and tabloids—sent senior editors to cover the event at the invitation of the Halo Foundation.  I also managed to organically put together a series of collected material for articles on Antigua in International Kreole Magazine, among other initiatives. 

Meanwhile, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams stressed Antigua and Barbuda’s role as a keen and integral player on the world stage, noting that the mission was to augment our nation’s image , heighten its profile gracefully, and celebrate a tiny nation brave enough to host CHOGM. As Patron of the Commonwealth Heritage Forum and President of the West India Committee , Sir Rodney ‘s role of meeting , planning and executing continued throughout the visit. Additionally, as I hold the office of President of the Antigua and Barbuda Branch of the Royal Commonwealth Society (of which His Excellency Sir Rodney is Patron ), there was a clear chance for us to delve into 2026-2027 scheduled activity in more significant detail. 

We are delighted to take this opportunity to commend H.E. Karen-Mae Hill, Antigua and Barbuda ‘s High Commissioner to the UK, for the tireless work of her team and the effective, discreet leadership she continues to provide in advancing many  shared objectives. Our selective joint efforts reinforce Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic and philanthropic missions as we navigate a rigorous schedule that includes collaborative discussions with Commonwealth bodies and cultural institutions.

An extract from the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission ‘s social media post stated : 

“A truly memorable moment meeting Former Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland and Honourable Richard Evans at Wings of Charity. Grateful for the opportunity to spend time with such inspiring individuals whose dedication to community and service continues to make a difference.”

The Commonwealth Secretariat was well represented at the senior level at Wings of Charity , although unavoidable circumstances which involved important overseas travel prevented the much – anticipated presence of the Hon . Shirley Botchwey , seventh Secretary General (SG) of the Commonwealth and first female SG from the African continent. (The Hon. SG was present  at the 2025 event ). 

The June program advanced ongoing partnerships with Commonwealth and regional organisations to promote heritage preservation, philanthropy, and community development. Cultural diplomacy remained a cornerstone, strengthening ties between Antigua and Barbuda, the United Kingdom, and broader Commonwealth partners. We reaffirmed our dedication to engaging with museum authorities, nonprofit funding avenues, and community groups in need, as well as maintaining meaningful contact with young Antiguans and Barbudans in the UK. 

This continuous flow of activities demonstrates our commitment to serving our nation on both the local and international stage while nurturing constructive dialogue with key partners and beneficiaries.

The personal Communications Executives for Their Majesties King and Queen Camilla , as well various Private Secretaries and the King ‘s Personal Biographer and Spouse , were also in attendance.

Unfortunately I need to add that “the high demand and careful capacity management proved somewhat tricky, and we were forced to reject more than 15% of potential guests — necessary to preserve the evening’s quality and pace.”

Wings of Charity and Halo Ball activities commenced with a drinks reception attended by distinguished guests, including His Honour the Duke of Gloucester (first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II) and his Danish wife, Her Grace Brigitte. The couple engaged primarily with local Antiguan charities and European business leaders, signalling the event’s cross-border philanthropy and its role in uniting charitable, business, and cultural communities in support of Antigua and Barbuda’s development priorities while strengthening international ties.

Finally , without the grit , grace and energy of the volunteer team , much of which is being achieved would not have been possible.  Intellectual and technical talent in Antigua abounds . Let’s not fool ourselves. Let’s give ourselves a chance . 

About Their Excellencies: His Excellency the Right Honourable Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda — and Her Excellency Sandra , Lady Williams ( Governor General’s Goodwill Emissary and President of the Halo Foundation) represent Antigua and Barbuda both locally and internationally, championing diplomatic, cultural, and philanthropic initiatives with a focus on heritage preservation, charitable fundraising, recognition of persons who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and transformative partnerships that uplift underrepresented communities.

Images below :

1. Their Excellencies with Sir Kier and Lady Starma at the Prime Minister’s Residence.
2. Her Excellency with some of the guests at Wings of Charity 2026, including editors of major papers, television show hosts , museologists and historians and owner of  travel agency chain in Bermuda
3. File photo: Wings of Charity held in London, in 2017, when Prince Harry heard Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s moving rendition on cello for the first time.
4. Their Excellencies Sir Rodney and Lady Williams greet Prince Edward in London.
5. One of the valued guests at Wings of Charity 2026.
6. Antigua’s Hani Hechme from The Strays on guitar at the Chancery Rosewood.
7. Tony Mayers from The Strays performing on bass guitar.
8. Antigua’s Jashan Hughes belts out her soulful music to an appreciative international crowd.
9. Antigua’s ANNIE renders a heart-waarming performance: unplugged. (Thank you to everyone who put together to make Annie’s attendance possible).
10. Rey Wowor Graham, past resident  and known performer in Antigua and Barbuda, charms the crowd.
11. Glad to welcome Ambassador Colin Murdoch, OECS Ambassador to Switzerland.
12. Alan Kirby and Tony Mayers of The Strays.
13. John Petrie, Windsor Herald, with a guest attending from a private castle in Scotland.
14. Their Excellencies Sir Rodney and Lady Williams in the Royal Enclosure at the Royal Ascot, awaiting the call to distribute prizes.
15. H.E. The Rt. Hon Sir Rodney Williams distributes prizes on the podium at the Royal Ascot.
16. Wings of Charity: The evening’s announcer, Cuthbert Forbes Jr.
17. H.E. Ambassador Dwight Gardiner (ADOMS)
18. Marina Moore and Razmi Farook (Director General of the Commonwealth Foundation)
19. (L-R): Rozanne Emanuel (Halo Foundation) and Jo-Anne Gilkes (Visual Echo). The brains and talent behind the operation.
20. This year’s gospel choir performs. (London Community Gospel Choir)
21. The legendary Moira Stuart (right) and popular Nigerian gynaecologist and obstetrician as guests at the table of Ms. Gaye Hechme.
22. Mr. Brent Scotland, Second Secretary at the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London, with guest.
23. H.E. Sir Rodney Williams with Ms. Hannah Furnace, Royal Editor of the Telegraph.
24. H.E. Lady Williams and the King’s Biographer , Mr. Robert Hardman.
25. File photo: Their Excellencies with Mr. Richard Santos, Head of Generation Next Football Club
26. Their Excellencies schedule time to meet with the young people, wherever they are in the world, (With Jessica Zaiter of the National Youth Parliament, Antigua and Barbuda).
27. Former SG of the Commonwealth, the Rt. Hon. the Baroness Scotland of Asthal, with H.E. Karen-Mae Hill and Hon. Richard Evans (UK)

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