Brief
King Charles plays steel pans at CHOGM reception
The monarch and Queen Camilla hosted a reception at St James's Palace, where Charles attempted to play steel pans with musician Khan Cordice.
By Felo News Desk · Published
King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) reception at St James's Palace on 14 October, according to the Daily Mail. During the event, the King tried playing steel pans alongside Khan Cordice, the Director of Culture for Antigua and Barbuda.
Charles told Cordice, "I can't do it as good as you," and Cordice replied that he would give the King lessons. About 300 guests attended, including Commonwealth Secretary‑General Shirley Botchwey and former Doctor Who actor Peter Davidson.
After the brief performance, Cordice said the King had looked him up and was a fan, but admitted he needed a better teacher and better pans. The reception also featured meetings with High Commissioners and representatives of Commonwealth organisations, as well as supporters of the King’s Trust International and the British Asian Trust.
Key facts
- King Charles played steel pans at a CHOGM reception on 14 October 2026 (dailymail.co.uk)
- The event was held at St James's Palace and hosted by the King and Queen (dailymail.co.uk)
- Around 300 guests attended, including Commonwealth Secretary‑General Shirley Botchwey (dailymail.co.uk)
- Khan Cordice, Antigua and Barbuda's Director of Culture, played steel pans with the King (dailymail.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “King of music! Charles couldn't resist playing the steel pans”
