Prince Harry has arrived in the West Indies to begin a two-week tour that is likely to be the biggest test yet of his ability to win over the public.

He arrived in Antigua on a scheduled British Airways flight from Gatwick, inspecting an honour guard on the airport tarmac before attending a welcome reception hosted by the country’s Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams.

Having left a wet and windy London behind, the Prince arrived to 30C heat and blistering sunshine at the height of the West Indian summer.

The Prince, 32, will visit seven Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean, six of which are Commonwealth realms, with the Queen as head of state.

Republican sentiments run strongly through some of the island nations, however, and the Prince could face protests against his visit.