King of music! Charles couldn't resist playing the steel pans during palace reception

King Charles couldn't resist playing the steel pans at a palace reception as he kicked off the countdown for next month's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

The King and Queen hosted a CHOGM reception at St James's Palace ahead of their trip to Antigua and Barbuda next month.

They were joined by the Duchess of Gloucester and guests from across the 'family of nations'.

Chatting to steelpan musician Khan Cordice, the Director of Culture for Antigua and Barbuda, His Majesty played a few notes and said to him: 'I can't do it as good as you.'

Khan joked afterwards: 'I'm going to give him some lessons.'

Around 300 guests included Secretary-General of The Commonwealth Secretariat The Hon. Shirley Botchwey and former Doctor Who Peter Davidson.

Khan Cordice said after meeting Charles: 'We spoke about steel pans and he says he had looked me up and was a fan.

'He did say he is not very good at it. He needs a better teacher, he said he needs better pans.

'We're a small nation but a hosting CHOGM is a stepping stone to bigger things

'CHOGM is going to allow Antigua and Barbuda opportunity to think bigger.'

Peter Davidson, who played the fifth Doctor Who, spoke to the King and recalled when they both appeared in a John Cleese production with Video Arts.

He said afterwards: 'I reminded him we acted together many years ago.

'I said he was very good and should go back to acting.

'He was very nice I thought he was someone for the environment before it was fashionable.'

Their Majesties also met High Commissioners and representatives from organisations associated with the Commonwealth, as well as supporters of The King's Trust International and the British Asian Trust.