His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, accompanied by Her Excellency Lady Sandra Williams and Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, visited Mr and Mrs David and Ketura Thomas on 31st July 2025 during their recent trip to the United Kingdom.
The visit celebrated the couple’s milestone of 66 years of marriage.
David Thomas was born in Urlings on 21st November 1931 and migrated to the United Kingdom in 1957. Ketura was born in Bolans on 8th June 1942 and joined him in England in1958.
They were married in the United Kingdom on 19th July 1959, beginning a life together that has spanned more than six decades.
Together they raised five children – Chris, Kevin, Andrew, Suzanne, and Sonia and are the grandparents of seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
Their marriage has been recognised twice by the Royal Family. First, in July 2019, the couple received a message from Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for their Diamond (60th) Wedding Anniversary; and in 2025, they received a congratulatory message from Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on their 66th anniversary.
During the visit, Sir Rodney greeted the Thomas’ family with a letter of congratulations, continuing a tradition of recognition that began in 2019 when the Governor General also sent the family a message marking their 60th wedding anniversary.
His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams said: “David and Ketura’s 66 years together is a shining example of love, respect and partnership. Their journey from Antigua to the United Kingdom, and the beautiful family they have nurtured, is a testament to their resilience and commitment. It was an honour to meet them and celebrate this extraordinary milestone in person.”
Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill also commented: “The story of David and Ketura is one of dedication – to each other, to their family and to their heritage. Their life together serves as inspiration not only to their loved ones, but the wider Antiguan and Barbudan community here in the United Kingdom and back home. They raised each of their children to have an identity grounded in their Antiguan and Barbudan heritage and two of those children now live in Antigua.”
In 1964, David began work at Fords Dagenham, where he was employed in the engine plant for 30 years. Ketura was a dedicated housewife and a skilled seamstress and machinist.
The Royal Family traditionally sends congratulatory messages to couples in the United Kingdom celebrating significant wedding anniversaries, such as their 60th (Diamond), 65th, 70th (Platinum), and each year thereafter. This custom was established by King George V in 1917 and has been carried on through his successors, including the late Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles III. These messages are a way of formally honouring the commitment and enduring bonds within marriages.