In a recent visit to the City of London, King Charles III addressed several pressing issues, from global turmoil to climate change, highlighting the challenges facing the UK. Amidst the gravity of his speech, the king seized a moment to humorously reflect on his ongoing struggles with fountain pens, which have been a recurring theme since his ascension to the throne in September 2022.
A Royal Sense of Humor
King Charles III’s speech underlined the importance of humor as a source of strength for the nation, stating, "The British sense of humor is world-renowned. It is not what we do. It is who we are." He continued, "Our ability to laugh at ourselves is one of our great national characteristics. Just as well, you may say, given some of the vicissitudes I have faced with frustratingly failing fountain pens this past year!"
The Viral Pen Incident
Charles’s struggle with fountain pens became a public spectacle just two days after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. In a video that soon went viral, he was seen frantically gesturing at a fountain pen as he attempted to sign the Accession Protocol, officially assuming his role as the head of the Commonwealth. The video became one of the first viral moments of his reign.
A few days later, at a signing ceremony in Northern Ireland, the king dealt with yet another malfunctioning pen, this time leading to an exasperated remark, "Oh, God, I hate this," as he handed the problematic pen to his wife.
Within weeks, even King Charles himself joined in on the joke, sharing a laugh as he grappled with yet another fountain pen during his first official engagement after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. "These things are so temperamental," he mused as he passed the pen to his wife, all while acknowledging the quirks of the fountain pen.
A Royal Dinner and Traditions
The monarch’s humorous take on his fountain pen tribulations was part of a larger speech he delivered during a dinner at the Manor House, the official residence of the City of London’s Lord Mayor. During his visit to the square-mile area, he participated in the Temple Bar ceremony, a time-honored tradition where the Lord Mayor presents the monarch with the Pearl Sword.
At the start of his address, King Charles playfully mentioned that, unlike his Plantagenet ancestors, he wouldn’t be collecting a "grant of tonnage and poundage" as taxation during his visit, setting a lighthearted tone for the evening.
Reflecting on the UK’s Uniqueness
In his speech, King Charles pondered the qualities that make the UK unique, describing it as a "community of communities." He highlighted the shared values that bind the nation together and emphasized the unity that transcends divisions. He stated that these shared values are the wells from which hope, shared purpose, and genuine togetherness can be drawn, guiding the nation through both good times and bad.
King Charles’s witty remarks about fountain pens added a touch of levity to his otherwise serious speech, exemplifying the enduring British sense of humor and the ability to find laughter even in challenging situations.
In conclusion, King Charles’s jovial handling of his fountain pen mishaps showcases the power of humor and resilience, even in the highest echelons of power. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the British people and their ability to find laughter in the face of adversity.
The Lighthearted Side of King Charles: His Playful Take on Fountain Pen Fiascos
Did King Charles Joke About a Fountain Pen?
In a witty and self-deprecating moment, King Charles light-heartedly reminisced about his own frustration with a fountain pen during an event commemorating his Coronation. His humorous quip took place as he lauded the invaluable impact of immigrants on British humor during his state of the nation address in the City of London on Wednesday, October 18.
The monarch, known for his dry sense of humor, used the occasion to reflect on his personal struggles with a fountain pen, underlining the timeless tradition of self-deprecating humor in the United Kingdom.
Can King Charles Take a Joke?
In a viral instant, the world saw that King Charles possesses a sense of humor. The 74-year-old monarch demonstrated his ability to take a joke with grace. During an address, he praised the globally celebrated sense of humor among Brits, all while reminiscing about his own viral moment, which involved a leaky pen mishap back in September.
This lighthearted acknowledgment of his own follies resonated with many and showcased the king’s good-natured approach to humor.
Did King Charles III Lose His Temper with a Leaking Fountain Pen?
King Charles III found himself frustrated with a leaking fountain pen during a public signing ceremony in Northern Ireland. While signing the visitors’ book at Hillsborough Castle, the new monarch was caught off guard as the pen seemed to leak onto his hand. In a candid moment, King Charles expressed his vexation, exclaiming, "Oh god, I hate this [pen]," before handing it to his wife, Queen Consort Camilla.
This incident provided a glimpse of the king’s genuine reactions, humanizing the monarchy and making him relatable to the public.
How Did Charles React to a Leaked Pen?
When a fountain pen he was using suddenly leaked, Charles had an unscripted reaction. Exclaiming, "Oh god, I hate this (pen)!" he promptly rose from his seat and passed the troublesome pen to his wife, Camilla, Queen Consort. The incident left ink marks, with Camilla commenting, "Oh look, it’s going everywhere," while Charles wiped his hands. Charles expressed his frustration, declaring, "I can’t bear this bloody thing…every stinking time," as he walked away.
This candid moment showcased the King’s human side and how he deals with unexpected situations.
How Did Charles React to a Leaking Pen?
In a spontaneous moment, Charles voiced his exasperation as a fountain pen malfunctioned. He exclaimed, "Oh god, I hate this (pen)!" and promptly stood up, passing the troublesome pen to his wife, Camilla, Queen Consort. With ink spreading, Camilla observed, "Oh look, it’s going everywhere," while Charles wiped his fingers. Frustrated, he stated, "I can’t bear this bloody thing…every stinking time," as he walked away.
This unscripted reaction provided a glimpse into Charles’s candid responses to unexpected challenges, making him relatable to the public.
Does King Charles Use a Fountain Pen?
King Charles chose to use his personal pen when signing the accession documents, and keen observers have identified it as a Montblanc Solitaire model fountain pen. This assessment was shared with those inquiring, and many sharp-eyed pen enthusiasts closely examined television images, confirming that it was indeed the Montblanc Solitaire model fountain pen that the King employed for the occasion.
This choice of pen reflects King Charles’s personal preferences, adding a touch of individuality to his official duties.
