King Charles had a burst of giggles on Wednesday when he took a break from his summer holiday in Scotland to return to London for a garden party.
It was the monarch’s first public engagement since his youngest son, Prince Harry, and wife Meghan Markle returned to the UK.
But he was in a jovial mood, and quickly saw the funny side when things went awry at the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship.
The Victoria League provides accommodation for young Commonwealth students in London to live in; an affordable ‘home away from home’ for those who have chosen to study in the capital.
As patron, Charles was invited to reveal a plaque marking the Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship’s 125th anniversary at the organisation’s Bayswater headquarters.
But, as he attempted to lift off the blue covering from the stand, the plaque unexpectedly fell onto the grass, promoting giggles from the King.
A bystander quickly stepped in to retrieve the plaque and placed it back onto the stand, allowing Charles to successfully remove the covering.
It wasn’t the only unexpected interruption on the day. A wasp made a nuisance of itself as Charles mingled with guests at the organisation’s headquarters, landing on the back of the King’s head. A swift move by a protection officer saw the bug batted away, but Charles was then seen rubbing the back of his head.
It was a busy day for the King. The British monarch also met with Pakistan’s national cricket team during an audience at Clarence House, his longtime home in London.
His wife, meanwhile, visited the London headquarters of the Royal Academy of Dance, of which she is a patron. Queen Camilla met with dancers from a variety of classes, including specialist programs for dancers 55 and over, dancers undergoing cancer treatment, and students from underprivileged backgrounds.
© Alamy Stock PhotoThe couple then reunited to visit the British Museum to view an exhibition on the Bayeux Tapestry, joined by French President Emmanuel Macron, first lady Brigitte Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his wife, Marie-France van Heel.
The display marks the first-ever time the tapestry, which depicts the Norman conquest of England through the Battle of Hastings, has ever been loaned from France to the UK. In exchange, the UK agreed to send several national treasures to France for display, including items from the Sutton Hoo burial.
© InstagramCharles and Camilla’s day of engagement marked a return to duties for the royal family after time out of the spotlight for their annual gathering at Balmoral.
Prince William, Princess Kate and their children, Prince George, 13, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight, were among the royals who headed to Balmoral to join the King for the late summer break. The siblings will soon be returning to school, with future king George set to begin his first term at Eton College.
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