King Charles III was only formally proclaimed the United Kingdom’s new reigning monarch on Saturday, but he’s already had a viral moment.
According to Express, the monarch had to frantically gesture at aides to clear the desk where he was to ink his name on the documents just moments before signing the Accession Proclamation, which marked his official ascension to the throne of the British Commonwealth.
The objects in question were a pen box and an inkwell, both of which were reportedly gifts from his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
Charles could be seen on the camera pointing at the things and demanding that they be removed immediately.
“The servant must clear my desk for me. I can’t be expected to move things,” one person who was watching the live broadcast joked on Twitter, with another adding, “First day on the job and already he’s fed up. LOL.”
A third noted, “Charles’ brief fury at the pen tray is definitely the highlight of this for me.”
During the ceremony, held at the centuries-old diplomatic hub of St James’s Palace in Westminster, London, the UK’s House of Commons leader and Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt, invited His Majesty to sign two proclamations, one of which declared the date of Queen Elizabeth II’s death a bank holiday.
Prior to that, Charles, 73, gave an emotional speech about his mother’s death.
“My mother’s reign was unequaled in its duration, dedication, and devotion. Even as we grieve we give thanks for this most faithful life,” the royal said.
“I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me.”
Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8 at Balmoral Castle, a favorite retreat for the late monarch.
Her death at the age of 96 marked the end of the longest reign of a single monarch in British history, with seven decades on the throne. Her most recent Platinum Jubilee was in June 2022.
Meghan Markle was reunited with Prince Harry, Prince William, and Kate Middleton on Saturday, just hours after Charles was officially proclaimed king.
The foursome gathered in public to view the heartfelt tributes left in Queen Elizabeth II’s honor.
