The King proved that you can teach an old dog new tricks after he was shown how to do the ‘spud bump’ at Buckingham Palace.
Charles, 75, met the West Indies cricket team on Saturday ahead of the first Test at Lords on Wednesday.
He was keen to express his concern about the devastation caused across the Caribbean by Hurricane Beryl, but there were some light-hearted moments too, notably when two brothers called up by the Windies, Mikyle and Jeremiah Louis, taught the monarch how to do a fist-bump salute.
He also burst out laughing after being shown other traditional Caribbean greetings, including clapping and shaking hands.
His Majesty then asked about the players’ families back home and asked if everyone had managed to get in touch with their loved ones since Beryl hit the islands leaving a trail of destruction and thousands of people across the region without electricity or water.
Charles, 75, met the West Indies cricket team on Saturday ahead of the first Test at Lords on Wednesday.
Team captain Kraigg Brathwaite said: “It was fantastic to meet the King. I told him that the hurricane devastated the islands and caused a lot of damage and that we now have much more at stake to make the West Indians proud.”
“I said we wanted to bring joy back to them and put a smile on their faces. We want to give people something to be happy about. It’s the least we can do.”
The King also expressed his desire to see more young Britons follow his example and take up the sport.
“The King wished us good luck and I hope we can put on a good show for the youngsters,” said seam bowler Jeremiah. “He told me he would like to see more youngsters playing cricket in England.”
The royal donned a grey suit for the occasion, paired with a patterned blue tie, and looked delighted to meet the athletes.
He smiled as he posed alongside them for a group photo and was seen shaking hands with the players.
He expressed his gratitude after receiving a shirt signed by all the players, although he indicated – touching his back and making a face – that he was too old to wear it in competition.
He expressed his concern about the devastation caused in the Caribbean by Hurricane Beryl.
Charles seemed to enjoy quiet moments with the team, sharing laughs and learning to shake hands.
His Majesty then asked about the players’ families back home, and asked if everyone had managed to get in touch with their loved ones since Beryl hit the islands.
He also burst out laughing after being shown other traditional Caribbean greetings, including clapping and shaking hands.
And he expressed his gratitude on receiving a shirt signed by all the players, although he indicated – touching his back and making a face – that he was a little old to wear it in competition.
Pointing to the framed shirt, he joked: “Break glass in case of emergency,” adding: “I’m very touched. I don’t think I deserve this at all.”
With a smile, Braithwaite said: ‘He said he would probably support West Indies and we are very grateful.
“The history between the two teams goes back a long way and to be here, playing against England, is great. I told His Majesty that we were looking forward to the series.
“I never thought I’d meet the King and it’s good to be here talking to him.”
The King has spoken to several prime ministers in the region in recent days and has made a significant personal donation to the relief effort.
Last week, the King expressed his “deep sadness” at the destruction and loss of life caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean.
In a personal message, he sent his “deepest condolences” on behalf of the Royal Family and praised the emergency services personnel and volunteers who are working around the clock to deal with the aftermath.
It is understood that Her Majesty is also making a significant charitable donation towards disaster relief and recovery efforts.
He has asked to be kept closely informed about the development of the situation and hopes to communicate directly with regional leaders in the coming days to offer his support and condolences.
In his message, King Charles said: “My family and I are deeply saddened to hear of the terrible destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean. Above all, we send our sincere condolences to the friends and families of those who have lost their lives so cruelly.
‘I have seen the extraordinary spirit of resilience and solidarity that people across the Caribbean have shown in response to so much destruction, a spirit that has been called upon all too often, and so I also send my particular gratitude to the emergency services and volunteers who are supporting the rescue and recovery efforts.
‘At this difficult time, please know that our most special thoughts and prayers are with all those whose lives, livelihoods and property have been completely devastated.’
Hurricane Beryl has hit several Caribbean islands, most recently Jamaica, killing at least eight people.
Nearly all homes have been destroyed or severely damaged on Union Island in the Grenadines, where authorities say the storm has caused “immense destruction.”
King Charles remains head of state in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, but also in Grenada, which has also been badly affected, and in Jamaica.
No storm has reached Beryl’s intensity level so early in the hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
The King’s message comes after it was confirmed that the Prince and Princess of Wales had privately donated to the relief effort and continue to closely monitor the impact of the hurricane.
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