King Charles III was just officially proclaimed UK’s new reigning monarch on Saturday – yet he’s already had a moment gone viral.
Moments before signing the Accession Proclamation – marking his official ascension to the throne of the British Commonwealth – the monarch found himself having to frantically gesture at aides to clear the desk where he was to ink his name on the documents.
The objects of concern consisted of a pen box and an inkwell, both of which had reportedly been gifted to him by his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
Charles could be seen on camera pointing at the items, requesting 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, which took place at the centuries-old diplomatic hub of St James’s Palace in Westminster, London, UK’s House of Commons leader and Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt, invited His Majesty to sign two proclamations – including one declaring the date of Queen Elizabeth II’s death as a bank holiday.
Beforehand, Charles, 73, delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on his mother’s death.
“My mother’s reign was unequaled in its duration, its dedication and its 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 Sept. 8 at Balmoral Castle, which is said to have been a favorite getaway for the late monarch.
Her passing at age 96 concluded the longest reign of a single monarch in Britain’s history, having celebrated seven decades on the throne. Her latest Platinum Jubilee took place in June 2022.
On Saturday, just hours after Charles was officially proclaimed king, Meghan Markle was also spotted reuniting with Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate Middleton.
The foursome gathered together in public to view the heartfelt tributes left in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.