King Charles III getting irritated by pen at proclamation goes viral

Footage of King Charles III getting irritated by a pen after being proclaimed new monarch has gone viral, with many saying the ‘priceless moment’ has already proven to be a ‘highlight’ of the day. Watch the clip here: 

After being formally proclaimed the nation’s new sovereign, King Charles held his first Privy Council meeting, where he sat to sign official declarations. 

However, the historic moment ended up becoming strangely fraught when Charles found that there wasn’t quite enough space on the small desk to sign both of the large documents before him. 

After signing one, he went to move on to the other – only to find that a pen tray was in his way, grimacing in frustration to staff out of shot. 

A mysterious hand then appeared to swiftly and silently remove the pen tray from the desk. 

The next problem came when Prince William took his seat to sign the declaration, having to motion to the staff to bring the pen tray back. 

The whole exchange did not go unnoticed by those watching at home, with one tweeting: “Did Charles just get angry with a plastic pen holder while the world watched him sign his proclamation declaration? Poor William had to ask for it back when he signed?! #KingCharlesIII just like his dad! Love it!” 

Someone else said: “Charles' brief fury at the pen tray is definitely the highlight of this for me. #Proclamation.” 

A third wrote: “I know it’s only just happened, but King Charles manically trying to rid his tiny desk of the pen tray is 100% going to be a meme.” 

A fourth commented: “King Charles is just so DONE with that pen tray, leaving William hunting for one. Priceless moment in the #proclamation.” 

Another added: “Charles getting s****y about that pen tray being in the way of the oath he had to sign just makes him more relatable imo.” 

I can’t be the only one fascinated by the pen/inkwell situation today. Charles annoyed at them, making grimaces at the staff to deal with them. William gracefully helping tidy and arrange them. I find those gestures more telling of their characters than anything in the ceremony.

— Dr Robyne Calvert (@robyneerica) September 10, 2022

They should of rehearsed for this proclamation King Charles wasn’t impressed with that pen holder thing being in his way 😂

— Claire💫 (@Claire_Ginty) September 10, 2022

Why did Charles make such a weird gesture for them to remove his pen case, could he not just pass it and say 'could you remove this please?!' Lifetime of servants does that to you I guess.

— Katy | Family Finance & Food Blogger (She/Her) (@Katykicker) September 10, 2022

Others also pointed out that the whole reason William was left high and dry with stationery was because his father had 'pocketed' his pen after signing the declaration.

"I never thought I’d relate to royalty, until I saw King Charles III pocket that pen," one joked.

Another added: "Big fan of Charles stealing the pen then. Well you would wouldn’t you, it’ll be worth a fortune #KingCharles."