King Charles blasts leaky Hillsborough pen

"Every st-inking time", the new monarch said, as the stationery emergency unfolded.

King Charles and the Queen Consort caught up in pen-related drama at Hillsborough Castle.
Published 14th Sep 2022

King Charles III told aides "I can't bear this bloody thing" after a pen he was using at Hillsborough Castle appeared to leak.

The King was at the royal residence in Co Down in Northern Ireland, when the ink appeared to drip from the pen as he tried to sign a book.

It came after another pen-related incident on Saturday, when the new monarch was seen gesturing for an ornate holder to be taken away by an aide while signing a document during his first Privy Council.

The incident prompted some criticism with users saying King Charles expected servants to move items for him, with others reminding that he is grieving, tired, and therefore understandably tetchy.

Later it was back in place, after privy councillors used its pens to sign documents, but the King once again took offence over the item, when called upon to give his signature, and pulled a face before it was removed again.

On Tuesday, the King visited Northern Ireland on the latest leg of his royal tour of the four nations following the death of his mother, the Queen.

While sat down to sign the visitor's book at the end of the visit at the castle, the King could be heard in a video clip asking the date, before standing up in frustration.

The Queen Consort, who was given the pen, said "it's going everywhere", before the pair wiped their hands.

The King was then heard saying: "I can't bear this bloody thing... every stinking time."

He was then lead away by aides.

How to listen to Downtown Country:

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for Country music, Downtown Country on online, on the Rayo app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Downtown Country’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the best Irish and American country music, from Victoria Quinn in the morning, to Big T’s legendary evening Country show.