The time I offered a biscuit to the now King Charles III

Any Brit living in Australia has been asked if they’ve met the royal family. As the world mourns Queen Elizabeth II we look at the time one NT News reporter met the new King.

As a British boy Aussies often ask me if I’ve met the royal family, and now I can now say ‘well, there was that time I offered the king a biscuit.’

In 2003, much of the British military were away and to connect and show their support to families the royal family went on a tour of British military bases.

My dad, who was a warrant officer at the time, was among those away.

It was by chance the now King Charles III came to Colchester, where we were based, and we were one of the first families he saw after coming through the door.

My younger brother was in my mother’s arms while as a six-year-old I was to her side.

Prince Charles went along the line chatting and shaking hands.

He had a lengthy conversation with my mum, but unfortunately missed me for a handshake.

I can’t remember what was said, but I know I was gutted that I got missed by somebody who I was told (and knew) was pretty important.

King Charles III was once offered a biscuit by a now-NT News reporter. Picture: Toby Melville

The watching cameramen noticed my plight and encouraged me to carry a plate of chocolate biscuits to the then-Prince of Wales.

After a bit of encouragement I plucked up the courage to take the plate over and tug – yes, tug – the royal’s jacket.

“Excuse me, do you want a biscuit?” I asked.

He played it off very well, turning his attention away from those he was talking with to lean towards me.

“No, thank you. Not now, but I might have one later with my tea.”

The photographers and journalists had their story then and I managed to offload some biscuits to some of the surrounding officers.

I approached the King in waiting again shortly after and he took a look at the plate with a smile.

“Haven’t you eaten all those biscuits yet?” he said.

A couple of months later, while my dad was still away, my mum and I were invited to Buckingham Palace along with other families who had people away in the Gulf.

It was a massive day in the Palace Gardens with plenty of entertainment including rides and a circus.

But the moment that had everyone’s attention was when the Queen came out and introduced herself to everyone at her home.

My mum also managed to strike up a conversation with Prince Edward, King Charles’ youngest brother, only to be interrupted when another boy asked, “Are you his mum?”

“No, I’m his mother,” my mum replied pointing at me.

That got a chuckle from the Earl of Wessex who said, “You will never live that down.”

We moved to Australia the following year, where one of the common questions asked of any person from the UK is, “have you met the royal family?”

And I can honestly say, yes I have.

The world now mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, who as the longest reigning British monarch left a real impression on so many.