‘Can’t bear this bloody thing’: Charles’ pen battle goes viral

In one flourish, 73-year-old King Charles has reminded us all that he is of a very different temperament from his late mother | WATCH

King Charles’ battles with a leaky pen in an ante room at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland, has broken the internet.

In one flourish, the 73-year-old has shown he is of a very different temperament from his mother and reminded us of his fiery temper.

“I can’t bear this bloody thing, every stinking time,’’ he says, as he realises to his frustration that said pen was dripping all over his hands and, as he hands it to her, of his Queen Consort, Camilla, as he tries to sign the visitor’s book at his Northern Ireland castle home.

In the same situation one senses Queen Elizabeth would have grimaced silently but sweetly, and an eagle eyed aid would have swooped to her rescue.

Charles’ behind-the-scenes ink skirmish, captured by the host broadcast crew and watched millions of times on social media shows that the gruelling agenda of the past days – racing between London, Balmoral, Edinburgh and Belfast is a particularly tough gig.

Emotionally under pressure, torn between grief at losing his mother and the constant stress of remaining measured and statesman-like to ensure the smooth transition of power is no picnic.

It turns out being King doesn’t bring with it superman endurance powers, or at the very least of owning a leakproof quill.

King Charles III battles the pen at Hillsborough Castle.

That Charles didn’t swear, like most of us would do in the same situation – was remarkable. But if only we could all have a capable butler/bodyguard/walking Wikipedia straight out of central casting on tap like Charles’ offsider.

In the highly amusing exchange, the King says: “I have just got to put it … September 12th?” As Mr Capable responds quickly (after checking his watch): “Thirteenth sir”.

Camilla, Queen Consort (R) watches as Britain's King Charles III signs the visitors' book, alongside an image of his late mother Queen Elizabeth II, at Hillsborough Castle in Belfast.

Replies the King:” Oh God, I have put the wrong date down … 13?”

Mr Capable replies “yes, sir”. And then Camilla interjects, helpfully, with deadpan humour “you signed the 12th earlier”.

Crowds cheer as King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort arrive at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland. Picture; Getty Images.

There is smattering of unintelligible exchange, before Charles realises the pen is leaking and he stands up and hands it to Camilla. “Oh God I hate this,’’ he says to her as he tries to wipe his hands before adding “I can’t bear this bloody thing.’’ And then turning on his heels he mutters “what they do, every stinking time’’. He leaves the room, a serene Camilla gets another pen – from Mr Capable no. 2 – and leisurely signs her name in the book.