: Clearly exhausted and frustrated, he stood up and said, "Oh god, I hate this," before adding, "I can’t bear this bloody thing! [It's] what they do every stinking time."
The incident where expressed visible frustration over a leaking pen occurred on September 13, 2022 , during his visit to Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland. Shortly after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, while signing a visitor's book, the King reacted with the exclamation, "I can’t bear this bloody thing!" after ink got on his hands. Incident Overview
The "pen incident" became a viral moment, sparking a mix of reactions: : Clearly exhausted and frustrated, he stood up
: Many observers felt the outburst was a relatable sign of human grief and exhaustion. At 73 years old, Charles had been under immense public pressure and personal mourning for several days without rest.
: While signing the book at Hillsborough Castle, Charles realized he had written the wrong date. Moments later, the pen he was using leaked. Incident Overview The "pen incident" became a viral
: The King was at the end of a grueling tour of the four nations of the United Kingdom, participating in ceremonies and greeting the public following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
: The clip inspired countless memes and even led to members of the public handing the King "emergency" pens during subsequent walkabouts to ensure he wouldn't face the same issue again. Historical Context Moments later, the pen he was using leaked
: Critics used the moment to highlight his long-standing reputation for being particular about his surroundings and tools, which had been documented in various unofficial biographies.