- King Charles' 'Pokémon' shoutout steals the show
- Prince William smirks at his joke
- At Japanese State Banquet
As King Charles shared anecdotes and jests, Prince William (42) was caught on camera with a smirk that quickly became the talk of the town. The Prince's reaction—a mix of amusement and disbelief—echoed the sentiments of many online, sparking a flurry of comments and memes. "King Charles mentioning 'Pokémon' mid-speech was not on my 2024 bingo card," joked one user on X (formerly Twitter).
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Fishing tales and cultural homages
The King reminisced about past times spent with Emperor Naruhito, including a fishing outing that, by his own admission, didn't end in a bountiful catch. Using this anecdote, Charles humorously related to the 'Pokémon' catchphrase "gotta catch 'em all," to the delight of his grandchildren and banquet guests alike.
But it didn't stop there. King Charles also paid homage to Hello Kitty, recognizing the global icon's British roots and her status as a U.N.I.C.E.F. Children’s Ambassador. This playful nod to cultural exchange underscored the evening's warm and engaging atmosphere.
A grandfather's love
Amidst the laughter and light-hearted moments, King Charles' references to his grandchildren highlighted his familial side. With Prince William's children and those of Prince Harry (39) and Meghan Markle (42) in mind, the King's speech painted a picture of a grandfather eager to connect with the younger generation through shared cultural touchstones.
Royal expert Katie Nicholl shed light on the King's desire to mend fences and deepen bonds with his family, especially in light of his recent cancer diagnosis. The King's efforts to reach out and embrace his grandchildren, despite the distance, reflect a heartfelt wish to unite his family.
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The State Banquet at Buckingham Palace was not only a testament to the enduring friendship between the UK and Japan but also a showcase of King Charles III's unique charm and wit. As the internet buzzes with reactions to his speech, it's clear that the King's playful references have left an indelible mark on this royal occasion.