The King proved you can teach an old dog new tricks after he was shown how to do the ‘spud bump’ at Buckingham Palace.
Charles, 75, met with the West Indian cricket team on Saturday ahead of the first test at Lords on Wednesday.
He was keen to express his concern at the devastation wrought across the Caribbean by Hurricane Beryl – but there were also some light-hearted moments, particularly as the monarch was taught how to do a fist bump-style greeting by two brothers called up for the Windies, Mikyle and Jeremiah Louis.
He also roared with laughter after being shown a number of other traditional Caribbean greetings, involving him slapping and clasping hands.
Afterwards His Majesty inquired after the players’ families back home, asking whether they had all managed to make contact with their loved ones since Beryl battered the islands leaving a trail of destruction and thousands across the region without power and water.
Charles, 75, met with the West Indian cricket team on Saturday ahead of the first test at Lords on Wednesday
Team captain Kraigg Brathwaite said: ‘It was great to meet the King. I told him that the hurricane devastated the islands and caused a great deal of damage and now we’ve got even more to play for to make West Indians proud.
‘I said that we want to bring some joy back and put a smile on their face. We want to give people something to cheer for. It’s the least we can do.’
The King also spoke of his desire to see more British youngsters follow their example and take up the sport.
‘The King wished us good luck and I hope we put on a good show for the young people,’ said seam bowler Jeremiah. ‘He told me he would like to see more youngsters playing cricket in England.’
The royal donned a grey suit for the occasion – teamed with a patterned blue tie – looking delighted to meet the athletes.
He grinned as he posed alongside them for a group photo, and was seen shaking hands with the players.
And he expressed his gratitude on being presented with a shirt signed by all the players, though he indicated – touching his back and grimacing – that he was a touch too old to wear it competitively.
He was keen to express his concern at the devastation wrought across the Caribbean by Hurricane Beryl
Charles appeared to enjoy moments of levity with the team, sharing laughs and learning handshaks
Afterwards His Majesty inquired after the players’ families back home, asking whether they had all managed to make contact with their loved ones since Beryl battered the islands
He also roared with laughter after being shown a number of other traditional Caribbean greetings, involving him slapping and clasping hands
And he expressed his gratitude on being presented with a shirt signed by all the players, though he indicated – touching his back and grimacing – that he was a touch too old to wear it competitively
Pointing to the framed shirt he joked: ‘Break glass in emergency’, adding: ‘I’m very touched. I don’t think I deserve this at all.’
With a smile Braithwaite said: ‘He said he would probably be supporting the West Indies and we’re very grateful.
‘The history between the two teams goes way back and to be here, playing England, is great. I told His Majesty we were looking forward to the series.
‘I never thought I’d meet the King and it’s good to be here talking to him.’
The King has spoken to a number of Prime Ministers in the region in recent days and has made a substantial personal donation to the relief effort.
Last week, the King expressed his ‘profound sadness’ at the destruction and loss of life caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean.
In a personal message he sent his ‘heartfelt condolences’ from the Royal Family and praised emergency services personnel and volunteers who are working round-the-clock to deal with the aftermath.
It is understood His Majesty is additionally making a substantial charitable donation to the disaster recovery and relief efforts.
He has asked to be kept closely informed of the developing situation, and is hoping to engage with regional leaders directly in coming days to offer his support and sympathies.
In his message King Charles said: ‘My family and I have been profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl across the Caribbean. Above all, we send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of those who have so cruelly lost their lives.
‘I have seen the extraordinary spirit of resilience and solidarity that people across the Caribbean have shown in response to such destruction – a spirit which has been called upon too often – and so I also send my particular gratitude to the emergency services and volunteers who are supporting the rescue and recovery efforts.
‘At this most difficult of times, please know that our most special thoughts and prayers are with all those whose lives, livelihoods and property have been so utterly devastated.’
Hurricane Beryl has battered several islands in the Caribbean, most recently Jamaica, killing at least eight people.
Almost every home has been destroyed or badly damaged on Union Island in the Grenadines, where officials say the storm has caused ‘immense destruction’.
King Charles remains head of state in St Vincent and the Grenadines, as well Grenada, which has also been badly hit, and Jamaica.
No storm has reached Beryl’s level of intensity so early in the hurricane season, which runs from June until November.
The King’s message comes after it was confirmed that the Prince and Princess of Wales had donated privately to the relief effort and continue to follow the impact of the hurricane closely.
