: Queen Camilla remained calm, took the pen from him, and finished the signing herself while the King wiped ink from his fingers. Public and Media Reception
: While signing the book at Hillsborough Castle, Charles realized he had written the wrong date. Moments later, the pen he was using leaked. : Queen Camilla remained calm, took the pen
: 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. : Many observers felt the outburst was a
: 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. This was actually the second "pen-related" issue of
This was actually the second "pen-related" issue of his first week as monarch. Days earlier, during his on September 10, he had gestured somewhat impatiently for an aide to move a pen tray that was cluttering the table where he was to sign the Proclamation. Together, these moments provided an early, unvarnished look at the new King's temperament during a period of high stress.