King Charles III Lashes Out At Young Aide After Wardrobe Malfunction During State Opening Of Parliament

King Charles III experienced a moment of frustration during the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday when his ceremonial robe failed to cooperate.

The 75-year-old monarch, presiding over his second State Opening since ascending the throne, visibly struggled with his Robe of State after taking his seat on the throne. The incident, captured on video, has since gone viral, amassing over 1.5 million views online.

Footage shows King Charles gesturing repeatedly to a young page boy, silently instructing him to adjust the ermine and velvet robe. The Page of Honor, one of several boys assisting in the ceremony, initially hesitated before folding the cape over the throne. The King was heard quietly expressing his gratitude once the adjustment was made.

Pages of Honor, typically boys aged 10-13 from extended family or friends of the royal family, serve in this ceremonial role. Their tenure is often determined by how long they can fit into the traditional red uniforms, which are passed down rather than custom-made for each page.

Despite the momentary wardrobe malfunction, the ceremony proceeded with its customary pomp and circumstance. King Charles, dressed in his Admiral of the Fleet Royal Naval Number 1 Dress uniform beneath the Parliament Robe of State, wore the Imperial State Crown as he delivered the King’s Speech. Queen Camilla, celebrating her 77th birthday, complemented her husband in a white gown adorned with the George IV State Diadem.

The King’s Speech, a crucial part of the ceremony, outlines the government’s policies and proposed legislation for the upcoming parliamentary session. This formal address is written by the government and delivered by the monarch.

Watch as King Charles III opened a session of Parliament on Tuesday for the first time as monarch. In keeping with tradition, he outlined the British government’s legislative priorities — including more fossil fuel extraction. https://t.co/xx9Xn1IYVl pic.twitter.com/UouPlGRUOp

— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 7, 2023

The event marked a significant public appearance for King Charles, who has been undergoing cancer treatment since his diagnosis was announced in early February. Buckingham Palace recently confirmed that the monarch’s treatment is ongoing.

Last week, Charles was caught on camera lashing out at another aide who failed to help Camilla with her jacket in the rain.