It was a moment of pure joy. As a group of Black Ferns rugby players engulfed the King in a spontaneous – and protocol-breaking – hug, His Majesty King Charles looked surprised for a split second.
And then he broke into the biggest, happiest, most genuine smile we’ve seen from him in a very long time. He declared good-naturedly that he’d just been “flattened by a rugby scrum”.
Videos of the encounter during the women’s trip to Buckingham Palace went viral. Experts say that the glimpse of a truly delighted King, 75, has not only done wonders for Charles himself, making him seem much more relatable, but for the reputation of the monarchy, which tends to be seen as stiff and formal.
And many people agreed with Ayesha Leti-I’iga, who initiated the hug, when she later said, “If anything, I felt like he needed the hug more than me!
“I actually didn’t see his reaction until I saw the footage and it was wholesome. It was a great hug.”
Ayesha, 25, added, “At the time, I didn’t know you’re not actually allowed to hug the King. Now I know why it’s such a big thing.”
In an off-the-cuff speech, the King said he had very much appreciated the chance to meet New Zealand’s women’s rugby team – in the UK to play England’s Red Roses – and to “have such a warm hug from most of you. Very healing!”
His Majesty has been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer. He has had to cut back on public duties for several months earlier this year. The two years of his reign so far have been trying ones, thanks to the cancer diagnoses he and daughter-in-law Catherine, Princess of Wales, have received, plus the ongoing rift with younger son Prince Harry.
So the warmth shown to him by the Black Ferns players would have meant a lot, even though hugging the Monarch is not normally the done thing.
His unbridled pleasure at their exuberant response when he agreed to an embrace – he said, “Why not?” when Ayesha mentioned they all wanted a hug, if that was okay with him – was indicative of a king who wants his reign to be marked by an “informal formality”, according to his private secretary Sir Clive Alderton.
Royal experts say he is “rewriting the rule book” when it comes to how the royal family is seen. The moment with the Black Ferns was an unexpected chance to show what he’s really like.
“He is a genuinely warm and affectionate man. He’s not embarrassed to express that in a public way,” says a palace source. “He’s a relatable person.”
Robert Jobson, author of the biography Our King, says Charles has always been a “good hugger” and is “pretty relaxed about it”.
He points out that it’s usually palace aides who are strict on protocol. Touching members of the family is usually a no-no. However, the royals themselves take it in their stride if they’re on the receiving end of a show of affection.
The Black Ferns’ excitement at getting to meet the Monarch charmed the hundreds of thousands of people who viewed the social media posts of their visit to Buckingham Palace.
Rugby superstar Ruby Tui was her usual chatty, down-to-earth self, saying, “Sup G?” after shaking his hand. When Charles told her he had played rugby – and broken his nose – she said, “I’m impressed, bruv.”
Ruby, 32, also pointed out that there was enough space in the grounds of Buckingham Palace for three rugby pitches. She suggested the next Rugby World Cup could be held there. The King had to apologetically explain that wasn’t going to be possible as the lawns were “covered in goose droppings”.
The King also said he was sorry he would not make it to Aotearoa when he travels to Australia and Samoa on an official visit next month due to “doctor’s orders”, and asked the Black Ferns to “send my love to New Zealand”.
“Will do, boss,” replied Ruby.
What you said
King Charles’ reaction to the group hug from the Black Ferns is seen as one of the highlights of his reign so far. Comments on social media included…
“That is so very special. You girls lit up the King.”
“This made me teary. Black Ferns smashing down hundreds of years of tradition and breaking barriers with one hug.”
“Instantly became everyone’s granddad – I’m far from a royalist but that was lovely to see.”
“Haven’t seen ol’ mate smile like that in a while… well done, ladies.”
“Good on the King and our wonderful Black Ferns for being so bloody real! I have never seen his face like that. Just brilliant!”
“I don’t like the monarchy but couldn’t help but smile at this.”
“I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen him truly smile and look so genuinely happy. Feel a bit of a soft spot in my heart for him after seeing this.”
“It was a pure, delightful sight and we could all use more of that simple warmth.”
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