King Charles's Witty Remark After England's World Cup Exit
King Charles captured the nation's mood after England's heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, joking it was a "good time to drown a few sorrows" while pulling a pint at a Dorset brewery. The 7-word quip came during a visit to Hall and Woodhouse brewery near Blandford Forum on Thursday, July 16, 2026, where the King and Queen Camilla marked the company's 250th anniversary.
Argentina shattered England's World Cup dreams the previous night with two late goals, securing their place in Sunday's final. The defeat left fans across the country disheartened, and Charles's lighthearted comment resonated with many.
Behind the Bar at Hall and Woodhouse
Upon arrival, the King received applause and cheers as Camilla helped him behind the bar. Head brewer Toby Heasman, 50, instructed Charles on pulling a pint, urging him to do it "a bit quicker." Camilla assisted, but Charles noticed the pint wasn't filled to the top. He then marveled at the 3.4% ABV "Fursty Ferret" ale, lifted his glass, and smiled: "Maybe it's a good day to drown a few sorrows." The remark drew boisterous applause and laughter from the crowd.
Celebrating 250 Years of Brewing
Earlier, the King and Queen unveiled a plaque to commemorate the brewery's 250th anniversary. Charles met Anthony Woodhouse, 61, and his son Matt, 34, the seventh and eighth generations of the family, and called it "remarkable" that the business remained family-run. Hall and Woodhouse operates pubs including the Duchess of Cornwall Inn, opened by Camilla in 2016.
The Royal Family shared a video of the moment on X (formerly Twitter), captioning it: "A good time to drown a few sorrows… The King and Queen have visited the Hall & Woodhouse Badger Brewery, marking the start of its 250th anniversary celebrations." The post garnered widespread engagement, highlighting the King's relatable humor.
