In an audience that bridged generations, His Majesty King Charles III was pictured sharing a warm smile and conversation with the world's oldest person, the remarkable 117-year-old María Branyas Morera.
The historic meeting took place at the resident's care home in Olot, Spain, during the King and Queen Camilla's state visit. The monarch, who has long been a passionate advocate for intergenerational dialogue, was seen leaning in attentively to listen to María.
The moment was captured in a touching photograph released by Buckingham Palace, showing the two figures engaged in a genuine connection. María, who was born in San Francisco in 1907 and has lived through two World Wars and the Spanish Flu pandemic, presented a poised and alert figure.
A Life of Remarkable Longevity
María Branyas Morera's life is a chronicle of the 20th and 21st centuries. Her incredible lifespan has seen the invention of the television, the first man on the moon, and the dawn of the digital age.
She attributes her longevity to a life of "order, tranquillity, and good connection with family and friends", alongside a fortunate genetic predisposition. Her family confirmed she was "very happy and excited" to have met the British sovereign.
A King's Commitment to Community
The meeting underscores King Charles's ongoing commitment to championing the elderly and recognising their invaluable contribution to society. His visit was not merely ceremonial but a demonstration of his deeply held belief in community and connection across all ages.
The encounter provided a powerful, humanising glimpse into the King's role, showcasing his empathy and dedication to his duties as monarch, even while on a demanding foreign tour.
