A fascinating royal anecdote has surfaced, revealing a young King Charles's role in a minor scandal that resulted in a formal apology to a dismissed staff member. The story, shared by a royal commentator, centres on a teenage indiscretion involving alcohol and its lasting impact on the future monarch.
The Teenage Indiscretion That Caused a Scandal
Royal expert Richard Eden recounted the incident on the Daily Mail's Palace Confidential podcast. He explained that when Charles was just 14 years old and a pupil at Gordonstoun boarding school, he joined older boys on a sailing trip to Scotland.
During a stop in Stornoway, the group visited a hotel. Eager to fit in with the older lads, the young Prince of Wales decided to order a drink at the bar. He chose a cherry brandy, a beverage he had only previously tasted, he believed, during a hunting trip with his grandmother, the Queen Mother.
Unfortunately, a journalist was present in the bar at that precise moment. The reporter overheard the underage prince's order, and the story quickly became a public scandal. The fallout was severe, with the hotel reportedly facing intense scrutiny and nearly being forced to close.
The Fallout and a Royal Apology
The most significant consequence fell upon the royal protection officer accompanying Charles on the trip. The officer was held responsible for the incident and subsequently lost his job.
Feeling profound embarrassment and guilt over the officer's dismissal, the teenage Charles took an unusual step. He personally wrote a letter of apology to the former employee. This gesture demonstrated his sense of responsibility, even at a young age, for the repercussions his actions had on others in the royal household.
Cherry Brandy's Unfortunate Royal Association
This historical footnote resurfaced recently due to a modern diplomatic event. During the recent official German state visit to the UK, a specially created cocktail served at functions was based on cherry brandy.
Richard Eden pointed out the drink's "unfortunate associations" for the King, given this childhood episode. It remains unknown whether King Charles sampled the cocktail during the visit hosted for German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
The state visit itself focused on weightier matters, with the King using a banquet speech to emphasise the strong UK-Germany alliance. He stated both nations stand together with Ukraine and are determined to "bolster Europe" against further Russian aggression.
The visit also featured a traditional exchange of gifts. King Charles presented President Steinmeier with items including a horn-handled walking stick and a first edition of Virginia Woolf's work. In return, he received gifts such as a handcrafted umbrella and Christmas ornaments.
