King Charles received an unexpected souvenir during his visit to the seaside resort of Newcastle in Northern Ireland—a splattering of seagull droppings on his suit jacket. The incident occurred as he was about to greet the public lining the main street, with the bird's excrement also hitting those nearby, including members of the press.
Royal Humor Amidst the Mishap
Charles took the incident in stride, joking about the encounter. Irene Marting, 64, from the village of Dromara near Lisburn, was waiting with her sister Paula Leitch and witnessed the event from across the street. After sharing a laugh with the King, she recounted: “We were talking to the King about the seagull and he said ‘it’s well it didn’t land on my head’.” She added that someone tried to offer him a coat, but he declined, and noted that being hit by a seagull is supposedly good luck. Marting expressed delight at the King's visit, saying, “We’re so thrilled he’s come to Northern Ireland to see us.”
Foodbank Visit Highlights Charity Work
Earlier in the day, during his second day in Ulster, the King praised “amazing” foodbank volunteers. At the Pantry Foodbank in a Newcastle church, Charles packed boxes of groceries for those in need, filling two boxes with bread, vegetables, tinned goods, and toiletries. The Pantry’s chairman, John O’Neill, informed him the items were for one individual. Later, while examining boxes destined for a family, the King made volunteers laugh by touching a toilet roll and declaring it “very important.”
Queen’s Solo Engagement
Meanwhile, the Queen carried out a solo royal visit to the Parson’s Nose pub and restaurant in Royal Hillsborough. She joked about her husband’s expertise while pouring a pint of Guinness, saying, “I’m not quite the expert, but my husband is.” Her efforts were met with applause from staff and patrons.
