King Charles took an impromptu stroll to greet mourners in line to view the Queen’s casket and pay their respects.
King Charles III and the Prince of Wales have been conversing with those waiting to pay their respects to the Queen’s casket while she lies in state.
The king and his eldest son went on an unplanned walkabout, shaking hands and exchanging condolences, as they took a small break from their busy schedules before the Queen’s funeral on Monday.
Hundreds of individuals waiting in line in Lambeth, south London, applauded and cheered as Charles and William emerged.
Many took photographs and pressed against the metal bars, eager to speak with the King and the heir apparent while shaking hands with those closest to them.
Several more shouted “God Save the King,” “God Save the Prince of Wales,” and “we love you William” as each individual passed.
A woman clutching a giant Paddington Bear plush toy greeted the King, as his security personnel implored well-wishers to “put the phones down please gentlemen… appreciate the reality of it” as the new king neared a sea of phones being used to record the moment.
In the meantime, the Prince of Wales questioned if some of those in line were sufficiently warm, telling them he hoped the line will move quickly for them and joking with one well-wisher, “you have very warm hands.”
Another guest claimed that they had traveled from the Czech Republic “Unbelievable. Honestly, she [the Queen] would never believe this. It’s great.”
William remained longer than his father, taunting the audience: “My father is faster than me.” One woman assured him, regarding the future, “You’ll be a magnificent king one day.”
Before the walkabout, King Charles commended emergency service personnel for their work throughout the period of grief during a meeting with Sir Mark Rowley, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in London.
In addition, he was informed by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jane Connors and Commander Karen Findlay, who are coordinating police operations around London before and during the Queen’s funeral. Suella Braverman, the home secretary, and Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, were also present.
During an emotional moment for the new monarch, he has also been busy traveling throughout the United Kingdom, visiting all four corners of the kingdom – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The day after his mother’s death, on September 8, he met with new Prime Minister Liz Truss before delivering a televised address to the nation.
In Scotland, he met with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Later, he traveled to Hillsborough Castle, the royal home in Northern Ireland, and attended a memorial service for the Queen at St Anne’s Cathedral.
Along with his siblings Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Prince Andrew, he led the procession of the Queen’s casket from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall on Wednesday.
On Thursday, the king took a day off from his official duties, although he was rumored to have been busy behind closed doors fielding calls from several foreign leaders expressing their condolences.
King Charles visited Wales on Friday, concluding his tour of the United Kingdom to acknowledge his new position as king and head of state and to meet with the public.
Wales holds a special significance for the new king, who held the title Prince of Wales for fifty years before his coronation last week.
The monarch returned to London that evening to maintain vigil beside his mother’s coffin in Westminster Hall with his three military-uniformed siblings.
Saturday evening, eight grandchildren of the Queen will stand vigil.
According to royal officials, Harry and his uncle Prince Andrew are permitted to wear military uniforms during their turns, a departure from the royal norm.
Former England football captain David Beckham, who waited in line for 12 hours to view the Queen lying in state, as well as Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, were observed paying their respects.
