King Charles demonstrated his fun personality during a visit to Grimsby on June 11, 2026, when a member of the public accidentally addressed him with an unexpected expression. While meeting community organizations at Grimsby Town Football Club, staff member Francine Orr mistakenly called the monarch “darling” instead of using the formal title “Your Majesty.” Rather than looking offended, the King laughed and responded, “I like being called darling,” which turned the moment into a funny exchange.
“All right, darling — oh no, I’m so sorry, Your Majesty,” she mistakenly said. The monarch replied with “That’s okay. I like being called darling.”
Orr later recalled that officials had carefully briefed participants on the proper royal etiquette, including how to greet the King and address him correctly. However, nerves took over when she finally shook his hand. After realizing her mistake, she immediately apologized, but King Charles reassured her that everything was fine. She later described the 77-year-old monarch as “so down to earth” and described him as a lovely man whose visit meant a lot to the local community.
Royal protocol states that the King should be addressed as “Your Majesty” in conversation and “His Majesty” in writing. Queen Camilla follows the same convention, as “Your Majesty” in person or “Her Majesty” in correspondence. These titles were formally adopted after King Charles ascended the throne in September 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth.
