Natasha Clarke
Family & Pets

“Who?”: King Charles’ hilarious Harry blunder

King Charles was faced with an unexpected enquiry while visiting the University of East London's Stratford campus for its 125th anniversary.

After unveiling a new plaque at the new hospital and primary care training hub, the 74-year-old monarch was greeting fans and meeting students when one attendee couldn’t hold back any longer and called out, “bring back Harry, please … Can you bring him back, sir?"

Without hesitation, Charles responded, “who?”

Charles’ blunt answer came as a surprise to some, but the man who’d posed the question was quick to add, “Harry, you son.” 

The monarch, immediately realising what had been asked in the first place, had a good chuckle at his own lapse in missing the subject of the request. 

While entertaining for the gathered royal enthusiasts, and the thousands who have since viewed the exchange online thanks to the Daily Mail, it appears King Charles’ sass had not been intentional, and rather the unfortunate - but amusing - result of a chattering crowd. 

People on Twitter wasted no time in doing what they do best: sharing their opinion on what went down. 

“I’m biased, I know, but I think KC3 handled this rather well,” wrote one, “he acknowledged that he didn’t hear the man properly and asked for clarification. He then shrugged it off and didn’t appear bothered. Good on him!”

“It was such a good laugh,” chimed another. 

Some, however, struggled to see the funny side of the story, instead lamenting, “silly question when the country is sick of Harry who.”

Tensions have been high between Charles and his 38-year-old son even since Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, left the United Kingdom in 2020. 

The couple, who are parents to Charles’ young grandchildren Archie and Lilibet, have been open about their experience in the monarchy since departing. Most recently, their interview with Oprah and Harry’s memoir Spare have thrust the strained relations into the public eye.

Tense relationships and meet-and-greet blunders aside, it is expected that Harry and Meghan will be in attendance to support King Charles’ at his coronation in May. Reportedly, King Charles wants to see them there to avoid further drama for the family. 

And for supporters - like the man in East London - who are eager for more, it is believed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will return again to the United Kingdom for the WellChild Awards in September. 

Image: Getty 

Tags:
King Charles, Prince Harry, family, royals