King Charles III has returned to London following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and has been greeted by huge crowds outside Buckingham Palace.
As his car reached the gates of his new home, Charles and his wife Camilla – the new Queen Consort – exited the vehicle so the new monarch could meet his people. The King made his way along the edge of the huge crowd, shaking hands, exchanging pleasantries, and even receiving a kiss on the cheek from one woman.
As has become the norm with any significant event in this modern, digital age, many people in the crowd of adoring royalists were filming and photographing the historic moment on their mobile phones. During his walkabout in front of the palace, one of His Majesty’s personal security guards was said to have repeatedly told people not to use their phones.
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However, the security guard was not asking people to abstain from their handheld devices out of respect, or for security reasons, but for their own enjoyment. As reported by the BBC, the security guard told people in the crowd: “Phones down. Enjoy the moment.”
BBC Home Editor Mark Easton, commentating on the moment, said this would have been “to demonstrate [and] illustrate a direct connection between King Charles III and the people he now rules.” With this simple act while connecting to his loyal subjects, Charles sets the tone that he will be an "inclusive monarch," much like his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Many people took to social media to praise the King's security guard, as one Tweeted: "King Charles III close protection with a brilliant message."
Another added: "Great message from security. Put your phones down and enjoy the moment."
"I love how King Charles's protection officer told people to put their phones down and enjoy the moment as he did his walkabout. This must be so difficult for him," said a third.
At the age of 73, King Charles III has become the oldest British monarch to ascend the throne after spending 70 years as heir to the Queen. With this, Britain now enters a new era in its more than 1,000-year royal history, entering what is known as the Carolean era.
King Charles III is expected to give his first televised address as monarch at 6pm on Friday.
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