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ABC News
ABC News
National

King Charles III fed up with leaking pens at Northern Ireland's Hillsborough Castle ceremony

King Charles III has lost his temper with a leaking fountain pen at a signing ceremony in Northern Ireland.

The new monarch was signing the visitors' book in front of cameras at Hillsborough Castle when it appeared to leak on his hand. 

"Oh god I hate this [pen]," the King said as he stood up and handed the pen to his wife, Queen Consort Camilla.

"Oh look, it's going everywhere," Camilla said as King Charles wiped his fingers.

"I can't bear this bloody thing … every stinking time," the new King said as he walked away.

King Charles also used the wrong date when signing the documents, after checking with an aide who told him that it was September 13, not September 12.

It is the second time in recent days the King has become frustrated when signing documents.

On the first occasion he gestured to aides to help when a pen holder on a table got in his way.

During his visit to Hillsborough the new King took the time to pet a corgi, famously his mother's favourite dog breed. The dog's owner was among the crowds who turned out to greet him outside the castle.

The Queen's body is back in England — what's next?
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