Saturday’s coronation — the first of a British sovereign in 70 years, was marked by pomp, ceremony and some drama. According to the New York Post, a “professional lip reader” has noted what now King Charles III said in frustration while waiting for the coronation to commence.
In the well-broadcasted event, King Charles was seen in his coach next to his wife Camilla, apparently frustrated as he waited to begin the procession to Westminster Abbey.
Throngs of onlookers and crowded streets impacted the schedule. Prince William, his wife Kate and their children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, arrived late and were forced to join the procession behind Charles and Camilla.
In what was viewed as a noteworthy breach of etiquette, the prince and his family did not enter Westminster Abbey with the other royals and guests before the grand entrance of the king and queen.
At least two lip readers note that being forced to wait in a plush carriage while the Abbey attempted to accommodate latecomers angered King Charles.
After reviewing footage of the event, one lipreader told the Daily Mail King Charles said: “I’m worried about time, I mean it’s been longer this time and, well, erm, I mean look! I know.”
The footage, posted to Twitter, has garnered several million views.
One lip reader reported that King Charles complained: “We can never be on time. Yes, I’m… this is a negative. There’s always something.”
On Monday, Kensington Palace released an edited, behind-the-scenes profile of William, Kate and their children preparing for Saturday’s coronation — the footage showing the royal family struggling to enter a waiting vehicle to arrive at the Abbey on time.
King Charles’ flashes of anger have made headlines since being thrust into the spotlight after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away last September.
The New York Post has reported two notable on-camera incidents. In one, Charles angrily ordered an aide to clear his desk; in another, Charles fumed when given a faulty pen to sign important documents.
And at the coronation concert, “Downton Abbey” star Hugh Bonneville’s introductory comments as host of the event seemingly triggered a negative response from the monarch.
The notable British actor began his speech by congratulating the newly crowned king and queen and then paid tribute to Charles’ love of the arts, joking that Charles “is a painter, an artist … The artist formerly known as Prince.”
King Charles, 74, laughed then grimaced at the witty line.
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