In an endearing encounter that captivated onlookers, King Charles received an unexpected kiss from a 91-year-old fan during his visit to Guernsey with Queen Camilla. This charming moment highlighted the royal couple’s warm reception on their two-day trip to the Channel Islands, emphasizing the deep connection between the British monarchy and its admirers.

The Royal Visit to Guernsey
On July 16, King Charles, 75, and Queen Camilla, 76, arrived in Guernsey as part of their continued tour of the Channel Islands. The visit aimed to celebrate and strengthen the historic ties between the islands and the royal family. The couple received a warm welcome from the locals upon their arrival at St. Peter Port seafront. King Charles presided over a special sitting of the States of Deliberation, Guernsey’s Parliament, before mingling with the crowd.

The Heartwarming Kiss
The day took an unexpected turn when 91-year-old Kathleen Moriarty approached King Charles. As captured in a video shared by the BBC on X, Moriarty placed her hand on the King’s shoulder and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek after exchanging a few words. “I says to him, ‘Please can I give you a kiss?’ And he give me his cheek,” Moriarty recounted in the BBC clip. “I just did it! I didn’t plan it, and I enjoyed it. He’s lovely. It was very nice. I am pleased.”

Her spontaneity and joy were evident as she added with a laugh, “I thought if all these young dolly birds can do it, this old lady can!” The footage, also shared by ITV’s Chris Ship, showed Moriarty waving a Guernsey flag enthusiastically after the kiss, clearly delighted by the encounter.

Relaxed Royal Etiquette
While traditional etiquette around the British royals has relaxed in recent years, Moriarty’s bold move was still a surprise. The royal website, which has yet to be fully updated following Queen Elizabeth’s death in September 2022, states that there are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting the Queen or a member of the royal family. Traditionally, men bow their heads while women perform a small curtsy, but many prefer to simply shake hands.

Previous Royal Kisses
Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time King Charles received a kiss from a fan. Shortly after Queen Elizabeth’s death, Jenny Assiminios offered the new British sovereign a kiss outside Buckingham Palace. “I have seen him in front of me. I couldn’t believe it, and I said to him, ‘May I kiss you?’ He said ‘Well, yes,’ so I grabbed him, and I was very happy,” Assiminios shared with CNN.

Health and Resilience
Buckingham Palace revealed in late April that King Charles is undergoing treatment for cancer, following a diagnosis announced on February 5. During this period, the King postponed public-facing duties on medical advice but continued to work behind the scenes. He resumed his public engagements on April 30, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to his role.

Queen Camilla, too, showed her resilience during the trip despite sporting an unexpected accessory—a bandage on her right ankle. The Daily Mail reported that she had experienced an “ankle sprain” the previous day, yet she remained in good spirits and even wore low heels for the day’s activities.

Highlighting the Special Relationship
The royal couple’s visit to the Channel Islands, including their stops in Jersey and Guernsey, underscored the unique and historic relationship between the islands and the royal family. King Charles and Queen Camilla participated in various engagements designed to showcase the islands’ culture, heritage, and local industries.

In Jersey, their visit included a parade, viewing locally gifted cows destined for King Charles’ Highgrove estate, and interactions with the local community despite a brief security scare that interrupted their schedule. This incident, which occurred just two days after former U.S. President Donald Trump was injured in a shooting at a campaign rally, was swiftly resolved and deemed a false alarm.

Celebrating Local Heritage
In Guernsey, the royal couple’s activities included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a tour of local cultural sites, such as Crown Pier. Here, King Charles sampled local beer, and the couple visited Hauteville House, the former residence of author Victor Hugo, reflecting Queen Camilla’s love for literature.

A significant highlight was their visit to see the rare Golden Guernsey Goats at Les Cotils. This breed is listed on the Rare Breeds Watchlist and is considered at risk. As patron of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, King Charles granted royal status to the breed, now known as the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat. “The King has granted a special Royal title to the rare Golden Guernsey Goat breed — known henceforth as the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat,” reported royal correspondent Rebecca English of the Daily Mail. This marked the first time in recent history that such a protected title was granted to livestock.

Conclusion
The royal visit to the Channel Islands, highlighted by the endearing kiss from Kathleen Moriarty, demonstrated the deep affection and respect that the British monarchy commands. Despite challenges, including health issues and a brief security scare, King Charles and Queen Camilla’s resilience and commitment to their roles were evident throughout their engagements. This visit not only celebrated the unique cultural heritage of Jersey and Guernsey but also reinforced the enduring bond between the royal family and the people they serve. The heartwarming interactions, especially Moriarty’s kiss, provided a memorable and touching moment that captured the essence of the royal couple’s connection with their admirers.

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Source: https://people.com/king-charles-kissed-91-year-old-fan-guernsey-8678554