King Charles Fountain Pen Tantrum

[Chip]

Oh, Bother!!!

"All the same, Charles remains the familiar figure he has been for decades; wearing the crown will not alter his fundamental character. When, in the days after the Queen’s death, he took part in ceremonies establishing his kingship, he got into not one but two altercations with malfunctioning pens, and his irascible response the second time—“I can’t bear this bloody thing, what they do . . . every stinking time”—was recognizable to anyone who has spent time observing him."

Anyone know what pen(s) he was using? News photos seem to suggest a Montblanc.

[catbert]

He used a Montblanc on the first occasion but it was a tray of other pens that attracted his displeasure.

See here: https://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread...l=1#post375804

Not sure anyone has identified the leaky pen on the second occasion.

See here: https://fpgeeks.com/forum/showthread...l=1#post376195

[RobJohnson]

I had thought it was for a signing ceremony in London but the YouTube vid says Hillsborough, I have had another look and I still cannot identify the pen which has a gold barrel, black section and an open nib. It looks as if the ink has leaked into the cap and then transferred to the section. Charles signs, gets ink on his fingers, knows it has happened, passes the pen nib upwards to Camilla and she gets inked too. She is handed another pen, looks to be same as the first, and signs.

Not sure that I blame the pen as much as the ADC who had the job of making sure that all went perfectly as the world watched.

[fountainpenkid]

Oh, Bother!!!

"All the same, Charles remains the familiar figure he has been for decades; wearing the crown will not alter his fundamental character. When, in the days after the Queen’s death, he took part in ceremonies establishing his kingship, he got into not one but two altercations with malfunctioning pens, and his irascible response the second time—“I can’t bear this bloody thing, what they do . . . every stinking time”—was recognizable to anyone who has spent time observing him."

Anyone know what pen(s) he was using? News photos seem to suggest a Montblanc.

You're quoting David Remnick, right?
I think Trevor Noah actually had the most hilarious response to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfNpDWHGh10

[RobJohnson]

Conway Stewart have produced a Coronation pen that is limited to 250 and for sale at a price of £575, I cannot post links or pics but it is worth looking for, an understated pen which suits my conservative taste at least.

I cannot remember the rules on Royal Warrants, you will know that Parker held the pens and inks warrant to HM The Queen, I am not sure if the warrant is held by the Crown or the Monarch and therefore Parker may not be the warrant holder in the future, not sure.

[catbert]

... you will know that Parker held the pens and inks warrant to HM The Queen ...

And to the Prince of Wales, according to the blister pack on one of my Jotters. So, whether the warrant is institutional or individual, perhaps Parker will retain the relationship.

[carlos.q]

This time around he was lucky:

https://metro.co.uk/2023/05/06/charl...-day-18736583/

https://metro.co.uk/video/relief-kin.../?ito=vjs-link

[amk]

I really like Trevor Noah's organogram of Buckingham Palace hierarchy, showing Prince William under the King, and the King under the tutelage of "The guy who buys the pens".

That's the way it should be!