King Charles has got jokes — and dad jokes at that.
On Thursday, the king hosted a grand banquet for Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako in honor of their state visit this week, and a line in his dinner speech took everyone by surprise. Charles made several references to Japanese pop culture, including Pokémon and Hello Kitty, and it was the former of the two that got the crowd — and the internet — giggling.
While reminiscing on previous time spent with Naruhito, including fly fishing excursions, the monarch said, “I am only sorry to report that I haven’t had any better luck with more recent attempts at fishing. The Pokémon phrase ‘gotta catch ’em all’ may resonate with my grandchildren, but for me, it is, perhaps, aspirational,” Charles quipped.
The crowd chuckled at the king’s one-liner, while Prince William gave a subdued smirk at his father’s attempt at humor. Charles continued with an ode to Hello Kitty, sharing, “It has been a pleasure to learn of the British stories behind certain Japanese cultural icons. Perhaps you would allow me to note one particular individual who turns fifty this year. Raised in a London suburb with her twin sister, a self-made entrepreneur worth billions of dollars, and a U.N.I.C.E.F. Children’s Ambassador on top of all that. So I can only wish a very happy birthday to … Hello Kitty!” he exclaimed.
X (formerly Twitter) users loved Charles’ dad jokes, with one person writing, “King Charles mentioning Pokémon mid speech was not on my 2024 bingo card ????.” Another tweeted, “Not a lot going on in the Pokémon world rn but I’m still so happy to be part of a community/franchise that is so big that the freakin’ king of England just referenced it. SO GOOD.”
The king may have used self-deprecating humor to poke fun at himself, but the mention also shined a light on his five grandkids: Prince William and Kate Middleton‘s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Perhaps Charles’ next visit with the young royals will include a lesson on all things Pokémon — though it likely still wouldn’t help with his fly fishing skills, unfortunately for him.
Before you go, check out Prince Louis’ most hilariously unimpressed moments at King Charles’ coronation.
