King Charles has demonstrated an “encyclopaedic” knowledge of every area in Britain, according to MPs who attended a recent Buckingham Palace reception.
The monarch hosted around 270 MPs and 45 peers in the State Ballroom, welcoming those newly elected or ennobled alongside his wife, Queen Camilla.
Paul Waugh, Labour MP for Rochdale, praised the King’s extensive regional knowledge, saying: “He is impeccably polite and knows a lot about every constituency. He’s got an incredible encyclopaedic knowledge of every area of the UK.”
The reception was attended by prominent political figures including Sir Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and former prime minister Theresa May.
King Charles has demonstrated an “encyclopaedic” knowledge of every area in Britain, according to MPs who attended a recent Buckingham Palace reception
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The King and Queen were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for the event.
MPs shared specific examples of the King’s detailed regional knowledge during the reception.
When discussing Rochdale with Paul Waugh MP, the King responded with laughter when asked if he shopped at the Co-op supermarket, which originated in the town.
Ealing Southall MP Deirdre Costigan revealed the monarch was aware her constituency was known as Little India and had a significant Sikh community.
The reception was attended by prominent political figures including Sir Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch and former prime minister Theresa May
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“He’s very knowledgeable, isn’t he?” Costigan remarked after their conversation.
She also disclosed the King’s fondness for curry, noting he prefers them “not too strong.”
One of the reception’s highlights was Jennie the guide dog, belonging to Lib Dem MP Steve Darling, who has nearly 20,000 followers on social media platform X.
The Duchess of Edinburgh, as patron of Guide Dogs since 2021, made a special effort to greet Jennie.
Farage praised the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh for their increased royal duties in recent months
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Nigel Farage recalled his and the King’s their shared amusement over his 2008 refusal to give a standing ovation to the then-Prince Charles at the European Parliament.
“We’ve had a laugh about it ever since,” Farage said. “It’s not nasty.”
Farage praised the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh for their increased royal duties in recent months.
He noted the current pressures on working royals, saying: “There’s one or two gaps out there. It’s been a difficult few years.”
