King Charles Welcomes New Zealand Rugby Team

King Charles joyfully hosted the New Zealand women's rugby team, the Black Ferns, at Buckingham Palace, where he participated in a group hug initiated by player Ayesha Leti-I'iga. The King humorously described the experience as being like a 'scrum' and expressed that the warm embrace was 'very healing'. During the reception, he announced plans for his first major trip since his cancer diagnosis, which includes visits to Australia and Samoa, but he regretted that he will not be able to go to New Zealand due to doctor's orders. Despite the availability of champagne, the athletes preferred fruit juice and water, prompting the King to joke about his inability to offer them a drink. Additionally, he engaged in a traditional Maori greeting, the hongi, and listened to a waiata performed by the team in honor of New Zealand's late Maori King Tuheitia. The event showcased the King's lightheartedness and connection with the athletes.