Winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga made a playful request during a reception for the New Zealand women’s rugby team at Buckingham Palace, asking for a hug while the team members were having a relaxed chat with the King.
“We all wanted a hug, but only if it’s okay with you,” said Leti-I’iga.
The King smiled and responded, “Why not?” and the pair were soon joined by an enthusiastic group of players.
Laughing, King Charles appeared to enjoy the interaction and afterwards told the group, “it was like being flattened by a scrum”.
View this post on Instagram
“I much appreciated this chance to meet you and to have such a warm hug from most of you, very healing,” the King said during an address to the team later on.
He also posed for a selfie with the team.
The world champions are currently on tour and will face England in a match at Twickenham on Sunday.
King Charles, 75, is back at work carrying out a series of engagements after being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer. Next month the King and his wife Queen Camilla will head to Australia and Samoa for a six-day tour.
View this post on Instagram
