King Charles made a lighthearted remark about “drowning a few sorrows” with a pint of ale he personally poured at a brewery visit on Thursday, shortly after England’s departure from the World Cup. The King’s visit to Hall and Woodhouse Badger Brewery in Dorset occurred the day after England’s national football team lost their semi-final match to Argentina.
Brewery Visit and Royal Engagement
During his tour of the Badger Brewery, which is preparing to celebrate its 250th anniversary next year, King Charles, accompanied by Queen Camilla, participated in various activities. The royal couple met with brewing and chef apprentices and observed a culinary competition styled after the popular show ‘MasterChef’. The brewery, founded in 1777 by local farmer Charles Hall, has grown significantly from its origins of brewing beer from surplus grain. Today, it produces over nine million pints annually, employs more than 1,500 individuals, and manages approximately 140 pubs across southern England.
The King engaged in conversation with Paul Barnett, the brewery’s finance director, discussing the economic impact of the World Cup on the business. Barnett noted that the pub, which primarily focuses on food, does not feature screens for sports viewing and expressed a degree of relief at England’s exit, stating, “I’m quite relieved we’re out of the football because we don’t make so much money.”
The King Pours a Pint
A highlight of the visit was King Charles’s attempt to pull a pint of Fursty Ferret, a popular ale from Hall and Woodhouse, which has an alcohol content of 3.4%. Under the guidance of Toby Heasman, the company’s head brewer, who advised him to pour “a bit quicker,” the King undertook the task. Queen Camilla offered a playful caution, “No, you’re going to spill it!” before the King tasted the beer.
It was at this moment, with a “wry smile,” that the King commented, “Maybe it’s a good day to drown a few sorrows.” This observation was met with laughter and applause from the assembled onlookers. The remark was particularly timely, coming just after England’s 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals, a match where England had initially led after halftime.
Royal Reactions to World Cup Loss
The King’s comment echoed sentiments shared by other members of the Royal Family. Just the previous night, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, expressed his disappointment following England’s World Cup exit. As Patron of the Football Association and an avid football fan, William conveyed his pride in the team’s performance, thanking them for an “incredible tournament.” He stated, “England, you gave it all and we are all so proud of you. Thank you to everyone on and off the pitch, for an incredible tournament. The fight and belief you have shown has inspired us all. The most complete England team in a tournament. Hold your heads high.”
Earlier, during an appearance on a podcast, Prince William had humorously suggested his father, King Charles, “hates” football. However, the King’s own remark at the brewery suggested he, like many others, felt the sting of the team’s loss.
Broader Royal Family Context
The King’s brewery visit and his comment about “drowning sorrows” also occurred less than a week after a significant family reunion. King Charles had recently met with his son, Prince Harry, along with Harry’s wife Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, at Highgrove House. This meeting marked a rare occasion for the family to come together.
Historic Brewery and Town
Following their brewery tour, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the historic Corn Exchange in Blandford. This Georgian building, situated by the River Stour, has recently undergone extensive renovations. The town itself is a historic market town, and the brewery’s long history, dating back over two centuries, adds to the rich heritage of the region.
The visit provided a moment of light relief and connection for the King, engaging with a traditional British industry and acknowledging a shared national disappointment through a relatable, humorous comment. The event underscored the brewery’s significance as a long-standing local business and its role in the community.
