A day after England’s dramatic 2-1 loss to Argentina in the World Cup semifinal, even King Charles III struggled to hide his disappointment. During an official visit to the Hall and Woodhouse Badger Brewery bar in Dorset, England on Thursday, the king joked as he poured himself a pint of beer, saying with a smile: “Perhaps it is a good day to drown a few sorrows.”
Charles, who was accompanied by Queen Camilla, poured a glass of Fursty Ferret — one of the family-owned brewery’s popular beers — and even tasted it. The visit took place just one day after Thomas Tuchel’s side lost its lead against Argentina and was eliminated by late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.
Gallery
King Charles sips his beer and laments the national team's World Cup semi-final loss
(Photo: Isabel Infantes/Pool/Reuters)
During the tour, the king and queen met brewery employees. One of the more amusing conversations took place between the king and the company’s finance director, Paul Barnett, who said England’s elimination does not necessarily hurt the business.
“I’m quite pleased we’re no longer in the tournament because we don’t really make much from football,” he said. According to him, most of the chain’s pubs focus on serving food and are not equipped with television screens for showing matches.
King Charles and Queen Camilla
(Photo: Isabel Infantes / POOL / AFP)
Other members of the royal family also expressed support for the national team after the elimination. Prince William posted an encouraging message to the players on social media: “Gutted. England, you gave it everything 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, King Charles also issued an official statement, writing: “Commiserations to Harry and the team. While you Three Lions may be licking your wounds today, you remain the pride of a nation – and will rise again.”