King Charles made a heartfelt gesture towards his royal grandchildren—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—during his speech at a state banquet honoring Emperor Narutio and Empress Masako of Japan.

This event, a significant part of the Japanese Imperial couple’s three-day official visit to the UK, highlighted cultural icons such as Hello Kitty and the Pokémon video game, reflecting the monarch’s thoughtful acknowledgment of his grandchildren’s interests.

Reflecting on his enduring friendship with Emperor Narutio, spanning over four decades, King Charles fondly recalled their shared experiences, including fly fishing trips. He humorously remarked, “I’m only sorry to report that I haven’t had any better luck with more recent attempts at fishing. The Pokémon phrase ‘Gotta catch ’em all’ may resonate with my grandchildren, but for me, it’s perhaps aspirational.”

Daily Mail’s Royal editor, Rebecca English, captured a poignant moment during Prince William’s reaction to his father’s speech on the social media platform X, noting, “There was a little smile from William at the mention of Pokémon and grandchildren.” This subtle yet meaningful reaction underscored the familial bond and King Charles’ understanding of his grandchildren’s world.

King Charles is the grandfather to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, children of the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as Archie Harrison and Lilibet Diana, children of the Sussexes. Despite the physical distance since the Sussexes relocated to the United States in September 2022, the King cherishes the time he spends with George, Charlotte, and Louis, especially following the Windsor move, facilitating more frequent interactions.

The mention of Pokémon in King Charles’ speech demonstrates his connection to the interests of his Wales grandchildren, likely learned through his time with them. Prince William’s smile during the speech suggests a shared family understanding and appreciation for the children’s favorite game. Given Archie and Lilibet’s young age, they are likely too young to play Pokémon, indicating that the King’s reference was aimed at George, Charlotte, and Louis.

Prince William attended the state banquet without Catherine, the Princess of Wales, who is undergoing cancer treatment, accompanied by their children, who typically do not attend such formal events. As one of the senior royals present, William stood by the King during the palace reception in the ballroom, alongside notable attendees such as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Queen Camilla, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Despite ongoing family tensions, there is hope for reconciliation, particularly through King Charles’ relationship with his grandchildren. Royal expert Jenny Bond suggested that the King could mend rifts with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for the sake of Archie and Lilibet. Bond emphasized that grandchildren, who are innocent and have no involvement in family conflicts, deserve to know and love their grandparents.

Reports indicate that King Charles is eager to strengthen his bond with Archie and Lilibet, having seen Archie a few times in person and met Princess Lilibet just once. Royal expert Michael Cole noted the King’s awareness that time is precious and his regret over not being closer to his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet.