'A Hug? Why Not!' Says Delighted King Charles as Rugby Players Move in for Embrace at Buckingham Palace

Mar. 15, 2025

Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty

Everyone loves a big hug — andKing Charlescertainly appeared to enjoy the one he was on the receiving end of when he was pulled in for a group embrace at the palace.

“Yeah, we all wanted a hug. But only if it’s okay with you,” winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga said to excited laughter.

Charles smiled and welcomed them in. “A hug? Why not!” said the monarch as several of the players from the Black Ferns wasted no time in moving in for a group embrace. Then, as the hug broke up, one of the team members who hadn’t been in the group moved in for her own, personal embrace.

King Charles receives a group hug at Buckingham Palace on Sept 11, 2024.Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty

Charles met the Black Ferns team amid their visit to the U.K. to play England’s Red Roses at the Allianz Stadium in London on Sept 14. He told them of his sadness that he and his wifeQueen Camillaare not visiting their country when he heads to neighboring Australia later this year.

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In ordinary times, Charles would have visited New Zealand around the time he tours the area in October. But these are not ordinary times, as he is still beingtreated for an undisclosed cancerand aides and doctors have advised that he limit his travel. (He and Camilla are also heading to Samoa on the same tour.) At the time ofthe tour announcement, a palacespokesperson explained that “the King’s doctors have advised that such an extended program should be avoided at this time to prioritize His Majesty’s continued recovery.”

One of the New Zealand Black Ferns team also got a solo hug from King Charles at Buckingham Palace on Sept 11, 2024.Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty

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The news came as it was revealed on Sept. 9 thatKate Middletonhas overcome a major hurdle in her cancer treatment — she has finished her chemotherapy. She made the announcement in ina highly personal video. “The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything,” Kate, 42, said in the film, which was shot in Norfolk in August.

“This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved,” she added.

“Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes,” Kate said.

source: people.com