The rugby star's big hug made King Charles very happy.

As King Charles walked through the grand halls of Buckingham Palace, he was met with cheers and excitement from the crowd. He couldn't help but smile from ear to ear as he made his way through the palace, surrounded by the beautiful Black Ferns rugby team from New Zealand. The team was in town to play against England's Red Roses, and Charles was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet them.

As he approached the group, winger Ayesha Leti-I'iga made a beeline for him, determined to give him a hug. Before he knew it, Charles was engulfed in a playful scrum with the team. He couldn't contain his laughter as he exclaimed, "Hug, why not?" Clearly, he was enjoying the moment and appreciating the warm reception from the Black Ferns.

Despite the fancy champagne being passed around at the reception, the sportswomen opted for fruit juice and water, which Charles found quite amusing. "I'm so pleased to have this opportunity to greet you all, for a short moment – apparently not to be able to give you a drink," he joked. He even took part in a traditional Maori greeting, the hongi, with the team's head coach and director of rugby, Allan Bunting.

Charles, who had played in the second row during his school days, shared a funny anecdote with the group about breaking his nose while playing rugby. "It was the worst position, it was a bit dangerous sometimes," he recalled. The team was also eager to get selfies with the king, adding to the playful and lighthearted atmosphere.

As the conversation continued, Charles asked the team if they stick to a strict diet, to which one player jokingly replied, "Do I look like someone who sticks to a diet?" The group laughed and enjoyed each other's company, with Charles taking a keen interest in their sport and their home country.

The visit held a special significance for Charles, as he expressed his sympathy for the recent passing of New Zealand's Maori King Tuheitia. In honor of their culture, the team performed a traditional welcome song, or waiata, for the king. This weekend, the two teams would face off in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2022 Rugby World Cup final, which the Kiwis had won on their home turf.

Despite his excitement for the upcoming match, Charles couldn't help but express his regret for not being able to travel to New Zealand due to doctor's orders. "I'm extremely sorry I can't come to New Zealand later in October, but I hope there'll be another excuse to come before not too long," he said, with a hint of disappointment.

As Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, prepared to embark on their tour of Australia, he bid farewell to the Black Ferns with a warm smile and a promise to return to New Zealand someday soon.

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