King Charles pokes fun at himself as he makes first visit to island as Lord of Mann

King Charles has shown his humorous side during a historic speech inside Tynwald, the world’s oldest parliament in continuous operation.

The monarch visited the Isle of Man, a self-governing British crown dependency in the Irish Sea, on Tuesday for the first time since taking the crown and becoming Lord of Mann.

His Majesty attempted to speak the local language, Manx Gaelic, an ancient celtic language but joked that he was butchering it.

“I am aware that this year is Manx Language Year Blein ny Gaelgey,” King Charles said.

“So I very much hope I have not succeeded at this point in massacring this wonderful celebration of your language!”

During his address to the High Court of Tynwald, the King apologised for not keeping his previous engagement - a planned visit in March 2024.

Queen Camilla went solo on her husband’s behalf as he began treatment for an undisclosed cancer, announced just a month earlier.

The last time the monarch visited the island was in 2012, when he was still Prince of Wales and in honour of his late mum’s Diamond Jubilee.

In his speech, Charles recalled accompanying his mum, Queen Elizabeth, in 1955, on her first visit after ascending the throne when he was just six years old.

“As a young boy, I accompanied my late mother when she herself came here for the first time as Queen and Lord of Mann,” the King said.

“That is a very special memory I have always treasured, and it gives me particular pleasure, and a deep sense of continuity, to return again to this wonderful Island.”

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While visiting on Tuesday, King Charles met locals of all ages – and types.

He was seen petting a working horse on the Douglas Horse Tramway and also met some sheep during a garden party at Government House celebrating members of the Manx community.

His Majesty also spent some time chatting to 104-year-old Burma Star veteran James Fenton.

The pair met at commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day last year.

King Charles’ trip comes after being reunited with his youngest grandchildren last week, having a secret meeting with Prince Harry and his wife Meghan and their two children Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their kids have returned to Montecito, California, after the whirlwind visit.