Sea gull splatters King Charles III during Northern Ireland visit

A sea gull has left a lasting impression on King Charles III during his visit to Northern Ireland

ByThe Associated Press
May 20, 2026, 9:28 AM

LONDON -- A sea gull left a lasting impression Wednesday on King Charles III during his visit to Northern Ireland.

The bird dropped a surprise from above, hitting the king's suit jacket and splattering others around him, including members of the press.

“It’s well it didn’t land on my head,” the king quipped, according to Irene Marting who witnessed the incident and met the composed king shortly afterward.

“Being hit by a sea gull, it’s supposed to be good luck,” Marting said. “We’re so thrilled he’s come to Northern Ireland to see us and it’s really nice to see him in Newcastle.”

The king seemed to foreshadow the event earlier in the day during a visit to a food pantry when he picked up a roll of toilet paper and said, “very important.”

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