Royal fans in tears after woman ‘breaks biggest royal rule of all’ with King Charles

The King shared a sweet moment with one of his old friends during an engagement this week.

King Charles was in York this week (Image: Getty)

Royal fans were left in tears after King Charles shared a sweet moment with an old friend during an appearance this week. The King visited York Hospital on Tuesday and toured the site ahead of the opening of the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre.

He met patients and staff at the hospital, as well as people who the centre had been a lifeline during their treatment. During the visit, the King was caught on video greeting one of his old friends.

Charles crossed paths with Camilla, Countess of Halifax, who used to be the former sister-in-law of his wife, Queen Camilla and was friends with the couple. King Charles meets patients and staff members (Image: Getty)

The aristocrat, a supporter of Macmillan since the 1970s, married into the Parker Bowles family in 1973, when she married Richard Parker Bowles, the Queen’s ex-husband’s younger brother.

The Queen and Andrew Parker Bowles also married in the same year.

The Countess divorced Richard three years later and married Charles Edward Peter Neil Wood, the 3rd Earl of Halifax.

However, the two women have kept a close relationship since then.

On Tuesday, the Countess did not hesitate to kiss and hug the monarch, who returned the favour.

And the sweet exchange made people emotional, with fans online praising His Majesty for his reaction. The King arrives at Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Cancer Centre (Image: Getty)

The Countess of Halifax with Queen Camilla and Prince William at Royal Ascot in 2024 (Image: Getty)

Charles, royal patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, was diagnosed with cancer in 2024 and has been undergoing treatment for it ever since while still carrying out his duties.

A user wrote on X: “Of course, people GASPED. BC SHE BROKE THE BIGGEST ROYAL ETIQUETTE RULE OF ALL. BUT…Charles heard the gasps.

“So he immediately sent a signal of reassurance! Re-engaging her in MORE conversation to underline for everybody that not only did she do NOTHING wrong, the King even approved of this physical affection. Bravo! And God Save Our King!”

Another one said: “Royal protocol has been breaking down and it has been long overdue. They are just people, Charles is very aware the old traditions are outdated, he is trying to sort out the firm.”

A third one commented: “I have to say, he is among the top three people I’d like to have coffee/ tea with. He was sublime during his visit to the US. I got teary-eyed when he appealed to our better selves…”

A fourth one added: “What’s it matter he is a human being.”

While not an official royal rule, it is generally thought that it should be avoided initiating physical contact with a member of the Royal Family unless they offer it first.

However, in recent years, the royals have been more keen to breach the code and have been seen physically interacting with members of the public on many occasions.