King Charles Surprises the World With a Dad Joke About His Grandkids During State Visit Speech

King Charles has got jokes — and dad jokes at that.

On Thursday, the king hosted a grand banquet for Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako in honor of their state visit this week, and a line in his dinner speech took everyone by surprise. Charles made several references to Japanese pop culture, including Pokémon and Hello Kitty, and it was the former of the two that got the crowd — and the internet — giggling.

While reminiscing on previous time spent with Naruhito, including fly fishing excursions, the monarch said, “I am only sorry to report that I haven’t had any better luck with more recent attempts at fishing. The Pokémon phrase ‘gotta catch ’em all’ may resonate with my grandchildren, but for me, it is, perhaps, aspirational,” Charles quipped.

The crowd chuckled at the king’s one-liner, while Prince William gave a subdued smirk at his father’s attempt at humor. Charles continued with an ode to Hello Kitty, sharing, “It has been a pleasure to learn of the British stories behind certain Japanese cultural icons. Perhaps you would allow me to note one particular individual who turns fifty this year. Raised in a London suburb with her twin sister, a self-made entrepreneur worth billions of dollars, and a U.N.I.C.E.F. Children’s Ambassador on top of all that. So I can only wish a very happy birthday to … Hello Kitty!” he exclaimed.