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I Was So Distracted by the New Royal Baby Photo That I Nearly Missed This Rare Personal Message from King Charles

There's a lot going on with the royals today

king charles
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

When it rains royal family news, it pours royal family news (that's a saying, right?).

Not only did Princess Anne just spill the tea on potential retirement, but Prince William was just caught on camera in some surprisingly candid shots during a solo outing. Oh, and the newest member of the royal fam arrived (as did an adorable baby pic).

With so much going on, I was almost too distracted to spot a special message written and shared by King Charles himself.

Today, the 76-year-old monarch posted a personal statement on social media. He wrote, “I wanted to send you all my heartfelt congratulations on completing your gallant rowing expedition across the vast expanse of The Atlantic Ocean. Your courage, perseverance and indomitable determination set us all a wonderful example of teamwork and endurance and I am full of admiration for your achievement.”

He continued, “In undertaking such a journey, you have certainly demonstrated the finest quality of the military, and I have no doubt that your accomplishment will inspire your communities and provide generously for the charities you represent. This brings you my warmest good wishes for an extremely well-deserved rest!”

He signed the message, “Charles R.” The letter “R” stands for “Rex,” which is the Latin translation for “king.” King Charles has used the signature in a number of statements, including his message to England's soccer team in July, and even Queen Camilla has included the letter “R” in her unique signature. (In her case, “R” stands for “Regina,” which means “queen” in Latin.)

king charles message
Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

His Majesty's message was in support of four military teams who made the 3,000-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean as part of the World's Toughest Row.

As I said, it would be understandable if you missed the social media post in all of today's royal hubbub. This morning, Buckingham Palace announced the arrival of the newest member of the fam, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi.

Along with a candid photo, the palace shared a caption reading, “Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, born on Wednesday, 22nd January, at 12:57pm.”

So we've got headlines from Beatrice, Charles, Anne and Will...anyone else want to make news today? Prince George? Princess Eugenie?

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VP, News and Entertainment

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