12 hours ago
'He was so cool about it': British television presenter Sam Thompson reveals the 'mortifying' way he addressed King Charles, and the monarch's response
British presenter Sam Thompson has shared the embarrassing moment he called King Charles III "mate" and the laid-back way His Majesty responded.
The 32-year-old reality star-turned radio host was among a string of celebrities invited to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday for a reception hosted by the King ahead of this year's King's Trust Awards.
The 76-year-old monarch welcomed guests as part of the celebrations for his long-running charity which he founded as Prince of Wales to support disadvantaged youth.
The organisation, which turns 50 in 2026, has helped thousands of young people overcome barriers like mental health issues, poor education and youth unemployment.
Thompson, who was invited to present one of the night's eight awards to a Northern Irish teen named Taylor, took to Instagram to reflect on the moment and share his unfortunate slip-up.
"Complete honour and pinch me moment yesterday to be invited to the Palace," he wrote, alongside a carousel of photos from the event, including one showing him shaking hands with the King.
"I am lucky enough to be able to present an award to Taylor who is an incredibly special human," he continued.
"After spending some time with him, his story is one that I think will resonate with a lot of young men his age and I know this is only the beginning for him."
Thompson then confessed: "Also called the King 'mate' which was mortifying but he was cool about it!" punctuated with a laughing emoji.
He also posted a snap of his official invite to the Palace, captioning it: "Yesterday was crazy."
The Royal Family's official Instagram account even liked Thompson's post and left a heart emoji, while the King's Trust replied: "Such a pleasure to have you, Sam! See you at the Awards."
Interestingly, Palace's unusually playful tone wasn't limited to Thompson's gaffe.
Fellow reception attendee Jamie Laing and his pregnant wife Sophie Habboo also made headlines after recreating Meghan Markle's infamous "Baby Momma" dance video while inside the palace.
"They said we couldn't film in Buckingham Palace," Laing captioned the Instagram post.
But the Royal Family's official account unexpectedly replied: "We see you" with a wink emoji, while the King's Trust added: "All of our attendees are very well behaved."
The comment section exploded, with fans praising the unexpected banter.
"@theroyalfamily best response ever! This really made me laugh," one wrote.
Another added: "This is brilliant!" while a third user said: "In a world at times worrying and serious, this comment was so needed."
Thompson, Laing and Habboo later joined stars including George and Amal Clooney, Dame Joanna Lumley, Charlotte Tilbury and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley at the official 2025 King's Trust Awards, held at the Royal Festival Hall in London on Thursday night.
The event featured a red carpet, glam bot, and a live performance by pop icons The Sugababes.
