King Charles's pen leaks

[Kalikrates]

King Charles of the UK had problems with his fountain pen today, as it leaked ink on his hand (https://metro.co.uk/2022/09/13/charles-loses-his-temper-after-fountain-pen-leaks-on-his-finger-17368828/).

 

As a fountain pen enthusiast, I was quite surprised by this. I mean, good modern fountain pens shouldn't leak (I have had some problems with vintage pens or with some particular models that I proceeded to not buy again, such as the Kaweco Sport, but none of the pens I use everyday leak at all, I can use them thousands of times without a single incident). So how come a king is given a pen that leaks? I would suppose that whoever organizes these events would provide him with something high-quality and that should have been tested. Is it that he is using some sort of luxury antique pen that is very fancy as a decor object but not functional? Or is it that he is really ham-fisted?

 

Does anyone have an idea about which pen he was using?

[Olya]

Strangely it seems to be a common occurence, as he says "I can't bear this thing.. every stinking time!" Which made me laugh.... But also wonder why doesn't he get it repaired or another pen, he must have many pens, no one can ever convince me otherwise.

 

Seems like it was his pen, as he had it in hand before he sat down (and because he complained "every stinking time!") and then he moved the slim silver pen aside, which was provided by the organizers for the signing and which Camilla then used.

 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11206531/King-Charles-III-awkward-moment-pen.html

 

https://www.nbcnews.com/video/king-charles-iii-angry-with-leaking-pen-at-hillsborough-castle-book-signing-148334661797

 

 

[SamLowry]

My initial thought was that he may have had it in his pocket at a bad angle on his flight to Ireland.  

[como]

A leaky pen can happen. I can only imagine that the loss of his beloved mother, long and tiring journey, new duties, responsibilities, ceremonies, under such public scrutiny... all the meticulous important details, it’s all too much to bear for the new King, within days of the passing of the Queen. I wish him strength and recovery.

[AoKiu]

He should get a Pelikan M800 !! 

[IThinkIHaveAProblem]

Parker “51”. I mean, it was good enough for the Queen since the 50’s. 

 

And they had (i believe it has now ended due to her death) a Royal Warrant

 

 

[kmcmichael]

I have several pens that can leak. Eye droppers tend to at certain times. I also used some modified ebony feeds, replaced some nibs etc.I will only carry vacuum filler on planes. He is not a pen nut. I’ve never had my MB 149 leak or any JinHao. I does not mean they re better pens, just in that category.

I suspect this was a certain pen he had problems with before. I heard it referred to as power pen but I am sure the info will come out eventually.

[Antenociticus]

He was probably using some ancient bakelite heirloom that once belonged to Edward VIII.

[IThinkIHaveAProblem]

Mb silver stripe. 

[ParramattaPaul]

5 hours ago, SamLowry said:

My initial thought was that he may have had it in his pocket at a bad angle on his flight to Ireland.  

The pressure changes during the flight from Edinburgh to London would cause a lever filler to burp.  My modern CS LE Series 58 frwquently does it to me when a front moves through. 

[ParramattaPaul]

5 hours ago, como said:

A leaky pen can happen. I can only imagine that the loss of his beloved mother, long and tiring journey, new duties, responsibilities, ceremonies, under such public scrutiny... all the meticulous important details, it’s all too much to bear for the new King, within days of the passing of the Queen. I wish him strength and recovery.

Hear. Hear. 

[Misfit]

I’m not a fan of monarchy. Yet I feel for him having to do so many things in public, after his mother died. I hope he, and the family have time to grieve in private. Though grief will come at other times as well. My Papa died last year, and I still get teary at times. 

[txomsy]

It might also be due to the ink used. I have a pocket pen that I've worn on a jeans front pocket for years, rattling with keys, coins, etc... every day and only burps when I used a blue registrars' ink from a specific brand.

 

Without more detail, it could be the ink, the pen, the flight, the phase of the moon, or a broken pen that is so seldomly used and only for signing that nobody has though it could be broken. Or any of a number of additional reasons.

 

Oh, but the small chat...!

[AGF]

Parker won't say anymore in their pen boxes: "By appointment of Her Majesty the Queen".

 

Now you will read: "If you can't bear His Majesty's Bloody pen... use Parker"

[vicpen123]

Is there anyone on this forum who does not empathise and sympathise with King Charles?

 

He uses a fountain pen and I am gratified that even the King shares our problems with our beloved pens.

 

Long live the King and long live fountain pens.

[Nick T]

1 hour ago, vicpen123 said:

Is there anyone on this forum who does not empathise and sympathise with King Charles?

 

He uses a fountain pen and I am gratified that even the King shares our problems with our beloved pens.

 

Long live the King and long live fountain pens.

Here, Here!

[Detman101]

17 hours ago, Kalikrates said:

King Charles of the UK had problems with his fountain pen today, as it leaked ink on his hand (https://metro.co.uk/2022/09/13/charles-loses-his-temper-after-fountain-pen-leaks-on-his-finger-17368828/).

 

As a fountain pen enthusiast, I was quite surprised by this. I mean, good modern fountain pens shouldn't leak (I have had some problems with vintage pens or with some particular models that I proceeded to not buy again, such as the Kaweco Sport, but none of the pens I use everyday leak at all, I can use them thousands of times without a single incident). So how come a king is given a pen that leaks? I would suppose that whoever organizes these events would provide him with something high-quality and that should have been tested. Is it that he is using some sort of luxury antique pen that is very fancy as a decor object but not functional? Or is it that he is really ham-fisted?

 

Does anyone have an idea about which pen he was using?

See post below...

[Detman101]

4 hours ago, vicpen123 said:

Is there anyone on this forum who does not empathise and sympathise with King Charles?

 

He uses a fountain pen and I am gratified that even the King shares our problems with our beloved pens.

 

Long live the King and long live fountain pens.

*EDITED*
He seriously needs a PEN FRIEND!
Someone to help him catch up to modern standards of fountain penship and to give him strategies to keep the leaks...off the hands.
🤪

[txomsy]

Hey, we do not know if he's on the forum under a nickname.

 

Anyway, easy, people. Leaks happen. Even with ballpoint pens, markers and the like. No need to consider any of them crappy or the owner lazy.

 

Careless may be. I've broken my share of pens (of any kind) with subsequent leaks in my life to know better. But even so, it took me ages to realize how fragile pens were (even more so yet to realize why, how should I care for them or what to look for), and find one I could trust to match my lifestyle. Which BTW happened to be an MB.

 

[IThinkIHaveAProblem]

4 hours ago, vicpen123 said:

Is there anyone on this forum who does not empathise and sympathise with King Charles?

 

He uses a fountain pen and I am gratified that even the King shares our problems with our beloved pens.

 

Long live the King and long live fountain pens.

LLTK.