London, July 15, 2025 — In a moment of grace and camaraderie, King Charles III welcomed both the India men’s and women’s cricket teams to Clarence House on Tuesday, following the third Test match between India and England at Lord’s.
The reception, held on the palace grounds, served as a morale booster after India’s hard-fought 22-run defeat in the Test. The monarch’s interaction was not only ceremonial—it was heartfelt and deeply personal.
🗣️ “He was genuinely interested in how we felt,” says Shubman Gill
Indian men’s team captain Shubman Gill shared that the King expressed sincere sympathy about India’s loss, especially referencing Mohammed Siraj’s unlucky dismissal. “He asked how we felt after the loss and talked about how annoying such moments are. It was amazing to see how invested he was in our game,” Gill said.
đź‘‘ The Women’s Team Also Honoured – King Charles III
Members of the India women’s cricket team, fresh off their T20I series win over England, were also present. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur called it “a really nice experience,” marking her first encounter with a member of the British royal family.
đź’– A Royal Touch of Empathy – King Charles III
In a touching moment, King Charles personally inquired about the health of Akash Deep’s cancer-stricken sister, showcasing his compassion beyond cricket. The reception was organized in collaboration with the British Asian Trust, founded by Charles in 2007 to promote development and opportunity across South Asia.
đź“Ť Next Moves
- The men’s team has now travelled to Manchester ahead of the fourth Test.
- The women’s team returned to Southampton, preparing for the ODI series against England.
