King Charles jokes he is 'drowning his sorrows' after England's World Cup heartbreak

King Charles joked he was "drowning his sorrows" during a visit to Hall and Woodhouse Badger Brewery in Dorset on Thursday, after England's agonising World Cup defeat.

The monarch, accompanied by Queen Camilla, sampled the brewery's popular Fursty Ferret amber ale just hours after the Three Lions suffered a devastating 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina in Atlanta.

With assistance from his wife, the King poured himself a pint of the 3.4 per cent bestselling brew at the family-owned establishment near Poole.

Before taking a sip, Charles quipped with a wry smile: "Maybe it's a good day to drown a few sorrows."

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The King - despite Prince William recently claiming he "hates football" - would have undoubtedly been left bitterly disappointed after England's narrow 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina on Wednesday.

The remark drew considerable laughter and applause from those gathered.

King Charles and Queen Camilla received a comprehensive tour of the historic brewery, which will mark its 250th anniversary in 2027.

Head brewer Toby Heasman provided the King with instructions on the proper technique for pulling a pint, advising him to work "a bit quicker" during his attempt.

When the King made a second effort, the Queen offered her own guidance, warning him: "No, you're going to spill it!"

The King also spoke with finance director Paul Barnett regarding how the World Cup had affected business at the company's predominantly food-focused pubs, which do not broadcast football matches.

Mr Barnett confessed: "I'm quite relieved we're out of the football because we don't make so much money."

The Blandford-based brewery traces its origins to 1777, when Dorset farmer Charles Hall began producing beer from surplus grain.

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Today, the enterprise manufactures over 9 million pints annually and provides employment for more than 1,500 staff across approximately 140 public houses throughout southern England.

During their visit, Their Majesties observed apprentice chefs competing in a MasterChef-style culinary contest, while also meeting brewing trainees learning their craft at the historic site.

The royal engagement concluded with a visit to the Corn Exchange, a Georgian market building situated on the River Stour that has recently benefited from substantial restoration work.

The Prince of Wales - who is known to enjoy his football - expressed his disappointment following Wednesday evening's defeat, describing himself as "gutted" by the result.

William, who serves as Patron of the Football Association, praised the squad for their "fight and belief" throughout the competition.

"England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you," he declared, adding that the team represented "the most complete England team in a tournament."

The Three Lions had taken the lead against Argentina on the night after Anthony Gordon tapped home Morgan Rogers' whipped delivery from the right-hand side.

However, a late fightback from La Albiceleste - including goals from Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez - sent them to their second successive World Cup semi-final, and broke English hearts in the process.

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