King Charles left red-faced as he reveals giant hole in his sock at royal engagement

King Charles suffered an embarrassing yet relatable blunder on a royal engagement when he removed his shows to reveal a hole in his sock.

The 74 year old monarch visited London’s Brick Lane with Queen Consort Camilla to meet with charities and businesses in the heart of the British Bangladeshi community - while chatting to individuals involved in the anti-racism movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

The couple also visited one of the area's most notable buildings - the Brick Lane Mosque.

Before entering the building for a tour, the King removed his shoes as a mark of respect - with pictures of the visit revealing that the monarch had a hole in his right sock.

The images prompted one royal fan to joke on social media: “He's one of us.” 

King Charles had a hole in his right sock on the visit Brick Lane Mosque© EDDIE MULHOLLAND/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Another added: “King Charles is truly one of us! Most of us have at least one pair of socks with a hole.”

Camilla also stood in her stocking feet as she chatted to members of the congregation and other guests on the royal visit.

The trip to Brick Lane was one of a number of engagements the King embarked on during a busy day on Wednesday.

The monarch also paid a solo visit to the University of East London where he laughed off an awkward request to "bring back" Prince Harry.

The King had been visiting the University of East London's Stratford campus in east London for its 125th anniversary at the time to unveil a plaque and open its new hospital and primary care training hub. 

 

King Charles III and the Queen Consort during the visit to Brick Lane in east London© Eddie Mulholland/The Telegraph/PA Wire

 

King Charles III and the Queen Consort during the visit to Brick Lane Mosque© Eddie Mulholland/The Telegraph/PA Wire

He greeted a group of students during the visit - with one saying: "Can you bring back Harry?"

The King initially misheard and replied, "Who?" before bursting into laughter when he realised what had been asked.

Prince Harry’s relationship with the King and the rest of the Royal Family continues to be strained after the release of the Duke of Susex’s tell-all memoir Spare.

Meanwhile, later on Wednesday, Charles returned to Buckingham Palace for an audience with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who he met for the first time.

The King greeted the president, dressed in his trademark khaki green military fatigues, with a smile and a handshake in the Palace’s 1844 Room.  

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it was a© Aaron Chown - Pool/Getty Images

The pair discussed the conflict in Ukraine and the part Britain has played in supporting the nation, Buckingham Palace said.

In the opulent room, Mr Zelensky told Charles that it was “a great honour to be here”, adding: “Thank you for finding the time for me.”

Charles said: “We’ve all been worried about you and thinking about your country for so long, I can’t tell you.”

Mr Zelensky replied: “Thank you so much.”

The president was on his first visit to the UK since the Russian invasion of his country began and in his address to Parliament said he would take the opportunity to thank Charles for the support he had shown Ukraine as the Prince of Wales.