King Charles and Queen Camilla.Photo: Andrew Milligan - Pool/Getty

King Charles IIIis bringing a little levity to his royal responsibilities.
The new King, 73, quietly joked aboutunpredictable pensas he signed a visitor’s book at a council meeting in Dunfermline, Scotland,during his outing to celebrate the district being granted city statuswithQueen Camillaon Monday.
Video footageshowsCharles signing inside and handing the pen to his wife, 75, adding with a laugh, “These things are so temperamental.”
The comment called back to theviral mishaphe had with a leaky pen just a few days after he acceded the throne, following the death of his motherQueen Elizabethon Sept. 8.
Andrew Milligan - Pool/Getty

In the clip, Charles tried to give the pen to Camilla, before realizing ink got onto his hands.
The King and Queen Consort both attempted to clean the mess as he told an aide, “I can’t bear this bloody thing! Every stinking time.” Another pen was quickly delivered to Queen Camilla to complete the symbolic signing.
The royal couple appeared in good spirits in Scotland Monday, theirfirst joint public appearancesinceQueen Elizabeth’s funeral on Sept. 19.

King Charles made a brief speech in the chamber room at the City Chambers, where city status was formally conferred, and spoke about the “historic moment” for the community. The King also reminded those present that his mother’s “deep love for Scotland was one of the foundations of her life.”
ANDREW MILLIGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

“From early times, Dunfermline has been of immense significance to Scotland’s — and to this whole island’s — story. It is the birthplace of philanthropists. It is the burial place of kings and queens. It has been the scene of events, both secular and sacred, which have shaped our times,” Charles said. “Its stones tell the story of the people and the events which have made our country what it is today.”
“It is also, of course, a community,” he continued. “And it is my hope that all those who live in, or who hail from, this very special place, will feel a real sense of pride at this latest chapter in our rich history, and that this new distinction will not merely burnish the legacy of the past but will also brighten the prospect of our future.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla.Andrew Milligan - Pool/Getty

Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!
He concluded, “That would, I know, gladden my dear mother’s heart, as it certainly gladdens mine. As you celebrate your well-deserved status as Scotland’s new city, I can only offer my warmest congratulations, and my heartfelt wishes for the years to come.”
Later on Monday, the senior royals are expected to host a reception for British South Asian communities at the monarchy’s Edinburgh palace, Holyroodhouse.
source: people.com