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Everyone's giggling at King Charles and Canadian PM photo and you won't guess why

King Charles and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney shook hands and posed for pictures at Buckingham Palace and the images went viral for a very unexpected reason

[King Charles III during an audience with Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney]

King Charles III during an audience with Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney(Image: Getty Images)

It's common for King Charles to pose for photographs with the guests he invites to Buckingham Palace.

However, His Majesty probably didn't expect to go viral when he shook hands with the Canadian Prime Minister. Mark Carney dropped by for an engagement on his 61st birthday and chatted away comfortably in the 1844 Room.

But unfortunately, the grand meeting on March 16 was overshadowed by a photo-bomber in the background and it's safe to say it's been cracking people up.

When the Royal Family's official X page posted about the event, people's eyes were instantly drawn to an ornament behind the King and his guest. Amusingly, the decoration made it look like a parrot had perched onto Carney's suit.

One X user admitted: "I genuinely thought Mark Carney had a parrot on his shoulder." Another giggled: "Haha! That's an interesting illusion."

A third wrote: "That is hilarious." And a fourth added: "I hadn't noticed it before but now that you mention it, I can't unsee it."

The cheeky parrot has been a scene stealer on more than one occasion. It also stood out when King Charles met with Volodymyr Zelensky.

A day later, on March 17, it was seen on the Ukraine President's shoulder during a private audience with the King. Talk about ruffling some feathers!

[King Charles III shakes hands with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky during a private audience at Buckingham Palace in London on March 17, 2026]

The exotic bird has stolen the show on multiple occasions(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

While the parrot seemed to be the highlight of the day for many, the Canadian PM's trip to the UK hasn't been in vain.

As well as attending an engagement with the King, Carney discussed the conflict in Ukraine with Sir Keir Starmer at No10 on Monday.

A government spokesperson said: "The leaders began by discussing the strength of the UK-Canada relationship, noting that ties between the two countries are closer than ever, including deep cooperation on trade and defence.

"They agreed that there is significant scope to build further on this partnership, delivering for people both in the UK and in Canada.

"They discussed the situation in the Middle East and agreed on the importance of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, underlining the need for stability and the protection of international shipping routes.

"The leaders also underscored their commitment to Ukraine and reiterated the need for all partners to maintain pressure on Russia and its war chest.They looked forward to speaking again soon."

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