When Winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga of New Zealand requested to embrace the monarch during a reception at Buckingham Palace, the King said, “A hug, why not?”
That was sufficient permission for the several Black Ferns players, who are in London to play the Red Roses of England, to give the King a group hug.
Images of the 75-year-old king, who disclosed in February that he was afflicted with a type of cancer, showed him laughing while he was caught up in a loving altercation.
Later, in an impromptu speech, the King made the squad laugh by saying, “I much appreciated this chance to meet you and have such a warm hug from most of you,” and he added, “very healing.”
Tuesday saw the announcement of the King and his wife’s first significant tour since being diagnosed with cancer. They will visit Australia and Samoa as part of a state visit for a Commonwealth leaders’ conference.
“Tough decisions” were made for the remaining portion of the trip, which will take place from October 18–26, after an earlier itinerary that included a visit to New Zealand had to be canceled “on doctor’s advice.”.
