Resurfaced Clip of Charles' Odd Behavior During Assassination Attempt Had People Saying The Same Thing

King Charles III is known for his poised public demeanor. But nothing compares to his odd behavior when a man opened fire on him in 1994.

King Charles III is known for his poised public demeanor. But nothing compares to his odd behavior when a man opened fire on him in 1994. 21-year-old David Kang fired two shots at the then-Prince during a royal tour in Sydney. A resurfaced video of the incident shows Charles’ calm reaction—his focus utterly on his cufflinks. The contrast between the chaos and Charles' composure left netizens stunned and saying the same thing.

Along with his then-wife, Princess Diana, Charles was visiting Sydney on Australia Day. As Charles addressed the crowd gathered, Kang leaped out to carry out his horrid plans. According to the Daily Mail, Kang’s action was a protest against the treatment of several hundred Cambodian asylum seekers held in detention camps. Before the incident, Kang had reportedly written letters to world leaders, including Charles, regarding the issue but to no avail. Following the horrific ordeal, he was charged with unlawful violence and sentenced to 500 hours of community service. Kang used a starting pistol and not a real firearm, firing only blanks to get Charles' attention.

King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, deals with shots fired at him in Sydney in 1994. pic.twitter.com/vlDJUvieYN

— Bobbie (@bo66ie29) July 14, 2024

A clip of the pseudo-assassination attempt went viral on X (formerly Twitter), racking up 5.4 million views, netizens chimed on Charles nonchalantly adjusting his cufflinks as the shots get fired. Royal watchers were left stunned by Charles fixating on the same until security personnel moved him offstage. A person noted, “Calmly adjust the cuffs, like a true gentleman!” Another chimed, “This is the British way to react, then we all had a nice cup of tea,” while one quipped, “There's no one more cool than the King (then Prince) adjusting his cuff links in the face of assassination. And there never will be again.”

Calmly adjust the cuffs, like a true gentleman!

— Western Exile (@westernexile) July 14, 2024

Many also compared Charles to the fictional British spy James Bond, owing to his immaculate suit and indifference in the face of danger. A fan remarked, “Love the total disdain. James Bond energy.” Another echoed, “Bit James Bond there.” Meanwhile, a netizen decided to do some fact-checking. They shared, “He [Kang] had no intention of hurting the Prince, the man himself...[he] is today a respected lawyer.”

Love the total disdain. James Bond energy.

— Bit Shred (@BitStratocaster) July 14, 2024

Charles wasn't the only royal who faced an attempt on his life. In 1981, his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, also had an assassination attempt when Marcus Sarjeant, a 17-year-old, fired six shots at her during a public parade in London. Fortunately, the shots misfired, and the Queen remained unharmed. However, it was a harrowing moment that echoed the vulnerability of the royal family. Just like her son, the Queen was unfazed by the incident, proving that the apple [Charles] did not fall far from the tree.