King Charles Spotted with Kiwi Licorice: RJ’s Delighted

King Charles appears to have a sweet tooth – and a penchant for a distinctly Kiwi treat. A bag of RJ’s Black Licorice was spotted in the back of his car this week, sparking delight from the New Zealand confectionery company and a flurry of attention online.

The discovery, highlighted by RJ’s themselves on social media with the caption “Turns out RJ’s Licorice is fit for a king,” has quickly gone viral. The image shows a pack of the licorice tucked into a compartment as the King emerged from his vehicle. RJ’s Confectionery shared a video of the moment on their social media channels, quickly garnering attention from both New Zealanders and royal watchers alike.

“We were just as delighted as everyone else to spot a pack of RJ’s Black Licorice in the background of the recent video,” a spokesperson for the Levin-based company told 1News. The company expressed their excitement, noting that it’s “always special to observe our licorice travelling the world, and perhaps even finding its way into royal circles.”

While the exact circumstances of how the licorice ended up in the royal car remain unknown, there’s a possible connection to a previous royal encounter with the brand. RJ’s UK distributor hosted a Waitangi Day celebration a few years ago, which was attended by Queen Camilla. According to the company, she departed with a selection of RJ’s products.

Founded in 1995 by Roger Halliwell and his son, Regan James (RJ), in Levin, New Zealand, RJ’s Confectionery has develop into a beloved Kiwi brand, known for its range of licorice and chocolate treats. The company’s success is rooted in a dedication to quality and a distinctly New Zealand identity.

The unexpected royal endorsement is a significant boost for the brand, offering a level of publicity that’s difficult to achieve through traditional marketing efforts. The company noted the excitement generated back home in New Zealand, suggesting a surge in national pride alongside the sweet treat’s newfound royal association.

This isn’t the first time a seemingly ordinary product has gained unexpected attention through a royal connection. The “royal effect” – where products favored by members of the British royal family experience a surge in sales and popularity – is a well-documented phenomenon. However, in this case, the discovery was organic, driven by social media and the company’s own proactive sharing of the image.

The story also highlights the growing global reach of New Zealand-made products. RJ’s licorice, proudly manufactured in New Zealand, is now being enjoyed – or at least carried – in the highest of circles. This speaks to the quality and appeal of Kiwi confectionery on an international stage.

The incident offers a glimpse into the surprisingly relatable habits of the British monarchy, demonstrating that even kings enjoy a simple indulgence. It’s a lighthearted story that has resonated with audiences, offering a welcome moment of levity in a world often dominated by more serious news. The image of King Charles with RJ’s licorice is a reminder that even the most powerful figures have everyday preferences, and that sometimes, a good piece of licorice is all you need.

The impact of this accidental endorsement is already being felt, with RJ’s licorice “traveling the world, and perhaps even finding its way into royal circles,” the company noted. The publicity is considered invaluable, offering a significant boost to brand recognition and potential sales. For a proudly New Zealand-made brand, this royal connection represents a sweet victory indeed.