The King joked that his Royal Navy days of playing cricket across the Caribbean islands “nearly killed me”, as he was presented with a signed cricket bat by Sir Viv Richards.

Charles was handed the bat by the former West Indies captain at the annual Commonwealth Day reception at St James’s Palace, which saw the King and Queen meet ministers and dignitaries from across the 56 Commonwealth nations.

Queen Camilla pointed out the “Master Blaster” written on the side of the bat, referencing Sir Richards' nickname during his playing days.

The retired Antiguan cricketer was widely regarded as one of the greatest batters of all time over the course of his 17-year international career.