King Charles' Secret Fishing Weapon: Royal Security Team's Sniper Scopes
It is widely known that the Royal Family employs numerous staff to assist with daily life, but it may astonish many to learn that even the King receives specialised help for a particular sporting pursuit: fly fishing. King Charles has developed considerable skill in this art, demonstrated by his successful catch of a salmon on Scotland's River Spey earlier this summer.
A gillie remarked, 'That is no meagre feat. It's hard to catch a salmon at the best of times.' Indeed, salmon fishing presents challenges even for experienced anglers. However, The Mail on Sunday has uncovered that the monarch has a clandestine advantage: his security detail and their advanced telescopic sights, typically reserved for surveillance against potential threats.
Military-Grade Assistance on the Riverbank
During a fishing excursion at Delphi Lodge in Connemara, Ireland—a renowned retreat for Atlantic salmon and sea trout—the King was encircled by a 'two-mile radius of security.' A former staff member disclosed that these personnel were actively scouting for salmon pools in the river.
'There were security personnel in the trees around the pools in which he was fishing,' the source explained. 'The security had a clear view of the fish from their spot, and also had military grade snipers [rifles] with polarised lenses which made spotting the fish easier.'
The security team utilised the telescopic sights on their weapons to pinpoint the locations of fish. Additionally, they communicated instructions via the King's earpiece as he prepared to cast his line. A fishing insider elaborated, 'This made it much easier for him because knowing where the fish are is half the hard bit, known as "reading the river."'
Traditional Techniques with Modern Support
Despite this high-tech aid, King Charles adheres to traditional methods in his fishing practice. He employs a split cane rod and exclusively executes overhead casts, where the rod moves in a direct, vertical path over the shoulder. Another expert affirmed, 'He is a well-accomplished fisherman. He knows what he's doing and has fished some brilliant rivers. I suppose that is the perk of being a royal.'
The King's connection to Delphi Lodge dates back to 1995, when he first visited as the Prince of Wales. Beyond fishing in the Bundorragha River and Finn Lough, he captured the idyllic valley's landscapes through vivid paintings, showcasing his artistic talents alongside his angling pursuits.
This revelation highlights a unique intersection of royal leisure and security protocols, illustrating how even recreational activities are enhanced by the resources available to the monarchy. The King's dedication to fly fishing, combined with unconventional assistance, underscores both his personal interests and the extensive support system surrounding the Royal Family.
