The King was also shown the Guinness range, including limited-edition seasonal brews, by the master brewer

STOUT-hearted King Charles opened a new Guinness brewery — and enjoyed a drop of the black nectar.

Leaving froth on his top lip after taking a sip, he declared: “It is great stuff.”

Charles officially opened the £73million Guinness microbrewery in London’s Covent GardenCredit: Reuters
He also poured a pint himself and was told it was “absolutely perfect”, to which he responded: “If you say so.”

Charles, 77, officially opened the £73million microbrewery in London’s Covent Garden.

He was shown the Guinness range, including limited-edition seasonal brews, by master brewer Hollie Stephenson.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that the monarch’s message about his cancer treatment last week led to a 25-fold increase in visits to NHS websites about life-saving screening.

NHS England chief Sir Jim Mackey praised him for generating a “huge spark of interest” in information on all forms of the disease.

On Friday, His Majesty said he has responded “exceptionally well” to treatment since he was diagnosed in early 2024 and doctors can now reduce his medication.

He said: “Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives.”

NHS sources said Charles’s statement generated a surge in online interest in testing.

Visits to the health service’s webpage for cancer screening surged from just dozens on Thursday to more than 2,500 on Friday night following His Majesty’s address.

It suggests Charles inspired people to find out how they could get tested for cancer.

And Cancer Research UK said tens of thousands of people used its new online screening checker, with 100,000 visits since December 5 and most after the King’s speech.

NHS clinics offer free regular testing for signs of breast, cervical, bowel or lung cancers, depending on age, sex and smoking status.

Charles beams in front of a selection of pints at the microbreweryCredit: Getty
Sir Jim told The Sun: “It’s fantastic to see thousands more visits to the NHS website for information on this important health issue.

“Screening saves lives — whether it’s cervical or breast screening, or a bowel cancer testing kit through the post. Please don’t put it off.

“We know appointments and tests can feel awkward or easy to skip, but they really can catch problems early and save your life.