King Charles was taught a new handshake as he met the West Indies cricket team at Buckingham Palace.

One cricketer taught the king a five-step handshake instead that included a high-five and putting a right hand on your chest, as the King joked: “That really is complicated.”

The monarch met the team ahead of its opening Test match of the summer against England at Lord’s.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite thanked the King for welcoming the team to Buckingham Palace, joking: “Also, I wish your horses all the best, I’ve been following them.”

The King, who is head of the Commonwealth, also expressed concern for those affected by Hurricane Beryl as he met the squad.

Speaking after the audience with His Majesty, Brathwaite said: “We were honoured to be invited and it was a great opportunity for the whole team to be here.

“Hurricane Beryl has been devastating but we want to make West Indians proud and put a smile on their faces during these tough times.”

Brathwaite said he had a “good chat” with the King and that he was hoping to “make the region proud” with their performances.

Earlier this week, the monarch sent “heartfelt condolences” to the people of the region following the death and destruction caused by the hurricane.

He spoke to the prime ministers of Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Jamaica on Friday to hear more about the devastation.

It is understood the King has asked to be kept informed about the situation of those affected by Hurricane Beryl and will likely make further calls with leaders in the coming days.

The UK has announced a new support package up to £500,000 for Caribbean countries affected by the storm, which was the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record to form in the Atlantic.