Overwhelmed fans kiss King Charles’ face, hand at Buckingham

King Charles III was greeted by throngs of well-wishers as he returned to Buckingham Palace Friday — including by at least one enthusiastic fan who planted a kiss on his cheek.

Jenny Assiminios was caught on camera puckering up as the newly minted monarch — fresh off the death of Queen Elizabeth II — came to shake her hand.

“I couldn’t believe it and I said to him, ‘May I kiss you?’ And he said, ‘well, yes.’ So I grabbed him, and I’m very happy,” the Cyprus woman told CNN about the royal kiss.

“He’s lovely. He’s perfect,” she gushed.

The King and Queen Consort Camilla returned to the Palace Friday after rushing to Balmoral to be by the ailing Queen’s side the day. The death of the UK’s longest-reigning monarch was announced later that afternoon.

Crowds have supporters have since flocked to the Palace to pay tribute to the late Queen — and greet Charles.

“We love you, King Charles!” some shouted, as the 73-year-old sovereign made his first appearance at the palace as King.

Assiminios said it was “just a feeling” that washed over her when she crossed paths with Charles.

“It never crossed my mind” that she’d ever kiss a king, she told CNN.

While there is no obligatory conduct for meeting a member of the royal family, a bow, curtsey or handshake is typical.

A kiss on the cheek — or, as another woman gave the King, a kiss on the hand — is a rare display of emotion, indicative of the feeling gripping the UK.

Elizabeth II, Charles’ mother and predecessor to the throne, reigned an unprecedented 70 years — meaning most Britons have never known another monarch.

Charles appeared touched by the reaction, smiling and chatting with those gathered as he made his way down the line.

The King is expected to make a televised address to the nation at 6 p.m. local time.