King Charles III is one of the wealthiest men in Britain, lives in a palace, and rides around in a chauffeur-driven Bentley. But he shares one fundamental characteristic with many of his subjects: King’s family life is problematic.
There is a second wife, a humiliating brother, an irate son and daughter-in-law. And all of them have pals who aren’t afraid to spill family secrets to amiable reporters.
When the newly crowned monarch attends Charles’ coronation on May 6 at Westminster Abbey with up to 2,800 guests. He will try to keep those tensions under control. Everyone is present, with the exception of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Charles’ efforts to uphold and defend the 1,000-year-old hereditary monarchy. He now represents depend on how he handles his family turmoil over the coming weeks and years. The House of Windsor runs the risk of being compared to pop stars, social media influencers. And reality TV contestants as material for British tabloids, eroding the cachet that supports its role in public life.
Always Been in Dramatic Headlines
Hugo Vickers, a royal historian, advises ignoring dramatic headlines in favour of concentrating on what Charles achieves as king.
When Prince Harry, the king’s estranged younger son, made fresh accusations against the royal family on Tuesday during the buildup to the coronation, the horror show returned to haunt Charles last week.
Harry stated in written testimony for his claim of invasion of privacy against a British publication that his father had stopped him from bringing the lawsuit ten years earlier. During his marriage to the late Princess Diana, Charles allegedly had an extramarital affair with the former Camilla Parker-Bowles. According to the prince, Charles didn’t want to bring up graphic testimony about the affair.
Harry and William, the Prince of Wales, Harry’s older brother and the heir to the throne, were raised by Diana. After marrying Charles in 2005, Camilla, who is currently the queen consort, will be crowned at Westminster Abbey with her husband.
If the past is any guide, observers will now pay close attention to body language, seating arrangements. And even clothing choices at the coronation as they search for any indications of a thawing in the familial tensions.
