15 SCANDALOUS Things King Charles Did Just After Becoming King

When King Charles III ascended to the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, his reign was marked by a mix of tradition and scrutiny. While he was expected to navigate the royal family’s public image with grace, there were several actions that stirred controversy and speculation. Here are 15 scandalous things King Charles did just after becoming king:

1. Immediate Struggles with Public Sympathy – Upon Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Charles received mixed reactions from the public. While some celebrated his ascension, others questioned his readiness, given his years of previous controversy and public squabbles.
2. Public Display of Grief – While Charles gave a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, some criticized the emotional performance, with some suggesting it felt overly staged or insincere.
3. Meghan and Harry’s Exclusion – One of the most talked-about moves after his accession was the decision to not immediately involve Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in royal duties, sparking speculation about ongoing family tensions.
4. Overshadowing Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy – Some felt that King Charles, in his first speeches and actions, focused too much on promoting his own agenda and environmental issues rather than honoring Queen Elizabeth’s long reign in a more balanced way.
5. Changes in Royal Protocol – King Charles made quick moves to shift certain royal protocols, like attempting to streamline the monarchy and reduce its size. While some supported the changes, others viewed them as potentially undermining centuries of royal tradition.
6. Continued Tension with Prince Andrew – King Charles’s handling of his brother Prince Andrew’s scandal was closely watched. Some found his attempts to distance the monarchy from Andrew, especially after the Epstein scandal, to be controversial and somewhat harsh.
7. The “Camilla” Question – While Camilla, Queen Consort, was widely accepted by the public, her position was still a topic of scrutiny after Charles’s ascension. Many questioned whether Charles’s decision to make Camilla Queen was the right move, given the contentious history of their relationship.
8. Refusing to Meet with the Sussexes – After Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK for the Queen’s funeral, rumors spread that King Charles had refused to meet with them privately. This fueled further tension between the Sussexes and the royal family.
9. Privately Speaking Out Against the Press – Shortly after becoming king, Charles made it clear he was displeased with the press, particularly regarding the treatment of his family. His increasingly vocal stance against the media raised concerns about how the monarchy would deal with criticism going forward.
10. Charles and the Commonwealth – While King Charles’s relationship with the Commonwealth was a focus early in his reign, some felt he moved too quickly to address its future direction, causing uncertainty about the royal family’s role in the countries that were once part of the British Empire.
11. His Political Stance on Climate Change – As King, Charles’s outspoken views on climate change were often seen as controversial. Critics argued that his activism might cross the line between personal beliefs and his position as a neutral monarch.
12. The Royal Family’s Public Spending – King Charles faced backlash for the royal family’s expenses, especially following the cost of the Queen’s funeral. Critics were quick to point out the discrepancy between the lavish royal ceremonies and the cost of living crisis facing the public.
13. The Prince of Wales Title for William – King Charles swiftly gave his son William the title of Prince of Wales, and some questioned whether this was done in a hurry without allowing for a more public or ceremonial transition.
14. The Queen’s Estate and Legacy – After Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, King Charles quickly took control of royal estates and lands, some of which were viewed as controversial, particularly regarding the distribution of wealth and responsibilities within the family.
15. Handling the Royal Family’s Modern Image – In an attempt to modernize the monarchy, King Charles’s early actions were seen by some as alienating the more traditional members of the royal family, with his focus on reducing royal duties and the number of working royals creating tension within the family.

These 15 moments, many involving decisions about the future of the monarchy, led to public debate and media scrutiny. While King Charles sought to mark a new era for the royal family, his actions created both support and controversy, shaping the early days of his reign.