20 Outrageous Things King Charles Did That Prove He’s Not Fit for the Throne
King Charles III, the longest-serving heir apparent in British history, has had a controversial life that’s been marked by several actions and decisions that have raised eyebrows. Despite being elevated to the throne after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, some of his past behaviors and decisions have led critics to question his suitability for the role. Here are 20 outrageous things King Charles has done that some argue prove he’s not fit for the throne:
- Open Criticism of His Family: Charles has been known to openly criticize members of his own family, including his sons, Harry and William, adding to royal tensions.
- Affair with Camilla: His long-standing affair with Camilla Parker Bowles during his marriage to Princess Diana caused scandal and was seen as a betrayal of his family and public duty.
- Camilla’s Rise to Queen Consort: Many view Charles’s insistence on making Camilla his queen consort as a controversial decision, given her reputation and the history of their affair.
- Interfering in Politics: Charles has been criticized for his involvement in politics, such as his outspoken views on issues like climate change, which some see as an overstep of the constitutional boundaries of the monarchy.
- The “Tampon Gate” Scandal: In 1993, a private conversation between Charles and Camilla was leaked, in which Charles allegedly referred to his desire to be reincarnated as Camilla’s tampon, sparking widespread scandal.
- Unusual Spending Habits: King Charles has been criticized for lavish spending on royal renovations and his personal lifestyle, with some questioning his financial priorities.
- Ignoring Diana’s Needs: Charles’s failure to fully address Diana’s emotional and mental health struggles during their marriage contributed to the breakdown of their relationship, with many holding him responsible for her unhappiness.
- Alienating Prince Harry: Charles’s strained relationship with his son, Harry, has been widely publicized, particularly with Harry’s departure from royal duties and the subsequent fallout between them.
- Manipulating the Media: Charles has been accused of using the media to manipulate public perception, including working with journalists to paint him in a positive light during controversial times.
- His “Radical” Environmental Views: While environmental concerns are important, Charles’s aggressive stance on issues like organic farming and climate change has drawn criticism, with some questioning his ability to remain politically neutral.
- Alleged Involvement in the “Black Spider Memos”: Charles’s controversial “Black Spider Memos” to government ministers were released, revealing his attempts to influence policy, which some saw as improper for a monarch-in-waiting.
- Failing to Step In During Diana’s Crisis: Charles’s lack of direct support for Diana during the breakdown of their marriage, especially when she faced media scrutiny and personal issues, left her isolated and angry.
- His Role in the Royal Divorce: The way Charles handled the breakup of his marriage to Diana, and his insistence on continuing his relationship with Camilla, damaged the royal family’s reputation for years.
- His Confrontation with Princes William and Harry: His handling of family tensions, especially with his sons, has been criticized for exacerbating conflicts within the royal family.
- His Criticism of the Press: While many royals have had conflicts with the media, Charles’s repeated outbursts and criticism of the press have often been seen as unroyal and inappropriate.
- The Failure to Address Colonial Ties: Charles’s failure to publicly confront the monarchy’s historical role in colonialism and slavery has left him open to accusations of failing to understand the modern world’s complexities.
- His Role in the “Marrying Camilla” Campaign: The highly orchestrated public campaign to rehabilitate Camilla’s image in the years leading up to their marriage raised eyebrows, as it seemed to disregard public sentiment.
- Indifference to Public Opinion: Charles has often been accused of being out of touch with the average person, maintaining a lifestyle that seems disconnected from the struggles of the common people.
- The “Royal Pomp” Controversy: Critics argue that Charles’s embrace of royal ceremonies and traditional monarchy values, despite a modernized world, seems increasingly out of touch with the needs of the people.
- Privileged Lifestyle Amid Crises: At times when the country faced crises—such as economic downturns or social unrest—Charles’s privileged lifestyle and apparent detachment from the realities of everyday life have made him seem ill-prepared for the role of king.
While King Charles III has long been seen as a man with a deep commitment to certain causes, his personal and public actions have often overshadowed his royal duties. Whether it’s his controversial past, strained family relationships, or perceived lack of adaptability to modern issues, these factors have led some to question his readiness for the throne.