King Charles Questioned Thatcher's Nuclear Strategy

Newly declassified documents reveal that King Charles III, then Prince of Wales, expressed skepticism about Margaret Thatcher's nuclear defense strategy during the Cold War. In 1983, he demanded personal military briefings, indicating dissatisfaction with the government's explanations regarding nuclear arms and disarmament. The documents show he found contradictions between the UK government's public support for a Comprehensive Test Ban and its private opposition, citing the need for ongoing nuclear testing. Government officials tailored briefings for him, acknowledging his preference for directness over 'official flannel'. These insights highlight Charles's proactive engagement in significant policy matters, even as he has since pledged to remain politically neutral as king.