King Charles Faces Royal Succession Law Questions, Palace Staff Exodus, Family Rift Persists

Valentine Low's book Power and the Palace reveals that in 2013, then-Prince Charles was excluded from government discussions about the Succession to the Crown Act, which changed royal succession rules to favor birth order over gender. Charles raised detailed questions about the law's implications, including concerns about the royal family name if his granddaughter married a commoner, but the government viewed his private conversation with civil servant Richard Heaton as a breach, leading to tensions. Separately, King Charles III faces internal challenges at Highgrove House, where eleven of twelve gardeners have left over low wages and difficult working conditions, with some describing the king as impatient and discourteous. Additionally, reports indicate that reconciliation efforts between King Charles III and Prince Harry have stalled, with sources suggesting the king has been an obstacle despite Harry's willingness to mend the relationship. Royal expert Tom Bower's book Rebel King further unveils personal and unconventional habits of King Charles III, portraying him as a complex figure with eccentric rituals, including unique travel demands that emphasize his distinct personality and approach to the monarchy.