King Charles III of Britain has been making headlines recently, not for his royal duties, but for his alleged temper tantrums behind closed doors.
According to a new book titled “The Making of a King, King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy” by Robert Hardman, palace staff are growing increasingly worried about the king’s occasional outbursts.
However, it is Queen Camilla who acts as a calming presence, bringing him back to earth.
The monarch’s tendency to fly into fits of rage over minor issues has caused concern among those who work closely with him.
Even in public, his anger has been witnessed, most notably when he expressed his frustration with a faulty fountain pen just days after the passing of the queen.
It is in these situations that Queen Camilla proves to be a valuable influence.
In his book, Hardman emphasizes the worries surrounding the king’s temperament and how his reactions might unfold in various scenarios.
The staff is cautious about upsetting the king, fully aware of his potential to become furious over seemingly trivial matters.
However, they find solace in the fact that Queen Camilla possesses a strong voice of reason, allowing the king to relax and maintain composure.
Lord Chartreux, a close friend of the king from their university days, praises Queen Camilla for her ability to provide robust perspectives.
Her presence allows the king to find comfort and ease when things go awry, especially when he must maintain a pleasant demeanor.
Having an intimate confidant who can talk him down becomes crucial in such instances.
Christopher Anderson, author of “The King,” further supports claims of Charles’ volatile nature, describing him as moody and temperamental.
Anderson reveals instances where the king’s anger escalated to the point of physical outbursts, such as pulling a sink off the wall after dropping a cufflink down a drain and even grabbing his valet by the throat.
It has also been alleged that furniture was thrown out of windows during heated arguments with his late wife, Princess Diana.
One particular incident that showcased the king’s temper was captured on camera at Hillsborough Castle near Belfast.
While signing a visitor’s book, Charles became visibly agitated when the pen he was using leaked ink onto him.
Frustrated, he exclaimed, “Oh God, I hate this pen!”
and handed it to his wife, Camilla, who sympathetically remarked, “Oh look, it’s going everywhere.”
As the king walked away, he expressed his disdain for the pen, saying, “I can’t bear this bloody thing, every stinking time.”
Despite these moments of anger, Charles has also displayed self-awareness and a sense of humor regarding his moods.
During a speech at the City of London’s Manor House, he acknowledged the renowned British sense of humor, stating that their ability to laugh at themselves is a national characteristic.
Jokingly referring to his past struggles with malfunctioning fountain pens, he quipped, “Just as well, you may say, given some of the vicissitudes I have faced with frustratingly failing fountain pens this past year.”
As King Charles III prepares to ascend the throne, the concerns surrounding his temperament persist.