Time magazine has revealed the shortlist for its prestigious Person of the Year award for 2023.

Since 1927, the publication has been honoring individuals or groups who have exerted significant influence, whether positive or negative, over the course of a year.

Past recipients have included notable figures such as American Presidents Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, as well as international leaders like Angela Merkel, Vladimir Putin, and Vladimir Zelensky.

Tech moguls Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg have also been recognized, alongside impactful movements such as the Silence Breakers, the Ebola Fighters, the Protester, and the Good Samaritans, according to CBS News.

The announcement of the 2023 Person of the Year will take place on Wednesday morning.

Among the contenders for this year’s honor are Hollywood sensation Taylor Swift, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, prominent entrepreneur Sam Altman, iconic doll Barbie, Russian President Vladimir Putin, King Charles III of the United Kingdom, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, and prosecutors involved in the Trump investigation.

The inclusion of King Charles III has raised eyebrows, as he did not have to pay for his nomination.

Earlier this year, King Charles III ascended to the throne during his coronation, sparking widespread interest in his reign.

The news of his nomination for Time’s Person of the Year has garnered immense support from royal fans.

Many believe that he deserves the recognition, given the skepticism surrounding his abilities as king.

Throughout his life as the longest-serving Prince of Wales, he diligently prepared the groundwork for the future monarch, Prince William V, ensuring a solid foundation for his rule.

Admirers commend his tireless efforts and note that while no ruler is perfect, King Charles III has proven himself far from incapable.

Supporters also highlight the extensive work King Charles III has undertaken in the areas of environmentalism and social justice, particularly for marginalized communities.

His commitment to these causes predates the current trend of virtue signaling, demonstrating genuine action rather than mere symbolism.

Additionally, his accomplishments in expanding the Duchy of Cornwall have been praised, as it has grown remarkably under his stewardship.

The nomination of King Charles III without any monetary influence stands in contrast to previous controversies surrounding Time’s Person of the Year.

Notably, when Meghan Markle and Prince Harry appeared on the cover as part of the Top 100 Influencers of 2021, rumors circulated that they had paid a substantial sum to secure the spot.

However, critics argue that the couple’s influence is limited to reshaping the public perception of the royal family and question their actual impact.

Royal biographer Angela Levin highlighted the allegations of financial involvement, suggesting that Meghan and Harry may have spent $1.5 million to secure their appearance on the cover.

Such claims raise doubts about the true extent of their influence and motives.

Nevertheless, if the couple or their associates did indeed approach Time with a monetary proposition, it becomes difficult for the magazine to turn down such a significant sum.

This raises questions about the nature and criteria of influence within the context of Time’s Person of the Year.

As anticipation builds for the unveiling of the 2023 Person of the Year, the inclusion of King Charles III has sparked both enthusiasm and debate.

The final decision will undoubtedly fuel discussions on the varying forms of influence and the impact of individuals in shaping our world.