Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.aol.co.uk
The King is juggling his multiple roles as monarch and the more personal role of head of the family “often hour by hour” during a particularly tricky period for the Firm. In recent months, Charles has found himself having to shift his focus from his role as King to his roles as father, brother and head of the family.
His youngest son has moved back to Britain with his family, and they have started undertaking quasi-royal engagements that risk contravening the terms of their departure as senior working royals in 2020.
And his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, continues to darken the King’s door over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Just last week, the Daily Express revealed that Police Scotland is investigating the activities of the former Duke of York, Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell during their time at Balmoral Castle. He vehemently denies wrongdoing.
It’s the latest in a series of scandals for Andrew, who was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office and recently won a battle against police over search warrants that led to raids on his royal homes.
Asked how the King balances his role as head of family and head of nation, a senior Palace aide said: “Busy people get lots done. The King rigorously prioritises his multiple roles, as Head of State, church, Commonwealth, military and family. The order of priority shifts by the day – and often by the hour.”
The aide added that the King and his team are confident that the approach Charles has taken on these matters, such as removing Andrew’s royal titles and evicting him from Royal Lodge and clarifying the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s position when they returned to Britain at the end of August, are effective.
They said: “That is why he takes the actions he does – and has done.”
It comes after YouGov polling published last week found the King’s popularity had dropped to its lowest level since he ascended the throne, suggesting that the public were not happy with how he had dealt with recent issues.
In recent weeks, Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle Senior, has faced disturbing allegations of possessing child sexual abuse images, but the Palace have refused to comment on the scandal, stating it is a private family matter.
