King Charles has reportedly enforced “clear boundaries” amid an “unprecedented royal crisis”.
The monarch, who divides much of his time between royal residences and his Gloucestershire home Highgrove House near the Cotswolds, is said to be taking a more proactive approach to managing disputes affecting the Royal Family, according to a new report by HELLO!.
The publication reports that recent months have seen the King address issues ranging from the removal of Prince Andrew’s royal titles to the fallout surrounding bombshell claims made by Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, in his new memoir.
According to HELLO!, royal commentator Katie Nicholl believes the King is showing a more decisive side than the monarchy has traditionally displayed.
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For decades, the Royal Family was associated with the motto “never complain, never explain”, but Ms Nicholl suggested there has been a noticeable shift in recent years.
Speaking about the monarch’s approach, she said: “He is flexing his constitutional muscle and he’s establishing very clear boundaries and we’ve seen that at its most extreme with Andrew and the stripping of Andrew’s titles.”
Ms Nicholl also pointed to a letter sent on behalf of the King which reiterated the status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The correspondence reportedly confirmed that although Prince Harry and Meghan have returned to Britain, they cannot use the titles “His and Her Royal Highness” and remain “private citizens”.
It further stated that any engagements undertaken by the couple would be carried out in a private capacity rather than on behalf of the Royal Family.
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Ms Nicholl said: “I think we are seeing an institution at a moment of change.”
She added: “I think this is the King’s way of perhaps taking hold of a narrative before it can run away and take on a new meaning altogether. So you’re seeing them being proactive rather than reactive.”
The comments come amid an escalating dispute involving Charles Spencer’s new book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, which contains allegations about conversations surrounding Princess Diana’s death and funeral arrangements in 1997.
The Palace issued an unusually robust response after excerpts from the memoir were published.
A statement quoted by HELLO! said: “While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss.”
The intervention was described by royal commentators as a notable departure from previous royal practice and, according to the magazine, an indication that the King is increasingly willing to defend the institution publicly when he believes it is necessary.