Some feared his strong opinions could get him into hot water
Being part of the royal family involves supporting public causes, but it’s unconstitutional for the monarch to express any political opinions. Before becoming king, Charles had a history of veering into the realm of politics – he condemned a number of government-backed London building projects in the 1980s and has passionately discussed climate change – which some feared wouldn’t bode well for him when he was heir to the throne. But in a BBC documentary, he brushed aside fears that he wouldn’t be able to separate his political ideals as then-prince from his need for neutrality as king. “I’m not that stupid,” he explained.
He has open-minded views on religion
Ever since Henry VIII split with the Catholic church in 1530, English and British monarchs have been deemed “Defender of the Faith” during their coronations – a promise to uphold the Church of England. Queen Elizabeth II was a devout Anglican, but King Charles has hinted that he might veer away from a single-religion view.
He said in a 1994 interview that he’d prefer to be “Defender of Faith” over “Defender of the Faith.” He later said he’ll stick to the traditional wording when he’s crowned, but that won’t stop him from promoting interfaith dialogue, according to Charles at Seventy. He’s studied the Koran and Judaism in depth, attended Catholic Masses and made a point of visiting Christian, Sikh, Muslim and Hindu communities during official visits. “The future surely lies in rediscovering the universal truths that dwell at the heart of these religions,” he has said.
This is how much the British crown jewels are actually worth.
He can laugh at himself
King Charles once asked some staff what they thought of several busts of him that had been given to him as gifts over the years, according to Robert Jobson’s Charles at Seventy. When the staff responded, “Very good likenesses, sir,” Prince Charles responded with a humorous touch of self-deprecation: “Yes, but they always get one thing right: my bloody ears.”
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Source: RD.com
