Why King Charles Was in the ‘Doghouse’ During Kate Middleton’s Pregnancy with Prince George

King Charles found himself in a tricky situation during Kate Middleton’s first pregnancy, as detailed in Valentine Low’s new book ‘Power and the Palace’. In the book, it was revealed that the future King had concerns about the changing rules regarding the rights of primogeniture. This story was recently published in The Times on August 29, shedding light on an interesting royal dilemma.

The leaked story that landed King Charles in the ‘doghouse’ revolved around a conversation he had with Richard Heaton, the permanent secretary at the Cabinet Office. Charles raised questions about the 2013 Succession to the Crown Act, particularly in relation to the royal succession rules changing while Kate Middleton and Prince William were expecting their first child, Prince George. It was a crucial moment for the royal family, and Charles wanted to understand the implications of these changes.

During a tea meeting in December 2012 between Charles and Heaton, the future monarch posed various hypothetical scenarios, seeking clarity on what would happen if his grandchild married someone outside the royal lineage. Heaton, not fully briefed on the subject, did his best to provide answers. However, what followed was a series of events that led to Charles being excluded from discussions and feeling out of the loop.

The government was under specific instructions to liaise directly with Buckingham Palace regarding the succession rule changes, sidelining Charles from the process. Subsequently, a story was published in The Daily Mail, suggesting that Charles and William were not consulted and indicating Charles’ reservations about the changes. This caused a stir within Whitehall, and Charles found himself in a less-than-favorable position.

Whitehall officials viewed Charles’ actions as misrepresentation, leaking of a private conversation, and criticism of government policy – all of which were not well received. This led to Charles being metaphorically placed ‘in the doghouse’, as the aftermath of the leaked story unfolded. In an attempt to mend fences, Charles later took Heaton on a royal outing, which Low described as not an explicit apology but a step towards reconciliation.

The introduction of the Succession to the Crown Act 2013 marked a significant shift in royal protocols, where birth order now determines the line of succession irrespective of gender. While Prince George was unaffected by these changes, Princess Charlotte made headlines by retaining her place in the line of succession even after the birth of her younger brother, Prince Louis. This legislation, impacting royals born after October 28, 2011, also abolished the disqualification relating to Roman Catholic marriage.

The nuances of royal protocol and succession rules can often lead to intricate situations, as evidenced by King Charles’ experience during Kate Middleton’s first pregnancy. The behind-the-scenes challenges faced by royals reveal the complexities of upholding centuries-old traditions while adapting to modern expectations. As the royal family continues to evolve, such anecdotes provide a glimpse into the intricate workings of the monarchy.