King Charles III ascended to the British throne in September 2022 after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
While the monarchy remains widely supported, Charles’ first year as monarch has faced several challenges posed by his son Prince Harry, and daughter-in-law Meghan Markle.
Article summary
The Sussexes’ actions have fueled controversies that have complicated Charles’ first year of reign.
Charles III’s challenging first year as King
Harry & Meghan: Netflix docuseries
In December 2022, Harry and Meghan released their explosive Netflix docuseries, which contained accusations against Charles and Prince William.
In one of the episodes, Harry claimed that his brother had approached him in very bad manners during a meeting in early 2020 about their decision to step back as working royals.
“It was terrifying to have my brother scream and shout at me, and my father saying things that just simply weren’t true,” he claimed.
He also stated that his relationship with William deteriorated after he married Meghan in 2018.
Release of Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare”
In January 2023, Prince Harry published his tell-all memoir “Spare,” which included intimate personal details along with criticism of Charles’s parenting skills.
Harry also described a physical altercation with William in 2019 that left him with injuries.
“He grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor,” Harry revealed, who claims he fell over the dog’s bowl and hurt his back. “I lay there for a moment, dazed, then got to my feet and told him to get out.”
Meghan did not attend the coronation
Despite being invited, Meghan opted not to attend Charles’ May 2023 coronation.
Harry attended alone and was seated in the third row. A statement from the couple assured that Meghan would remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Her absence exposed existing tensions.
While facing family tensions and controversies, King Charles III maintained public support in his first year as monarch.
Despite the turbulence, the King remains committed to dutiful service as he guides the Crown into a new era.
