Charles III

[[File:HRH_Prince_Charles_Allan_Warren.jpg|thumb|165px|A younger Charles admiring himself<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/charles-britains-conflicted-new-monarch-2022-09-08/ Charles III, Britain's conflicted new monarch] (September 8, 2022) ''Reuters''. "To detractors, the new king is weak, ''vain'', interfering, and ill-equipped for the role of sovereign."</ref> in 1972]]
{{UKpolitics}}
{{cquote|I think it's something that dawns on you with the most ghastly, [[Predestination|inexorable]] sense. I didn't suddenly wake up in my pram one day and say 'Yippee, I —', you know.|||Charles III<ref>[https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,900925,00.html I think it's something that dawns on you with the most ghastly, inexorable sense. I didn't suddenly wake up in my pram one day and say "Yippee," you know.] (June 27, 1969) ''Time''.</ref><ref>"The Prince of Wales: Full text of replies in radio debut", The Times, 3 March 1969, p. 3.</ref>}}
'''Charles III''' (or Charles Philip Arthur George Mountbatten-Windsor if you're an anti-[[Monarchy|monarchist]]) {{lived|1948}} is the ruling [[monarch]] of the [[United Kingdom]] (made up of [[England]], [[Scotland]], [[Wales]] and a [[Northern Ireland|bit of Ireland]]) and dependencies ([[Isle of Man]], [[Channel Islands]], Bermuda, [[Falkland Islands]], Gibraltar, [[Pitcairn Islands]], Saint Helena, South Georgia) and the head of state of the following sovereign states that constitute a subset of the Commonwealth of Nations known as the Commonwealth realm:
{{collist|2|
*Antigua and Barbuda
*[[Australia]]
*The Bahamas
*Belize 
*[[Canada]]
*[[Grenada]]
*[[Jamaica]]
*[[New Zealand]]
*[[Papua New Guinea]]
*St. Kitts & Nevis
*St. Lucia
*St. Vincent & the Grenadines
*Solomon Islands
*Tuvalu
}}

And that should worry you!

==Family==
He is the eldest son of the previously thought to be immortal [[Elizabeth_II|Elizabeth II]], was married to the late [[Princess Diana]] between 1981 until 1996, and married Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005. He has two sons: William, the Prince of Wales; and [[Prince Harry and Meghan Markle|Harry, the Duke of Sussex]]. He ''finally'' got his hands on the crown at the age of 73, which makes him the oldest British monarch on accession.

==Snake oil and crankery==
[[File:Duchy Herbals Detox Tincture.jpg|thumb|right|165px|Duchy Herbals Detox Tincture: artichoke and piss-a-bed (dandelion)]]
{{cquote|I happily talk to the plants and trees, and listen to them. I think it's absolutely crucial.{{efn|Talking to plants and expecting it to have some effect is a form of [[paranormal]] belief.<ref>{{wpa|Plant perception (paranormal)}}</ref>}}|||Charles<ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/prince-charles-eavesdrops-tourists-speaks-plants/story?id=11679656 Prince Charles Eavesdrops on Tourists, Speaks to Plants] by Lee Ferran (September 20, 2010, 4:31 AM) ''ABC News''.</ref>}}

Oh yes he does. Though to be fair, those ears could be capable of hearing things most others are not. That or the bit between the ears.

He supports and sold [[CAM|complementary medicines]]. Professor [[Edzard Ernst]], Britain's first [[professor]] of complementary medicine, who spent eighteen years at Exeter University leading a unit that subjects alternative medicines to [[Scientific method|thorough scientific scrutiny]], called Charles a "[[snake oil]] salesman"<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/25/us-prince-charles-professor-idUSTRE76O5F520110725 Professor calls Prince Charles, others "snake-oil salesmen"], Reuters</ref> for endorsing the "Duchy Herbals" detox tincture in partnership with Nelsons & Co.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090218181439/http://www.nelsons.net/ Latest News: Nelsons Manufactures New Duchy Herbals Range Of Traditional Natural Herbal Tinctures] ''Nelsons'' (archived from February 18, 2009).</ref> The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency subsequently found that the products made false claims and had to have their [[advertising]] amended.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2009/mar/21/prince-charles-duchy-originals Prince's firm told to amend ads] by Aidan Jones (20 Mar 2009 20.01 EDT) ''[[The Guardian]]''.</ref> The products, which included a "[[detox]]" seem to have quietly dropped out of existence and are no longer to be found on the Nelsons website.

Charles also "treats" his farm animals with [[homeopathy]].<ref>[http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/may/12/prince-charles-use-homeopathy-in-animals-to-cut-antibiotic-use Prince Charles: I use homeopathy in animals to cut antibiotic use] by Sarah Boseley (12 May 2016 14.46 EDT) ''The Guardian''.</ref> In 2023 Charles appointed {{wpl|Michael Dixon (doctor)|Michael Dixon}} to the head of the royal medical household. Despite having an actual medical degree, Dixon advocates for a variety of [[Quackery|quackeries]]: homeopathy, "[[thought field therapy]]" and "[[Faith healing|Christian healing]]".<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/17/king-charles-has-appointed-homeopath-why-do-elite-put-faith-in-snake-oil King Charles has appointed a homeopath. Why do the elite put their faith in snake oil? The aristocracy and celebrities are in thrall to medical quackery that while useless can be far from harmless] by Martha Gill (17 Dec 2023 04.30 EST) ''The Guardian''.</ref> This, despite even the doctor of his ancestor, Queen Victoria, in 1853 calling homeopathy, "an outrage to human reason".<ref>[https://www.bmj.com/rapid-response/2011/10/28/bmj-debates-homeopathy-1990s-or-1840s Homoeopathy: BMJ Debates Homeopathy: 1990s or 1840s?] (1999) ''BMJ'' 319:1115. doi:10.1136/bmj.319.7217.1115.</ref>

He has promoted [[coffee enemas]],<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/society/2004/jun/27/themonarchy.medicineandhealth Now Charles backs coffee cure for cancer: Angry doctors warn of dangers as Prince of Wales lends support to controversial alternative treatment] by Jo Revill (26 June 2004 20.07 EDT) ''The Guardian''.</ref> which have no known medical benefit but have numerous risks (burning, rectal perforation, infection and electrolyte imbalance).

As well as [[lobbying]] against [[GM crops]],<ref>https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-46844454</ref> Charles is also a fan of [[Organic food|organic farming]], which he believes is 'the future' for agriculture.<ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4629982/Prince-Charles-says-future-depend-organic-farming.html Prince Charles says the ‘very future of humanity’ may depend on organic farming as he warns ‘fertilizers and pesticides mean the world has only sixty harvests left’] by Rebecca English (22 June 2017) ''[[Daily Mail]]''.</ref> Incidentally, since 1990 he had a company called 'Duchy Original' which sold such products. While it could be lauded that the profits of such are donated to [[charity]], people then recall it's a charity which promotes organic farming and other neo-traditionalist pet projects. It's this charity which amongst other things, took £1m from the Bin Laden family<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62366487 Prince Charles accepted £1m from Osama Bin Laden's family] (31 July 2022) [[BBC]].</ref> and £2.5m from a former [[Qatar]]i Prime Minister. This one ''personally''. And in cash.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62011791 Prince Charles: No inquiry into £2.5m cash donation to his charity] (20 July 2022) BBC.</ref> Said charities have also been spotted taking donations from dubious types on occasion.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/sep/19/prince-charles-cash-for-honours-scandal-grows-with-fresh-allegations</ref> There have also been allegations of 'donations for honours', particularly in regards to a Saudi gentleman who ended up with an CBE.<ref>https://news.sky.com/story/prince-charless-aide-steps-down-following-claims-he-offered-to-help-secure-an-honour-for-rich-saudi-donor-12399523</ref>

[[Modern art and architecture|Architecture]] and planning has also drawn his ire,<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2009/apr/23/architecture-prince-charles-design?picture=346370871</ref> such as calling particular buildings 'carbuncles' and using his own influence and contacts to (sometimes) get his way.<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2009/jun/15/prince-charles-richard-rogers-architecture</ref> Now, while some of the points raised are legitimate ones made by {{wpl|New Urbanism|'New Urbanists',}} it can be said his own alternative is a vaguely creepy, vapid neo-traditionalist edition.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/dorset/content/articles/2007/12/11/poundbury_feature.shtml Local History: Poundbury], BBC</ref>

Charles has blamed [[Materialism|scientific materialism]] for the decline of communal identity in Britain.<ref name=dimbledy>''[https://archive.org/details/princeofwalesbio00dimb The Prince of Wales: A Biography]'' by Jonathan Dimbleby (1994) William Morrow and Company. ISBN 068812996X.</ref>{{rp|253-254}} He has argued for 'holistic' approaches, along the lines of Carl Jung and James Lovelock's [[Gaia hypothesis]].<ref name=dimbledy/>{{rp|307-308}} He has said that he supports science-based [[medicine]], but that it should be accompanied with '[[healing]]', going so far as to have a private dinner for both medical practitioners and alternative medicine advocates that ultimately proved inconsequential.<ref name=dimbledy/>{{rp|308-310}} As Charles continued to promote this 'complementary' approach to medicine, he received pointed and public criticism from both medical practitioners and the press while receiving many personal letters from individuals supporting him.<ref name=dimbledy/>{{rp|311,313}} In response to the outpouring of letters, Charles was swayed by ''[[argumentum ad populum]]'' and [[confirmation bias]]:<ref name=dimbledy/>{{rp|311}}
{{cquote|"I have never, ever had so many letters. I was riveted by this because while I was pretty sure I was going to stir up a hornet's nest — which I did I think — I also realised there was a great deal more interest in and awareness of this aspect than I'd imagined?" Concluding from this response that "people often remain silent about what they really think … they are terrified of saying something in case 'everyone' should think they are mad", he went on, "I find I feel this about a lot of things."}}

==State interference==
{{cquote|Me, meddle as a king? I'm not that stupid.|||Charles<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/nov/08/prince-charles-me-meddle-as-a-king-im-not-that-stupid Prince Charles: 'Me, meddle as a king? I'm not that stupid'. Heir to throne tells BBC 70th birthday interview he will desist from his hobbyhorses if sovereign] by Caroline Davies (7 Nov 2018 19.01 EST) ''The Guardian''.</ref>}}
[[File:Charles_(52877352018)_(cropped).jpg|thumb|200px|Been waiting for this day since about 1965...]]
As Prince, Charles often wrote to [[government]] ministers about matters that interest him. This would not normally be an issue, but he has been known to try to interfere in government policy.<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/sep/18/prince-charles-letters-ministers-judges Prince Charles's letters to ministers should be disclosed, judges rule], ''The Guardian''</ref> The Information Tribunal ruled that the Government should release copies of his controversial "black spider" letters to Ministers in 2012, but the Attorney General vetoed the release, claiming that letting normal people read his views might damage his "ability to perform as King".<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/oct/16/attorney-general-blocks-prince-charles-letters Attorney general blocks disclosure of Prince Charles letters to ministers], ''The Guardian''</ref> The ministerial veto enables ministers to ignore Tribunal rulings if they find them to be 
embarrassing
 contrary to the national interest. A later ruling by the UK Supreme Court in 2015 required the publication of the letters.<ref>[https://en.wikinews.org/wiki/UK_Supreme_Court_require_government_to_release_Prince_Charles_%27black_spider%27_letters UK Supreme Court require government to release Prince Charles 'black spider' letters]</ref> The failed battle to keep the black spider letters secret eventually cost the government £400,000 in legal expenses.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/jun/04/black-spider-memos-second-batch-of-prince-charless-letters-released 'Black spider memos': Second batch of Prince. Heir to the throne lobbied about homeopathy, rainforests and hospital food in 17 letters to ministers including Alan Johnson and Andy Burnham] by Rob Evans & Robert Booth (4 Jun 2015 09.54 EDT) ''The Guardian''.</ref>

In fact, he even has the right to prevent bills being presented to Parliament if they conflict with his [[business]] interests.<ref>
[http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/oct/30/prince-charles-offered-veto-legislation Prince Charles has been offered a veto over 12 government bills since 2005], ''The Guardian''
</ref>
The Government is trying to cover this up,<ref name=secret-papers>[https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2013/jan/14/secret-papers-royals-veto-bills Secret papers show extent of senior royals' veto over bills]</ref> too, as it touches on a wide variety of policy areas that {{wpl|King's Consent}} doesn't.

A spokesman for the (then) Prince said: "In modern times, the Prince of Wales has never refused to consent to any bill affecting Duchy of Cornwall interests, unless advised to do so by ministers. Every instance of the prince's consent having been sought and given to legislation is a matter of public record."<ref name=secret-papers/>

Unsurprisingly, much worry has been (quietly) aired regarding whether Charles will effectively 'know his place' as a constitutional monarch<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jun/04/unlike-the-queen-king-charles-will-have-no-sense-of-caution-only-of-entitlement</ref>. However, as of 2024 it can be said at least publicly, he ''has'' 'behaved' as King<ref>https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/king-charles-proves-he-is-no-meddling-monarch-in-speech-to-parliament-bs292gl8m</ref> and has managed to 'steady the ship' somewhat during the transition between Elizabeth to himself<ref>https://www.ipsos.com/en-uk/latest-attitudes-towards-royal-family-january-2024</ref>, though the slide towards tacit republicanism (or perhaps more correctly described as 'monarchist apathy') continues<ref>https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/apr/28/public-support-monarchy-historic-low-poll-reveals</ref>, which to be fair might not be his fault, personally.

==Religion==
The Monarch is the formal head of the [[Church of England]], with the title "Defender of the Faith", although administrative power resides with the Archbishop of Canterbury, who also crowns the monarch. Charles has spoken of being a "defender of faiths" who stands up for all religious people rather than purely defending Anglicanism against Popery (which was the historical role going back to the [[Protestant Reformation]]).<ref>[https://www.thejournal.ie/prince-charles-1927286-Feb2015/ Prince Charles is "alarmed" by the radicalisation of young Muslim men], The Journal, Ireland, 8 Feb 2015</ref> No mention of whether this includes atheism, though.

==Other stuff==
Is not-so-well known for his hauteur. Mainly due to his pretty controlling manner regarding his relationship with the press<ref>https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prince-charles-the-15page-contract-that-reveals-how-the-prince-of-wales-tries-to-control-the-media-a6756541.html</ref> which means the average British pleb never gets just how distorted the public image is. Veteran correspondent Jonathan Dimbleby once reported that the Prince "has accumulated a number of certainties about the state of the world and does not relish contradiction." Um, great.

==See also==
*[[Princess Märtha Louise]], his [[Norway|Norwegian]] counterpart

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090325000516/http://www.duchyoriginals.com/detox_tincture.php The snake oil in question] (archived from March 25, 2009)
*[https://twitter.com/Charles_HRH His hilarious Twitter account]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{reflist|2|80%}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Charles, Prince of Wales}}

[[Category:Alternative medicine]]
[[Category:Billionaires]]
[[Category:British people]]
[[Category:Environmentalism]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Homeopathy]]
[[Category:Monarchs]]
[[Category:Paranormal]]
[[Category:Protestants]]
[[Category:Pseudoscience promoters]]
[[Category:Religious leaders]]
[[Category:Royalty]]

Categories: Alternative medicine, Billionaires, British people, Environmentalism, Living people, Homeopathy, Monarchs, Paranormal, Protestants, Pseudoscience promoters, Religious leaders, Royalty