King Charles has recently made headlines after private rooms in his Sandringham home were reportedly opened to the public for the first time. Reports suggest some royal fans were allowed to tour his bedrooms and library, although visitors were reportedly not permitted to take photos inside.
His Majesty also drew attention after photos appeared to show that his Highgrove, Gloucestershire, property no longer had a picture of his estranged daughter-in-law, Meghan Markle, on display.
King Charles’ Sandringham Estate Opens To Visitors
In what appeared to be a break from royal protocol, Charles’ Sandringham estate opened its doors to visitors for the first time in history. The royal residence’s official Instagram account previously announced that members of the public would be allowed to tour the much-loved country retreat on a ticketed basis.
It then reshared a post from a visitor who wrote that they were excited to be among the first guests allowed into Charles’ bedrooms and library, although cameras were not permitted in those areas.
“Beyond excited, we were the first visitors ever allowed inside King Charles III’s Sandringham Estate bedrooms and library!! Unfortunately, no cameras allowed but it was insane,” the caption read.
The visitor also shared photos taken around the lush compound on their personal Instagram account.
Charles Long Wanted Royal Homes Open To The Public
Before he ascended the throne, reports claimed that the then-Prince Charles wanted Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Windsor Castle, Sandringham, and Balmoral to be turned from “private spaces to public places” when he became King, in a bid to be more open with the public.
At the time, parts of the royal residences were already open to visitors, while others were only accessible at certain times of the year. However, Charles reportedly wanted more of them opened up and for longer periods throughout the year.
He also reportedly wanted Buckingham Palace to remain open regardless of whether he was in residence, although it remains to be seen how far that vision will go.
“The Prince wants to bring people in to connect with the institution. He recognizes it needs to keep evolving, and in the modern era, people want to be able to access their palaces,” a source told The Sunday Times.
King Charles Is Reportedly ‘Terrified’ Of William
Meanwhile, the relationship between Charles and William has remained a topic of debate. Reports suggest His Majesty would like the Prince of Wales to reunite with his estranged younger brother, Prince Harry, but William is not so keen on the idea.
The future King has reportedly remained adamant about shutting Harry out, especially because he considers him “totally untrustworthy” following the damaging accusations the Duke of Sussex made against him and the royal family in several interviews and his blockbuster memoir, “Spare.”
According to royal biographer Christopher Andersen, William’s relationship with Charles can get complicated at times, with the author noting that the Prince of Wales is “capable of great bellowing tantrums” and sometimes “terrifies” the King.
“When he gets frustrated, he does resort to shouting [at the king],” a former staff member of Highgrove House told Andersen, per Page Six. “William has a huge, booming voice. Much louder than his father’s, so it’s not something you soon forget.”
Prince Harry Also Detailed William’s Short Fuse
Prince Harry also wrote about William’s short fuse in his memoir, noting that he and the Prince of Wales once got into an argument over his wife, Meghan Markle.
He claimed that William, who was “piping hot,” grabbed him by the collar and knocked him to the floor, causing him to land on a dog bowl, “which cracked under my back, the pieces cutting into me.”
William appears to have gotten his temper from his father, as Andersen has described King Charles as having “a Vesuvius temper.” In a previous book about the monarch, the author claimed Charles once tore “a sink off the wall” in frustration after losing a cufflink down the drain.
Following Queen Elizabeth’s death, people also witnessed Charles’ angry side when he repeatedly complained about a leaky pen.
“Can’t bear this bloody thing,” he angrily said while cleaning off the ink. “Every stinking time.”
King Charles Reportedly Wants William And Harry Back On Good Terms
Charles is understood to be missing his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, and reportedly wants to reunite with them at his beloved Sandringham estate. However, he also understands that William and Harry would have to sheathe their swords for that to happen.
“Charles is at the point where he wants to forgive Harry and find a path forward, but William simply won’t hear of it, no matter what his father says,” an insider told Radar Online.
“It’s become a huge battle because William carries enormous influence behind the scenes. And the truth is, many within the Firm still believe Harry and Meghan are toxic, so Charles doesn’t have much support when it comes to welcoming them back,” the source added.