The Jeremy Vine Show on Channel 5 has faced a wave of criticism after a caller branded King Charles “pathetic” for denying Prince Harry accommodation at Buckingham Palace. The segment, which aired during a call-in discussion, saw host Jeremy Vine agree with the caller’s sentiments, prompting viewers to voice their anger on social media.
Caller’s Tirade Against the King
During the show, caller Bill from County Durham expressed his disbelief at the King’s decision not to offer Harry a room at the palace after the Duke of Sussex missed the deadline to respond to his father. Jeremy Vine asked: “Do you think Charles is right to say, ‘I’m sorry, we can’t put you up?’” Bill replied: “Absolutely not, it’s pathetic. He’s pathetic. I mean, it’s unbelievable that a son who’s in line for the throne, who fought for 10 years in Afghanistan for this country, who loves this country… the only royal who fought in Afghanistan, the others with their chocolate medals on when they parade through the streets… it’s pathetic!”
Bill continued: “At the end of the day, he is the King’s son. If he can’t get protection when the likes of these politicians get around-the-clock protection, it’s unbelievable. Harry is a decent man. Obviously he’s being attacked from all angles by the media and Charles is tied up with the media, and at the end of the day it’s come back on Harry.” He fumed: “To say he can’t stay in Buckingham Palace with all them rooms is absolutely… it makes Charles look even more pathetic!”
Jeremy Vine’s Agreement
Jeremy Vine then chimed in to agree with the caller, saying: “I think they’ve got to try and get Harry back, as well. We’re going back to football again, but they’re only playing seven players – they’ve lost their central defence and Andrew’s obviously benched for… probably 3,000 years, he’s not going to play again. Princess Anne isn’t as active as she was.”
Viewers’ Outrage
The segment sparked immediate backlash from viewers, who pointed out inaccuracies in the caller’s claims. One viewer noted: “Those in direct line to the throne are not allowed to fight. Andy risked his life more than Harry did – how did that work out for him? Harry has betrayed his family very badly.” Another posted: “He’s a big boy, in fact middle aged. He could buy his own house and stay there. He’s not poor.” A third commented: “My son did a tour of Iraq and 2 tours of Afghanistan, doesn't give you a pass to behave like an idiot.”
Factual Errors Highlighted
Critics also highlighted that Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, served in the Falklands War as a helicopter pilot, countering the caller’s assertion that Harry was the only royal to have seen combat. The show has not issued a response to the backlash as of publication.
