A senior Palace aide has revealed how King Charles manages his dual responsibilities as monarch and head of the family, describing a balancing act that shifts "often by the hour" during a particularly difficult period for the Royal Family.
In recent months, Charles has had to move his focus between his duties as King and his roles as father, brother and head of the family. His youngest son has returned to Britain with his family and begun undertaking quasi-royal engagements that risk breaching the terms of their departure as senior working royals in 2020.
Andrew and the Epstein scandal
His brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, continues to face scrutiny over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Last week, the Daily Express reported that Police Scotland is investigating the activities of the former Duke of York, Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell during their time at Balmoral Castle. Andrew vehemently denies wrongdoing.
This is the latest in a series of scandals for Andrew, who was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office and recently won a legal battle against police over search warrants that led to raids on his royal homes.
The King's approach
Asked how the King balances his roles, a senior Palace aide said: "Busy people get lots done. The King rigorously prioritises his multiple roles, as Head of State, church, Commonwealth, military and family. The order of priority shifts by the day - and often by the hour."
The aide added that the King and his team are confident that his approach on these matters - such as removing Andrew's royal titles, evicting him from Royal Lodge and clarifying the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's position when they returned to Britain at the end of August - is effective. They said: "That is why he takes the actions he does - and has done."
Public opinion and private matters
The comments come after YouGov polling published last week found the King's popularity had dropped to its lowest level since he ascended the throne, suggesting public dissatisfaction with his handling of recent issues.
In recent weeks, Meghan's father, Thomas Markle Senior, has faced disturbing allegations of possessing child sexual abuse images, but the Palace has refused to comment, stating it is a private family matter.
