The BBC’s drama King Charles III, which imagines a brief and catastrophic reign for the Prince of Wales, has sparked outrage among some Tory politicians and royal biographers. Despite calls for the director-general’s head, the production is likely to be a Bafta contender.
Adapted from Mike Bartlett’s stage play, the drama includes controversial scenes such as the ghost of Diana and Camilla slapping Prince William. However, the script is not a satirical attack but a futuristic political thriller written in blank verse, reminiscent of Shakespeare.
The late Tim Pigott-Smith delivers a poignant performance as Charles, portraying a man who, after waiting decades to become king, finds himself unable to simply be a figurehead. The drama explores a constitutional crisis when Charles refuses to sign a bill, leading to civil unrest.
Despite cuts for television, including the removal of Diana’s ghost mocking Charles’s suitability, the play remains a bold commentary on monarchy and freedom of the press. It offers a surprisingly optimistic view of the monarchy’s future, albeit one that may challenge viewers.
