Show Notes
This year marks Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, her 70th year as Queen of the United Kingdom. As the world prepares to celebrate an icon, the British royal establishment is working quietly behind the scenes to prepare the stage for Prince Charles to replace his mother and become King. It’s the moment he was destined for – and at 73, he’s been waiting a long time. But as his moment approaches, so does widespread apprehension: Can Prince Charles fill his mother’s shoes? Will the people accept him as king? Is there even a place for monarchy in our modern world? In Born to Rule, NBC’s Keir Simmons talks to journalists and royal insiders who’ve followed Prince Charles for decades to help us understand the man who will be king.
More from Born to Rule: When Charles is King
A lot has changed since the last episode of Born to Rule was released. After Queen Elizabeth’s death on September 8, 2022, Prince Charles became King Charles III and thereby fulfilled his destiny. But some things haven’t changed – like the relationship between Prince Harry and the rest of the British royal family. Since excerpts from Prince Harry’s much anticipated memoir, Spare, became public, the book has made headlines around the world. We’re taking a look at the impact of this bombshell book. Keir Simmons sits down with Katie Nicholl, author of The New Royals and royal editor at Vanity Fair, and journalist and royal commentator, Afua Hagan, for a candid conversation about the impact this memoir could have on the reign of King Charles III.
King Charles III pays tribute to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II in a televised speech to the nation. TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie reports LIVE from London.
Lester Holt anchors an NBC News Special Report with the news of Queen Elizabeth II's death. The 96-year-old was Britain's longest reigning monarch. Remembering the Queen. Plus, Charles becomes King Charles. Keir Simmons reports from London.
During her Platinum Jubilee celebration this year, Queen Elizabeth greeted the crowds from the balcony at Buckingham Palace, dressed in bright blue with a cane in hand, at 96 years old… there’s no denying change is coming. On her left: William, Kate, and the kids. On her right: Charles and Camilla. The message was clear — this is the future of the monarchy, with Charles at the helm. In our final episode, we’re taking a look at what’s next for the royal family. From Charles to William to little George, what does a modern monarchy look like? Where do Harry and Meghan fit in? And after 70 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, is the world ready for King Charles?
The royal family is no stranger to controversy — and Prince Charles has often been at the center of the scandal-du-jour. What happens when he takes on the job of maintaining the monarchy’s public image… the one he’s been accused of tarnishing over the years? We’ll take a look at the more recent scandals Charles has had to manage alongside the Queen – from questions about how some of his charities raise money to his brother Prince Andrew’s settlement in a sexual abuse lawsuit, to his son Prince Harry’s departure from the Firm. What other challenges might lie ahead for the future king, and how will he manage them?