King Charles has a tendency to “lose his temper in a split second” if his specific demands are not met, according to insiders quoted in a bombshell new book.
The sovereign, aged 76, is described as snapping over minor issues before often feeling remorse, reveals the explosive new book by Royal expert and journo Tom Quinn.
Set for release on Tuesday, February 18, the book offers anecdotal evidence from Royal staff spanning several years. Quinn paints a vivid picture of the atmosphere within the Royal quarters throughout the decades.
Insiders have shared that although Charles and Queen Camilla generally treat their staff with respect, the King does exhibit “little bursts of irritation”. Previously seen losing his cool over malfunctioning pens, Charles apparently has precise expectations regarding household tasks, as disclosed in the book.
Supposed offences such as not being served the “right teacup” or mistakes in the application of toothpaste on his brush have been known to provoke his ire. In a snippet from Yes Ma’am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants, one staffer recalls: “Charles and Camilla do treat their staff well, but you always feel that they would no more fly without an aeroplane than invite you to have tea with them.
“And Charles does have little bursts of irritation with his staff – perhaps he hasn’t been given exactly the right teacup, perfectly polished shoes and toothpaste neatly squeezed onto his toothbrush in exactly the way he likes it. He loses his temper in a split second but usually quickly regrets it.”
Last year, reports the Mirror, Charles expressed his exasperation when faced with a leaky pen while signing the visitors’ book at Hillsborough Castle, reportedly conveying to courtiers that he “can’t bear this bloody thing”. This display of irritation came just days after the King gestured sharply for an aide to adjust an ink pot during the signing of documents marking his proclamation as the new King.
Furthermore, last year, as he awaited in a coach outside Westminster Abbey before his Coronation, King Charles was seen venting about punctuality issues, with lip readers suggesting he said: “We can never be on time”.