King said to be confident in approach to family matters amid poll rating drop
The King is said to be confident in his approach to family matters amid a turbulent period for the monarchy away from public duties. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s surprise return to the UK has proved controversial and a drop in the King’s positivity rating, according to a YouGov poll, is attributed by some commentators to his handling of the couple. A senior palace aide was asked if the King and his team were confident his approach to family matters was the right one, in terms of public attitudes towards the institution of the monarchy. They replied: “Yes. That is why he takes the actions he does – and has done.” Meghan and Harry were involved in a public dispute about their status within weeks of returning in late August when a letter was sent to Government stakeholders and others, authorised by the King, clarifying the Sussexes remain “private citizens”. Team Sussex said at the time they were given around an hour’s notice of the release of the Lord Chamberlain’s letter, did not have time to clarify any of the points and Harry and Meghan were said to prefer the phrase “public figures” rather than “private citizens”. A recent YouGov survey of 2,116 people found nearly 58% of those questioned had a positive opinion of Charles, down 4% since a similar survey in the summer and the lowest level since he ascended to the throne. Asked how the King balances his roles as head of nation and family in the context of recent family issues, the aide replied: “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.” Read More King to speak about slavery with ‘unflinching honesty’ – but no apology expected King arrives in Antigua and Barbuda as slavery debate persists Andy Burnham ‘open’ to calls for British formal apology for slavery
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