“The slim down was said on a day where there were more people around to make that sound like a justifiable comment…it doesn’t sound like a good idea from where I’m standing, I have to say. I’m not sure what else we can do,” said the British royal during an interview with CBC released on Monday (May 1).
On Saturday (May 6), Prince Charles will officially become King Charles III during an elaborate ceremony with royalty from all over the world in attendance.
After the coronation ceremony, Charles and his wife Camilla will ride in a 260-year-old gold-plated coach in a parade with 5,000 men and women from British and Commonwealth armed forces.
In several interviews, Prince Charles has expressed a desire to reduce the number of working royals.
While Charles has seen an increase in his own popularity rating in recent months, surveys tracking long-term sentiment towards the royals showed support for the monarchy to be at a record low.
In recent years, such surveys have repeatedly shown an increasing divide between the generations, with young people far less supportive or just ambivalent about the monarchy.
Backing for the royals has declined over the last few years amid a period of turmoil for the family.
There has been the departure from the royal roles of Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, and their subsequent criticism of Buckingham Palace and even allegations of racism.
Meanwhile, allegations of sex abuse leveled in the United States against Elizabeth’s second son, Prince Andrew, which led to him settling a court case, have also proved highly damaging, despite his denial of wrongdoing or any criminal charges. The furore meant he too was forced to quit his royal role.
