According to new polls, the King has the support of a surprising proportion of Britons to speak up on political problems. BMG poll says that 38 percent – nearly four in ten – believe Charles should express his views despite his position as monarch.
However, in a poll for the i newspaper, 48 percent believed the future King should stay politically neutral, indicating that Brits are divided on the issue.
In the past, the prince has been accused of political involvement and influence in areas such as the environment and architecture.
In a BBC interview in 2018, the then-Prince of Wales sought to allay concerns that he would continue to dabble in politics once he ascended to the throne.
He said: “I’ve tried to make sure whatever I’ve done has been non-party political.”
“But I think it’s vital to remember there’s only room for one sovereign at a time, not two, so you can’t be the same as the sovereign if you’re the Prince of Wales or the heir.
“But the idea somehow that I’m going to go on in exactly the same way if I have to succeed is complete nonsense, because the two, the two situations are completely different.
“Clearly, I won’t be able to do the same things I’ve done, you know, as heir so of course you operate within the constitutional parameters.”
He added: “I’m not that stupid, I do realise that it is a separate exercise being sovereign.
“So of course, you know I understand entirely how that should operate.”
Asked if he could continue, as King, to use his “convening power”, Charles said: “Well, you never know.
“But you could only do it with the agreement of ministers. That’s how it works.”
If Charles did speak out on political matters as King, the approach would be in stark contrast to the late Queen who was known for her neutrality.