Article image

Funny and Astute Quotes From King Charles III

On September 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles ascended to the throne of the United Kingdom and its Commonwealth realms.

For the first time in most of their lives, the British found themselves ruled over by a king, with even the words of their national anthem changed — after 70 years of “God Save the Queen” — to reflect the new male monarch. The actual coronation of King Charles III took place on May 6, 2023, with all the typical pomp and circumstance associated with the British royal family.

Despite being new to the throne, Charles III is a very familiar figure among the British people; now in his mid-70s, Charles has been in the public eye for a long time. He is known for having strong opinions on subjects ranging from gardening to architecture to food, and, most importantly, the climate crisis — an issue he began championing long before it became a mainstream subject.

His outspoken nature has sometimes ruffled feathers. For example, he called climate skeptics “the headless chicken brigade,” and compared a new extension on the National Gallery to “a carbuncle on the face of an old and valued friend.”

Charles’ position, his well-documented and ultimately tragic marriage to Princess Diana, his sense of humor, and his eccentricities (he famously talks to plants) have made him a divisive figure, loved and lambasted in equal measure. Whether he becomes a popular king — no easy thing following the impressive reign of Elizabeth II — is yet to be seen.

But Charles has much in common with his late mother, including her intelligence, fortitude, and essential sense of humor. Here are some of the new king’s most famous quotes from the last few decades, touching on everything from the nature of royalty to the global climate crisis and, of course, vegetables.

I find myself born into this particular position. I'm determined to make the most of it. And to do whatever I can to help.

Share Quote

We are told constantly that we have to live in "the real world," but the real world is within us.

Share Quote

We no more want to live in anonymous concrete blocks that are just like anywhere else in the world than we want to eat anonymous junk food that can be bought anywhere.

Share Quote

To get the best results, you must talk to your vegetables.

Share Quote

As human beings, we suffer from an innate tendency to jump to conclusions; to judge people too quickly, and to pronounce them failures or heroes without due consideration of the actual facts and ideals of the period.

Share Quote

I hope you receive this [letter] before some frightful undercover agent stabs me in the left buttock with a poisoned umbrella!

Share Quote

I happen to believe passionately that everyone has a particular God-given ability … In my view it is just as great an achievement to be a plumber or a bricklayer as it is to be a lawyer or a doctor.

Share Quote

I happily talk to the plants and trees, and listen to them. I think it's absolutely crucial … Every tree has a meaning for me.

Share Quote

As soon as the word “holistic” is out of my mouth, I am aware that many people are overcome by a desire to tiptoe to the door and head to the bar to recover.

Share Quote

On an increasingly crowded planet, humanity faces many threats, but none is greater than climate change. It magnifies every hazard and tension of our existence.

Share Quote

I feel more than anything else it's my duty to worry about everybody and their lives in this country, to try to find a way of improving things if I possibly can.

Share Quote

As you may possibly have noticed from time to time, I have tended to make a habit of sticking my head above the parapet and generally getting it shot off for pointing out what has always been blindingly obvious to me.

Share Quote

I would suggest that the whole imposing edifice of modern medicine, for all its breathtaking successes is, like the celebrated Tower of Pisa — slightly off balance.

Share Quote

Something as curious as the monarchy won’t survive unless you take account of people’s attitudes. After all, if people don’t want it, they won't have it.

Share Quote

We live in an age of unprecedented — and sometimes terrifying — technological advance where the speed of advance so often outstrips the necessary ethical considerations.

Share Quote

To my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: Thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Share Quote

Wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavor to serve you with loyalty, respect, and love, as I have throughout my life.

Share Quote

Featured image credit:  Stuart C. Wilson via Getty Images

Author image
About the Author
Tony Dunnell
Tony is an English writer of non-fiction and fiction living on the edge of the Amazon jungle.
Play more header background
Play more icon
Daily Question
Who said, "Jump off the cliff and learn how to make wings on the way down"?

More Inspiration

happiness theme icon

The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely.

separator icon
Louisa May Alcott
motivation theme icon

The smallest deed is better than the grandest intention.

separator icon
Anonymous
hope theme icon

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

separator icon
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
love theme icon

The time to make up your mind about people, is never.

separator icon
Philip Barry
wisdom theme icon

I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.

separator icon
Sarah Williams
happiness theme icon

And now let us believe in a long year that is given to us, new, untouched, full of things that have never been.

separator icon
Rainer Maria Rilke
motivation theme icon

Patience is a necessary ingredient of genius.

separator icon
Benjamin Disraeli
hope theme icon

If it is true for you, it is true for someone else, and you are no longer alone.

separator icon
Colson Whitehead
love theme icon

Whatever you are, try to be a good one.

separator icon
William Makepeace Thackeray
wisdom theme icon

Success isn’t about how your life looks to others; it’s about how it feels to you.

separator icon
Michelle Obama
happiness theme icon

A happy life consists not in the absence, but in the mastery of hardships.

separator icon
Helen Keller