Born to Rule: When Charles is King

A lot has changed since the last episode of Born to Rule was released. After Queen Elizabeth’s death on September 8, 2022, Prince Charles became King Charles III and thereby fulfilled his destiny. But some things haven’t changed – like the relationship between Prince Harry and the rest of the British royal family. Since excerpts from Prince Harry’s much anticipated memoir, Spare, became public, the book has made headlines around the world. We’re taking a look at the impact of this bombshell book. Keir Simmons sits down with Katie Nicholl, author of The New Royals and royal editor at Vanity Fair, and journalist and royal commentator, Afua Hagan, for a candid conversation about the impact this memoir could have on the reign of King Charles III.

Lester Holt anchors an NBC News Special Report with the news of Queen Elizabeth II's death. The 96-year-old was Britain's longest reigning monarch. Remembering the Queen. Plus, Charles becomes King Charles. Keir Simmons reports from London.

The royal family is no stranger to controversy — and Prince Charles has often been at the center of the scandal-du-jour. What happens when he takes on the job of maintaining the monarchy’s public image… the one he’s been accused of tarnishing over the years? We’ll take a look at the more recent scandals Charles has had to manage alongside the Queen – from questions about how some of his charities raise money to his brother Prince Andrew’s settlement in a sexual abuse lawsuit, to his son Prince Harry’s departure from the Firm. What other challenges might lie ahead for the future king, and how will he manage them? This episode of Born to Rule was recorded before King Charles became King. Through our series, you get to hear in real time what we are thinking as events unfold -- extraordinary Royal events that have both uplifted the Royal family and rocked it to the core.

Prince Charles has long been seen as an eccentric - his passion for gardening and watercolor painting combined with his love of the luxurious royal life has given him the reputation of being out-of-touch with the average person. But Charles might also be considered ahead of his time - a long-time environmentalist who’s been spearheading initiatives for sustainable living for more than 50 years. Many of the prince’s ideas, at first quickly dismissed, have turned out to be prescient. We’re taking a deeper look at this complex man. Did he become Prince Charles because of his upbringing or despite it? And how will the Prince Charles that we have come to know evolve into King Charles when he must meet his destiny. This episode of Born to Rule was recorded before King Charles became King. Through our series, you get to hear in real time what we are thinking as events unfold -- extraordinary Royal events that have both uplifted the Royal family and rocked it to the core.

This year marks Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, her 70th year as Queen of the United Kingdom. As the world prepares to celebrate an icon, the British royal establishment is working quietly behind the scenes to prepare the stage for Prince Charles to replace his mother and become King. It’s the moment he was destined for – and at 73, he’s been waiting a long time. But as his moment approaches, so does widespread apprehension: Can Prince Charles fill his mother’s shoes? Will the people accept him as king? Is there even a place for monarchy in our modern world? In Born to Rule, NBC’s Keir Simmons talks to journalists and royal insiders who’ve followed Prince Charles for decades to help us understand the man who will be king.