Charles III: The Making of a King

by Robert Hardman

The dramatic story of the new king’s evolution over the past year from Prince of Wales to King Charles III, from one of the most acclaimed royal biographers writing today.

No British monarch has had a tougher act to follow.

Now, after seventy years of waiting and preparation, King Charles III is not just the head of the most famous family in the world. He is the custodian of a thousand-year-old institution which must redefine its place in the digital age while others insist on rewriting the past. With unrivaled access to the king, the royal family, and the court, leading royal authority Robert Hardman brings us the inside story on the most pivotal and challenging year for the monarchy in living memory.

From the death of Elizabeth II through to the ancient spectacle of the Coronation, from the rise of a new Prince and Princess of Wales to the latest "truth bombs" from the Sussexes, this is the story of the making of a monarch.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History, Audiobook, Royalty, British Literature, Biography Memoir

Paperback

First published January 18, 2024

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Robert Hardman has covered aspects of royal life for more than twenty years and is the writer of both the film and the book Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work as well as Her Majesty: The Court of Elizabeth II, also available from Pegasus Books. He writes for the Daily Mail in London.

Reviews

[*TUDOR^QUEEN* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prince Charles never made for exciting reading, but I saw this book serialized with some juicy details in the Daily Mail Online. The book took off like a shot at the beginning, covering the death of Queen Elizabeth II, how it all went down at Balmoral afterward with the immediate family descending in Scotland, followed by coverage of her funeral. These were the most exciting and interesting moments to read for me. I felt like I was on the way to a five star read. Then it covered the planning of the now King Charles' Coronation, comparing and contrasting with his mother's Coronation in 1953. This particular topic was discussed in intricate and quite lengthy detail, but the bit I found most interesting was the discussion of Queen Camilla's crown. She decided to use the crown that Queen Mary (Queen Elizabeth II's grandmother) used, but had it modified to a simpler design by removing some of its decoration. The book really went into the weeds on details of these coronations from describing the composition of the annointing oils (and where to procure it), to the process of deciding who would attend, how this time no tiaras would be worn, and how Queen Elizabeth II had to pay for the airplane transportation for many attendees visiting from foreign political factions, but that certainly wouldn't be happening now.

Once Prince Charles became King, the book explored a multitude of topics such as his long standing charity The Prince's Trust, how King Charles conducts gatherings differently than his mother, how he and his eldest son William (now The Prince of Wales) are very different as far as musical tastes, their religiosity, and how they wish to ingest their news, among other things. There are a lot of quotations/commentary from Queen Camilla's sister, Annabel Elliot. There was also a fulsome discussion regarding race relations. I read this book in tandem with the audiobook, which was narrated by the author. I mostly experienced the book on audio because of the sheer amount of information, which in certain areas I was minimally interested. At times it was easier for me to have the narration going in my ears as I did the dishes, made the bed, played Candy Crush, etc. This is a 400 page book, but it felt like much longer. I have to credit the author with his amazing research to cover his topic so completely.

[Lois · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is boring and weighted down in unbelievably small minutiae.
This is primarily about the late QEII's death & funeral protocol combined with the late QEII's coronation in comparison with KCIII's coronation and first state visit, hosting foreign dignitaries, etc in painfully minuscule detail.
This book takes unneeded swipes at Harry & Meghan almost just so there will be viral worthy quotes in an effort to boost sales on what is a dismally boring book.
This touched on the 'Court' of the late QEII & KCIII briefly and to shallow effect.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An in depth, behind the scenes and engaging look into King Charles’ experiences in the last 3 years, starting the Queen’s death, the pageantry and politics involved in her funeral, the extensive planning for the coronation and beyond. It deftly dispels a lot of myths associated with the Royal family and shows the King and Queen as humans just doing their duty to the best of their abilities I thoroughly enjoyed the well deserved and perfectly worded shade thrown at the Spare and his wife. A really interesting book and I will no doubt read it again at some stage.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable and informative book about king Charles III as a person and as well as a king and what’s important to him in comparison to his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, and his son, the Prince of Wales.

It includes views and experiences of people who are close to the royal family and people who have had interactions with them, including politicians, as well as including a few new surprises, such as some interactions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which offers a different perspective than what’s been portrayed in the main stream media.

If you’re a royalist or enjoy reading about the British royal family, then I’d recommend this book.

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name]

I was going to check this from my library, but I have officially fallen for the KCIII that I think I may buy it audio. He’s just so damn priggish and contrary I want him to throw broken ink pens every day. And yes I got over the whole princess diana marriage fiasco years ago. I was rooting for Sarah and andrew. Camilla brings KCIII such joy, makes him laugh, comforts him, and she showed so much love when he went in hospital. Those two are soulmates.

[Fastidious Kingdoms · Rating 2 out of 5]

omgomgomg

67% through


Though Hardman does relate some interesting tidbits, such as the craft of the Royal Jeweler adjusting the crowns to fit the new monarchs, he is woefully bereft of an editor. Not only does he provide a COMPLETE recap of the 1953 coronation, he also unravels the 2023 coronation stitch by stitch. He spends over two pages just describing the different seating categories for the ceremony, and so many more recounting each dress rehearsal.

The mind reels.

At all points in the narrative, unsurprisingly, Charles and Camilla walk on water. Charles’ glaringly petulant episodes with pens in the aftermath of the Queen’s death and his complaining in the coach when the Waleses are late for the coronation are pishposhed away. Charles’ insistence on being involved with every decision about the coronation is, in Hardman’s view, not the sign of a control freak, but merely a reflection of how energetic this man is.

I feel bad for QE II, whom Hardman occasionally casts a passive aggressive eye on. For example, QEII was great and all, but did you know that Charles lets guests mingle rather than huddle in specific groups? Most egregiously, the author refers to her as a military daughter, wife, and mother, completely ignoring that she served in the military in WWII.

So many recent biographies have painted Charles and Camilla as deities, and trudging through this saccharine swamp reminds me of snorkeling in seaweed.

I am trying so hard to finish this hagiography. Wish me luck.

[Judy Croome · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-structured and well-documented biography of King Charles III. Facts were neutrally (unemotionally) presented and backed up with a vast number of reputable and detailed sources.

What I did not like about the book:

Very long and very detailed, it’s a difficult book to read straight through and is best read slowly, in small chunks.

What I liked about the book

Subtly reflecting the continuity of the monarchy itself, the book is roughly divided into three sections of time - the past (Queen Elizabeth’s reign, when Charles was Prince of Wales); the present (King Charles III’s coronation and first year as King); and the future (the challenges that lie ahead and the vision King Charles has for his time on the throne.). This historical text seamlessly drew a complete picture of an intense, intellectual, somewhat introverted man with a capacity for deep compassion and totally committed to his destiny as King.

Society has not been kind to Charles; history may prove that he was simply a man ahead of his times.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book although some of it was quite long winded. A lot about politics and pageantry. It gave me an insight into the day to day goings-on in the Royal family before Queen Elizabeth's death and the King's coronation. A quick read as the chapters were short and there were photographs. I'm glad I read it.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable and informative book about King Charles III, which I listened to on audiobook. Not only does it draw on his time as Prince of Wales, but also the seamless transition of his accession to the throne, following his mother’s death in 2022. The book discusses those issues that the King is passionate about as well as the challenges he will face in his new role as King.

The book is also lighthearted in places and I did find myself laughing out loud at the odd comment here and there, especially when referring to the multiple dress rehearsals ahead of the King’s Coronation.

The only thing I didn’t like about this book is that it was very heavy on the minutiae of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. As the readers of this book will primarily be royalists and monarchists (or people who just like reading about the Royal family), having no doubt watched the funeral of the late Queen, I felt this could have been shortened somewhat whilst still having the same impact.

The only other ‘negative’ comment I’d like to make, is that having listened to the audiobook, it might have benefitted from a professional narrator, rather than the author (which is probably the first and last time you will hear me say this). Unfortunately the slow narrating by Hardman made this 14+ hour audiobook very difficult to listen to at times.

I was about three quarters of the way through the book when the King’s cancer diagnosis was announced, so I did read the last quarter with a heavier heart and somewhat saddened…

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first third of this book went by so fast. It was interesting and moved along quickly. And then he decided to go back in time and wow we got a LOT of detail in of what happened back then. I can say this guy is a very thorough researcher.

It almost felt like this book was written by two different people the person who wrote the first part and then whoever wrote the rest. I'm wondering if the first part was edited and the rest wasn't. Anyway the first part of the book is great the second part... Be prepared for a drop in interest

[Kansas · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was an absolutely ridiculous fluff piece! Based on other reviews, I knew this going in, but was fully prepared to “hate read” it - it didn’t even deliver on that front! This was so obviously a platform to exalt Camilla and retaliate for anything damning that was said in Harry’s autobiography that I was bored to death.
🙄
I listened to the 14 hour audiobook - that’s right, FOURTEEN HOURS of “QEII was great, but KCIII has already surpassed her in all these areas” and “No really, Camilla = GOOD, Harry = BAD” - until I ended up falling asleep. That’s right, Rachel Green, I fell asLEEP! I snoozed through the last 20% or so and I have no desire to go back and see what I missed.
🫠
Don’t waste your time with this. There’s nothing at all interesting about it. It’s just an unveiled cry for approval from a grown freaking man who should have more important matters to attend to.
👎🏻
You really need to address this with a therapist, Chaz.

[Tara Cignarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Making of a King by Robert Hardman
Overall Grade: A
Narration: A
Story and details: A-
Best Aspect: This was far more entertaining and engaging than I expected. Thank you to @netgalley
Worst Aspect: A bit long in a few sections.

[WM D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading 3 books written by this author. I was surprised by how much information that the author had gathered about the current state of affairs involving the current king and queen of England. I was surprised by the amount of information that he was able to access.

[Sydney Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bottom line—though I’m avid about history, I’m surprised at how much I liked this audiobook. Who am I to be so interested? A Texas feminist lawyer, who still remembers waking up to the shocking, sorrowful news of Princess Diana’s death. I’d always viewed Charles through that lens. But I’m an avid “Crown”-er, as in the series and watching the important moments of the British monarchy during my life, as well as movies about Elizabeth II, and reading much about all the monarchs, to be honest. I believe that the monarchy and Shakespeare are what set the UK apart—for good and bad. I even turned to the Queen’s Christmas message starting in December of 2016. I just didn’t have much room for, or like of, Charles.

So, I was surprised to realize that the makers of The Crown viewed Charles in a more favorable light than I’d have thought probable. And as I learned more of him as a man—not just of him as a really not great spouse to Diana—I began to be more curious. Given that, when I saw this audiobook, I thought—well, why not? He is, after all, King Charles III (itself baffling, given what happened to the other two).

THE MAKING OF A KING might should be named THE CROWNING OF A KING, as it deals mostly with the very recent ascension to the monarchy. And though I’d been a spectator to some of it, watching or looking casually, I was fascinated to learn so much behind-the-scenes information. The book is favorable to Charles, undoubtedly, but perhaps it’s time we, the public, digest such a serving. I have found, in the end, much to consider admirable about the man, the King. Even though he’s the oldest coronated King, he has such ideas about things that, if he’s granted the time, it appears England will at least benefit from him, as is already proving true. Now HRH has been diagnosed with cancer, and who knows what’s in store, but I can’t help but hope that he’s given more time. I also see that his marriage to Diana was just doomed, so doomed; they were so wrong for each other and the country.

Who should read this? Not just historians and monarchists, but also those simply interested and, yes, novelists who might want an inside view to a variety of historical and lifey matters when there’s a changing of the guard. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Heather Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a bit hard to rate but I think it warrants a 4/5. I’m an American who has followed the British Royals since the 80s when I was a kid. I’ve read multiple books about the family over the years. This particular book is supposed to be about the beginning of King Charles III reign and the transition from his mother’s long time reign. The book does do that but it also tends to get bogged down in a lot of details as well, in particular about the 1953 coronation of his mother. I think to truly appreciate this book you have to be interested in the monarchy as a whole and not just particular members of the family and also have an interest in British history.

To me, the most interesting parts of the book are when he gets into the more tactical details of the transition and the new reign and also how the new King relates to those around him. This easily could have been 150 pages less and still would have been an informative read. The book is very well researched and balanced and uses some of the most direct named sources I’ve ever seen in a royal book. Sources include The Princess Royal, Queen Camilla’s sister, Andrew Parker Bowles, and in some cases older interviews with The King himself. The author’s note says this book is unauthorized yet the new King and Queen granted the author unprecedented access to royal events as well as The Royal Archives. That’s as good as it gets.

[Call Me Cordelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook read by the author. This book appealed to the Historian, Anglophile, and Royal watcher in me. I don’t give stars for biographies, autobiographies, memoirs, or non-fictions because who am I to say someone’s story isn’t good enough? I will say the writing in this bio is top notch.

I started listening as soon as it dropped, then I stopped for a short while due to the cancer diagnosis. I don’t know why, but I did. All of the sudden it felt out of date. I suppose that’s the risk you run in biographies on living persons. Lives change.

I did, however, return to it. Despite some juicy details debunking some of the trollop that has come out of the duplicitous duo’s mouths, it dealt minimally with the spare and his American wife, thankfully.

Instead, this book gave a wonderful history, not just of KCIII’s accession and coronation, of HLMQEII’s coronation and their differences.

The writer had unprecedented access to the records and was able to interview many people associated with the coronation, including Annabelle, Queen Camilla’s sister, and Penny Mordaunt, Leader of the House of Commons.

In light of the current health situation of King Charles III, I think this is an illuminating book about his first year following the reign of his mother and how he views his role and what he does differently.

God save the King.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amidst the challenges of redefining a thousand-year-old institution for the digital age, King Charles III faces a pivotal year as the head of the world's most famous family. In this revealing account by royal authority Robert Hardman, the intricacies of the monarchy's role, struggles with rewriting history, and the personal perspective of King Charles III unfold, offering unprecedented insight into a critical period for the British royal family.

Stepping into the shoes of someone who held a position for seventy years can be a difficult thing to do. Yet, that is exactly what King Charles III has had to do. I don’t follow the royal family closely, but I did find it interesting to see what the new king has done in his first year.

The author shows the differences between the new king and the late queen, how their coronations were different, and some of the different approaches to their duties. At times, it did get a little tedious at some points, but overall, it was interesting.

I listened to the audio version, which is read by the author. He has a soothing, calm voice, and it was relaxing to listen to him.

I would recommend this book to readers who have an interest in the British royal family. I received an ARC through NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Jenn (caffeineand.books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve mentioned that I love history, but have I mentioned that the British Monarchy fascinates me? What I mean is the traditions, the regalia, the jewels, robes and sashes, the secrecy and the ceremony.

Hardman begins this book with the death and funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and goes on to describe the coronation of King Charles III. Each of these events is compared and contrasted with previous monarchs down to the finest detail, including the china used at meal times and which crown Queen Camilla would wear (it’s Queen Mary’s crown, btw).

If you love details, this is the book you want to read. From an inside look at QEII’s final days and hours, to the charities KCIII supports, this book honestly has it all. If you just want the tea on Harry and Meagan, this isn’t really the book you want to pick up. Although the author does touch on some of the Royal Family’s reactions to Harry’s book and choices, this isn’t a tell-all.

Definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys the intricacies of the British Royal Family. Huge thanks to NetGalley and Pegasus Books for this audio ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Star Gater · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Dreamscape Media for allowing me to read and review The Making of a King on NetGalley.

Narrator: Robert Hardman (Author).

Published: 01/18/24

Stars: 2.5

This needed a professional narrator. Hardman's slow monotonic voice made it difficult to focus and/or want to finish the book.

While not a royal stalker, I have noticed highlights throughout my life. This is my first royal book. My interest was in Charles and waiting 70 years for the crown. I'm still waiting.

The book is lacking objectivity. At 70+ Charles should be able to problem solve and make decisions. I'm not interested in his idiosyncrasies. I was interested in his thought processes. It didn't enter my mind that who came to dinner, where they stand, Camilla eats cookies and Charles is obsessed with his weight were challenges that needed to be told.

I was looking for nonfiction historical not tabloidesque.

[Carolyn Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well researched and insightful analysis of the first year of King Charles III's reign, including interviews with Jill Biden, Andrew Parker Bowles and Queen Camilla's sister Annabel that provide fresh insights about the royal couple and their coronation. Hardman places King Charles III in the context of past and future, comparing his coronation to that of his mother Queen Elizabeth II and his personality and approach to public life to that of his son and heir, Prince William, the Prince of Wales. In addition to the fascinating behind the scenes account of King Charles III's coronation, there is an extensive chapter on the challenges the King will face during his reign, which Hardman summarizes as "race, republicanism and the realms." I also recommend Hardman's previous books about Queen Elizabeth II, especially Queen of World, which discusses her global impact and provides valuable context for the current King's diplomatic role.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I eagerly awaited the publication of this book and ultimately was quite disappointed in it. It could have been trimmed by at least 1/3rd because that 1/3rd was all about his mother, QEII! Page after page of every detail of the planning of her funeral and even when the cortège was off-step by a beat. And then page after page detailing every moment of her coronation. I've read all about the coronation and watched the funeral. I wanted to read about the new king and unfortunately, didn't learn anything much new about him.

[Tuesdayschild · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 stars for the audiobook (5 stars for Charles as the King)
This biography seemed to include a melding of so many topics about other family members surrounding Charles, or in contrast to him (ie: previous coronations to his own): some of the accounts were interesting and others almost felt as if they were a way to pad the book out.

There are some good push back responses garnered, from palace staff, to a few of the events the Harkles (harry and meghan) included in "their truth" campaign against the palace.

[Angela Byers · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5
This was not at all what I expected. The book is basically a recounting of events since the Queen’s death on Sept 8, 2022 through the first year of King Charles’ reign. The author is clearly pro-Charles, which was ok, but I’m a lifelong member of Team Diana. There is little to no background given on Charles pre-2021. I did learn some interesting information regarding Harry & Meghan, as well as William & Kate. This made me want to read a more comprehensive (& less biased) biography of Charles’ entire life.

[Królewsko Zaczytana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Książka Roberta Hardmana "Karol III. Życie i dwór nowego króla" doskonale podsumowuje początki panowania Karola III. Niezwykle emocjonalne były rozdziały poświęcone okolicznościom śmierci Elżbiety II i organizacji jej pogrzebu. Aż się łezka w oku kręciła... W książce jest sporo ciekawostek i to takich rzeczywiście ciekawych, a nie odgrzewanych kotletów. Was, jako czytelników, zapewne najbardziej interesuje wiarygodność tekstu Hardmana, gdyż porusza on tematy będące swoistą odpowiedzią na medialną narrację kreowaną przez PR-owców z Montecito. Najlepiej za tym przemawia fakt, że autor rozmawiał z księżniczką Anną, a jej autoryzowane wypowiedzi znajdują się w książce.

Nie sposób też nie wspomnieć o szacie graficznej polskiego wydania, które moim zdaniem jest o wiele lepsze niż wydanie anglojęzyczne. Biały, pachnący papier, zdjęcia w dobrej jakości, elegancka i wygodna w czytaniu oprawa. Wyszło naprawdę świetnie.
Jeżeli macie ochotę poczytać o royalsach tekst oparty o rzetelne źródła, to koniecznie sięgnijcie po ten tytuł.

[Gayle McMartin Hulme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book with loads of royal information about the death of the late Queen and the beginning of the new reign. Lots of information on the details of the coronation and how the changes have affected the country at large and how the positions within the royal family have shifted.

[Kate Pendlenton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly sycophantic for my taste!

[kim d. hinkle · Rating 2 out of 5]

DULL AND BORING

All that money and fuss for what. Hogwash. I want my 20 dollars back. Author is a great fan of horseface.

[Brenda Selner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting without loads of drama.

[Jo Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed an inside look at the current king and royal family. The book is well written, and the author read the audible version, which made this a most enjoyable book! I recommend this to anyone wanting to keep up with our current Monarchy!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book on King Charles. I expected more of a comprehensive biography but it was even better- it was a portrait of the King from the period of time just before the Queen’s death through his Coronation. Hardman explores the monarch’s death and funeral and the King’s Coronation preparation from all angles, including comparing it with past coronations and state funerals. Hardman had access to many family members and others close to the Royal family and this book includes many unknown details. King Charles’s character, background, and interests shine through and are compared with others in the family. His education, interest in books and the life of the mind, his knowledge and love of classical music, and his long standing interest in environmentalism and sustainability stand out in this book. Although he is the oldest person to ever be crowned king, Hardman emphasizes that King Charles’s reign promises to be interesting and to include elements of tradition as well as his own interests. A highly readable and interesting book.