Home / POMP & CIRCUMSTANCE / Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall

King Charles Throws 'Tantrum' Over Kate Middleton and Prince William's Faux Pas at Glistening Royal Event: Watch

King Charles III reportedly threw a temper 'tantrum' when Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, showed up late to his coronation.

prince william
King Charles III was reportedly 'furious' when the Prince and Princess of Wales were late to his crowning. Source: MEGA

Not a fairytale.

During King Charles III's coronation on May 6, 2023, Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales' late arrival caused a noticeable disruption along with a temper "tantrum" courtesy of His Majesty.

https://www.tiktok.com/@skynews/video/7230458481663429914
A 'grumpy' King Charles exploded over Prince William and Kate Middleton's coronation tardiness. Source: TIKTOK

The Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their younger children, were scheduled to arrive at Westminster Abbey ahead of the King and Queen but ended up arriving after them due to timing issues. This delay was captured on camera, showing King Charles looking visibly agitated as he and Queen Camilla waited in their carriage?

The procession to Westminster Abbey was expected to take 33 minutes, but only took 26 minutes, causing the royal couple to arrive six minutes ahead of schedule. This led to an awkward moment where they had to remain in their coach, waiting for William and Kate to arrive. The delay was attributed to various factors, including the possibility of the Waleses filming a Coronation Day video that added precious seconds to their schedule?

Royal author Robert Hardman described the scene in his book Charles III: The Inside Story, noting that the Wales family was running a minute-and-a-half late and had to adjust the procession order, ultimately arriving after the King and Queen instead of before them.

king charles

The situation was further complicated by concerns about street protests, with over 11,500 police officers deployed for the largest police operation in London's history. Despite the challenges, the coronation proceeded, albeit with some last-minute changes and visible tension among the royal family.

Although the King lost and quickly regained his temper, coronation faux pas' are a quirky trend in the annals of British history.

At Queen Victoria's crowning in June 1838, the coronation ring was forced onto the wrong finger, causing her great pain. Additionally, the elderly Lord Rolle, when approaching the Queen to pay homage, tripped and rolled down the steps of the throne, providing a moment of unintended comedy in an otherwise solemn event.

Way back in February 1308, the medieval King Edward II's crowning in Westminster Abbey turned into a scandal when the king's favorite (and rumored lover), Piers Gaveston, took the place of the traditional royal steward at the Coronation Feast, which offended many nobles and caused a disruption.

queen elizabeth ii

Although generally considered a successful event, Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in June 1953 also had its small mishaps. For instance, the heavy St Edward's Crown was accidentally placed on her head with a bit too much force by the Archbishop of Canterbury, causing her to flinch slightly.

None of these examples had to face the digital age of 2023, but Charles, William and Kate, can rest assured that coronation mishaps are something of a tradition.

prince william

Powered by RedCircle

Daily Mirror reported on the King's tantrum.

GET BREAKING ROYAL NEWS
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

More Stories

Over the last few years, Kate's 'Royal Carols: Together at Christmas' event has turned into one of the most polished fixtures of the royal calendar.
By Abha Anindita · NOV 14, 2025
Fourteen years later, Bobbi Brown reveals who was really behind the makeup that captivated millions at Westminster Abbey.
By Abha Anindita · OCT 1, 2025
They regularly do the school run and are spotted cheering from the sidelines.
By Abha Anindita · AUG 25, 2025
For years, the King and the former U.S. First Lady have exchanged letters on shared passions like 'architecture, gardens, and the arts.'
By Abha Anindita · AUG 22, 2025
Royals stepping into fashion is not unusual, and Lady Amelia isn’t the first to blur the lines between aristocracy and high fashion.
By Abha Anindita · AUG 20, 2025
Kate and Charles' lives were unexpectedly 'turned upside down' when they were both diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
By Alex Stone · DEC 23, 2024
The price for King Charles III's May 2023 coronation has been unveiled, and its final sum 'interestingly compares' to Queen Elizabeth II's funeral bill.
By Charles Switzer · NOV 22, 2024
Kate, Princess of Wales, is back on the royal engagement circuit after conquering cancer, and could be set to don a tiara once again in early December 2024.
By Charles Switzer · OCT 12, 2024
Immediately following her wedding to Prince Charles, Diana, Princess of Wales' 'real thoughts' through her body language have been examined by a lip reader.
By Charles Switzer · AUG 1, 2024
King Charles III, who is still presumably battling cancer, snapped at a page boy adjusting his thick state robes at July 17's State Opening of Parliament.
By Charles Switzer · JUL 18, 2024