King Charles's senior aide was left stunned by a member of the public's request following Queen Elizabeth II's death, a royal author has claimed.
Royal author Robert Hardman is releasing his new biography on January 18, titled Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story.
One passage discusses the royal walkabout which King Charles took outside Buckingham Palace following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Although much less talked about than the walkabout taken by William, Kate, Harry and Meghan outside Windsor Castle, the King's walkabout was memorable for its "informal formality", Hardman claimed.
King's senior aide left stunned by member of public's request of Charles following Queen's death
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The new King had arrived back at Buckingham Palace to find emotional members of the public asking him for a hug.
The moment was so surprising to many of the King’s staff, including his private secretary Sir Clive Alderton.
According to Hardman, Alderton later told staff that the new reign would be characterised by the “informal formality” as seen during the walkabout.
The author wrote: “He had been struck by the woman who had given the King a hug.
King Charles was embraced by members of the public during walkabout
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“To Sir Clive, this was a moment that crystallised the change of reign: ‘This reign will have an informal formality to it,’ he told the staff.”
This was while the rest of the senior Royal Family stayed at Balmoral.
Hardman added: “The King needed to have vital but discreet discussions with his elder son.
King Charles accepting flowers from members of the public
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King Charles and Queen Camilla outside Buckingham Palace
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“In years gone by, such a moment would automatically have included his younger son, too.
“But not any more. This was clearly not an occasion for an opening up of hearts and minds with Prince Harry, particularly if he was still taking notes for his forthcoming book.
“Charles III needed a clear head and no distractions.”