For nearly 10 years after Diana’s death in 1997, Prince Charles was buffeted by scandal. His approval rating fell to the lowest figure for any royal in recent times. His succession to the throne was endangered. He was repeatedly criticised by the media and politicians for his extravagances. His father, Prince Philip, denounced him for being a rent-a-royal, yet he continued to sell access to himself — to raise money for his many charities and to indulge in ostentatious luxury.

At the same time, he provoked a fractious relationship with Tony Blair in his years as prime minister, which undermined the prince’s constitutional duty to stay impartial. And he disregarded the disdain of many Commonwealth leaders, which wrecked his assumption that he would automatically inherit