Roles of King Charles and structure of the British royal family in focus

The British monarchy is back in the spotlight with confirmation that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will make a two-day visit to the Vatican in October 2025. The meeting with Pope Leo XIV, postponed in April due to the health of his predecessor, Pope Francis, underscores the king’s diplomatic role. As the UK’s head of state, Charles performs largely ceremonial duties but remains politically neutral. The trip highlights his international engagements and constitutional responsibilities.

Charles III ascended the throne on September 8, 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Since then, he has maintained a routine of private meetings with the prime minister and reviews official documents sent by the government in a red leather box. Additionally, the king is head of the Commonwealth, representing 56 nations, and serves as head of state for 14 countries, including Australia and Canada.

The Vatican visit comes after Charles resumed public duties in April 2025, following treatment for cancer diagnosed in February 2024. He attended events such as the Trooping of the Colour ceremony and visited a cancer treatment center.

• Key royal duties: Signing laws, opening Parliament, and appointing governments.
• International engagements: Representing the UK in state visits and meetings with global leaders.
• Patronages: Supporting organizations like the RNLI and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.

Constitutional role of the king

King Charles III performs largely ceremonial functions, such as opening Parliament with the King’s Speech, outlining the government’s legislative agenda. He also grants Royal Assent, formalizing laws passed by Parliament, a practice not refused since 1708.

Additionally, Charles receives daily government dispatches and holds weekly private audiences with the prime minister, currently Keir Starmer. These meetings, with no official records, are crucial for the relationship between the monarchy and the government.

Royal family and line of succession

The British royal family includes key figures like Prince William, heir to the throne, and his children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Princess Anne, the Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Edward), and their families also play active roles.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020, moving to California. Prince Andrew, Duke of York, withdrew from public duties in 2019 amid controversies.

The succession system prioritizes the monarch’s eldest child, with William as first in line, followed by his children. Since 2015, younger brothers no longer take precedence over older sisters in the line of succession.

Funding the monarchy

The royal family’s funding primarily comes from the Sovereign Grant, a public fund based on Crown Estate profits, reaching £132 million in 2025-26. This covers official expenses, such as palace maintenance and staff salaries.

King Charles also receives income from the Duchy of Lancaster, valued at £679 million, generating £24.4 million in 2025. Prince William, as Duke of Cornwall, benefits from the Duchy of Cornwall, which also generated £24.4 million. Both voluntarily pay taxes on these incomes.

The modernization of Buckingham Palace, started in 2016, is funded by a temporary increase in the Sovereign Grant, with completion expected in 2026-27.

Royal residences and engagements

The royal family resides in properties like Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, and Windsor Castle. Charles and Camilla use Highgrove as a country residence, while William and Kate live in Adelaide Cottage, Windsor.

The king and other royals undertake official events in London and abroad, including state visits and ceremonies like Remembrance Sunday. Charles supports cultural and charitable organizations through patronages.

Popularity and challenges

Recent polls, such as YouGov’s 2023 survey, show 62% of Britons support the monarchy, but only 37% of 18- to 24-year-olds agree. Support is also lower in Scotland and Wales.

During a visit to Australia in October 2024, Charles faced protests, including criticism from an Aboriginal senator. Despite this, he maintains an active schedule, balancing constitutional duties and international engagements.

Coronation and symbolism

The coronation of Charles and Camilla on May 6, 2023, was a historic milestone, attended by over 2,000 guests. The globally televised event featured a procession in London and protests by anti-monarchy groups.

The ceremony highlighted the king’s symbolic role, with his commitment to environmental causes depicted in an official portrait featuring a butterfly, painted by Jonathan Yeo.