King Charles III is receiving harsh criticism after leaving his eldest nephew Peter Phillips’ wedding party to attend a horse race alongside Queen Consort Camilla.
Peter Phillips is the eldest son of Princess Anne, sister of the British monarch. He married nurse Harriet Sperling at All Saints Church in Gloucestershire on Saturday, June 6.
Charles III and Camilla participated in the religious ceremony, as did Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton, as well as other members of the royal family, with the exception of Prince Harry, who did not receive an invitation. However, the royal couple did not remain at the party that followed the exchange of rings.
According to the British press, minutes after the end of the ceremony, Charles and Camilla boarded a helicopter bound for Surrey to follow the traditional Betfred Derby Day horse race.
Sources close to the royals consulted by the website Radar Online indicated that the couple’s choice to prioritize the equestrian event over the party was already anticipated. Even so, the preference for horses provoked criticism from experts on matters relating to the monarchy.
For some observers close to the family, the monarch’s quick departure ended up taking some of the shine off the family celebration.
A Radar Online source stated: “There will be people who understand the importance of the race for king, but others will inevitably see this as an unusual decision: to leave a close family member’s wedding so quickly.”
Another person said: “The public backlash is delicate because weddings are rare family milestones. When senior royals leave before the celebrations are even fully underway, it naturally draws attention and sparks debate about priorities.”
The same person added: “Supporters will say Charles was fulfilling long-standing commitments relating to the monarchy and horse racing. Critics are portraying the decision as a hasty exit from an important family event.”
To date, advisers to the British Royal Family have not publicly commented on the controversy generated by the monarch’s attitude towards his nephew’s wedding.
