Prince Charles appears to fall asleep at Barbados ceremony as he sparks concern among royal fans
Prince Charles struggled to stay alert during the historic event on Monday evening
Prince Charles appeared to fall asleep during a recent ceremony to mark Barbados’ transition to becoming a republic, much to the concern of royal fans.
- Prince Charles appeared to fall asleep during a recent public engagement, prompting widespread concern from his legion of fans.
- The Prince of Wales was spotted nodding off at the midnight ceremony of Barbados' transition to becoming a republic on Tuesday.
- In other royal news, here's how Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton treat their royal roles differently, according to an expert.
The Prince of Wales looked to be battling serious fatigue during his latest public engagement, which saw him attend Barbados’ ceremony to become a republic after almost 400 years of British rule.
The Caribbean Island’s new status was officially announced at the stroke of midnight on Tuesday, in a grandiose street celebration in its capital of Bridgetown. Dame Sandra Mason, the governor-general, was sworn in as president, while musical superstar Rihanna was awarded the prestigious title of 'national hero of Barbados'.
Charles’ attendance at the momentous occasion marks the first time a member of the Royal Family has watched one of its former colonies withdraw from the British monarchy. It's been reported that both the Queen and Prince Charles feel 'sadness' and 'regret' over the severed ties, but 'understand' that it is time for Barbados to move on in their pursuit of sovereignty.
While the atmosphere at the event was undeniably electric, it seems not everyone was able to keep their energies up.
Prince Charles appeared to be struggling to stay awake throughout the ceremony, which started at 7.30 pm on Monday and lasted into the early hours of Tuesday morning. The 72-year-old was photographed looking notably dozy at multiple points of the event and even seemed to nod off altogether at one moment.
Royal fans were quick to point out the future King’s weary state, with some worrying that his hectic schedule is beginning to take a toll on him.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
“Charles appears to be slow, tired, and physically weak,” one person wrote. “This must have been so hard for him. He has been under much pressure throughout his life. It is beginning to show. Hoping for the best for him."
"You can tell Prince Charles has been working long hours, he looks as though he almost dozed off in the first bit, poor guy," another concerned fan commented.
This isn't the first time the Prince of Wales has drifted off at an important engagement. Charles appeared to fall asleep during the Queen's speech at the opening of Parliament in 2019, just one year after he was accused of taking a quick nap at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding at Windsor Castle. His habit of public dozing is believed to be linked to his rigorous work ethic, which sometimes leaves him skipping sleep in favor of his royal duties.
"He does need to slow down, this is a man who has dinner ridiculously late at night," Prince Harry revealed in the 2018 BBC documentary, Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70. "And then goes to his desk later that night and will fall asleep on his notes to the point of where he'll wake up with a piece of paper stuck to his face."
"The man never stops," Prince William agreed. "I mean when we were kids there were bags and bags and bags of work that the office just sent to him. We could barely even get to his desk to say goodnight to him."
Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.
Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.
-
32 of the best 90s style icons, from Julia Roberts to Kate Moss
From Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell to Aaliyah and Princess Diana, these stars made the 90s the most adventurous and stylish decade in fashion
By Sagal Mohammed Published
-
Is Gracepoint the same as Broadchurch? Everything you need to know about the David Tennant dramas
Here's what you need to know about Gracepoint, the crime series starring David Tennant that's rather similar to Broadchurch
By Laura Harman Published
-
The most romantic moments between King Charles and Queen Camilla - from candid pictures to sweet anecdotes about their relationship
King Charles and Queen Camilla's love story has not been without its bumps, but there's no denying the pair have had some real fairy tale moments...
By Jack Slater Published
-
The Royal Family's bizarre sandwich rule to protect King Charles
The Royal Family reportedly have a very unusual rule when it comes to sandwiches and it's all to do with a surprising superstition
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Who was Thomas Kingston? Lady Gabriella Windsor's husband dies aged 45 as King Charles and Queen Camilla release statement
Lady Gabriella's husband Thomas Kingston has been described by King Charles and Queen Camilla as a 'much-loved' family member
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
King Charles's unusual nickname for Meghan Markle that reflected his true opinion of her
The King is said to have given a unique but telling nickname to Meghan Markle
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
These are the royals' favourite holiday destinations, from the Bahamas to Botswana
Want to know how the other half vacations? These are the royals' favourite holiday destinations...
By Lauren Clark Published
-
King Charles has 'trained himself' to keep going with 'work, work, work' mentality despite cancer treatment
The King's secret to staying strong amid his cancer treatment is his 'work, work, work' mentality, according to a royal photographer
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Why Lady Louise won't become a working royal despite King Charles's 'thin on the ground' monarchy
Lady Louise Windsor probably won't become a working royal for these very understandable reasons, according to a royal expert
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
King Charles's huge change for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as he switches focus
According to a royal author King Charles has taken a different approach in recent years and made a big change for his Wales grandchildren
By Emma Shacklock Published