King Charles III Makes Amends With Former Critic in Heartwarming Retirement Gesture

King Charles III Surprises Journalist He Once Called 'Awful' With Sweet Retirement Message

King Charles III, Nicholas Witchell. Getty Images(2)

King Charles III buried the hatchet with Nicholas Witchell to honor the journalist's retirement. The 75-year-old monarch pleasantly surprised the 70-year-old former BBC reporter with a congratulatory video message at his retirement party in London. As per the Daily Mail, Charles mentioned their past differences in his tribute, with a guest sharing that his message was kind and heartfelt.

Charles’ celebratory video came almost two decades after a 2005 incident where he was overheard insulting Witchell during a photo call in the Swiss Alps with his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. When asked about his upcoming wedding to Queen Camilla, Charles muttered, “Bloody people. I can’t bear that man, I mean, he is so awful, he really is.” (Charles and Camilla, 76, got married in April 2005.)

In a July 2014 interview with The Belfast Telegraph, Witchell recalled being taken aback by Charles’ remark. He mentioned, “There has never been an apology, and why should there be? He was probably quite right. You know, awful man. You could take the view it was the best thing that happened to me, because it showed that it is our job as BBC journalists to report fairly and accurately, but not to seek approval. We’re not there to be liked.”

The duo reportedly reconciled in 2019 when Charles became a patron of Witchell’s Normandy Memorial Trust, which aimed to open a memorial for fallen British D-Day troops. In June 2021, Charles joined in the celebration of the memorial's opening with a pre-recorded video message.

Charles congratulated Witchell on his retirement through a video message, and later attended the family's Easter church service on Sunday, March 31 with Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Sarah Ferguson, and other royals. This outing was one of Charles' rare public appearances since he was diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer in February.

King Charles III Surprises Journalist He Once Called 'Awful' With Sweet Retirement Message

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Buckingham Palace announced that during The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was identified. Subsequent tests revealed that he has a form of cancer. Royal reporter Omid Scobie later clarified that Charles' cancer was not prostate cancer, despite his surgery in January.

Despite undergoing treatment, Charles resumed his royal duties last month. He has hosted various events at Buckingham Palace, such as meeting with Baroness Patricia Scotland of Asthal on March 13 and having a private audience with Korean War veterans on March 19 to mark 70 years since the conflict's end. Camilla has been stepping in for Charles at different events, including a recent visit to Northern Ireland.

Charles recently received a cancer diagnosis, while Princess Kate Middleton also shared her own diagnosis of cancer after undergoing abdominal surgery in January. Kate, in a social media video on March 22, mentioned that her medical team recommended preventative chemotherapy, which she has started.

Due to Kate's health news, she and William opted to stay home with their children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - instead of attending the royal family church service on Sunday.

Last month, Charles shared in a statement how proud His Majesty is of Catherine for her courage and speaking out. After their time in the hospital, His Majesty has kept close contact with his beloved daughter-in-law in the weeks that followed. Both Their Majesties will continue to provide love and support to the entire family during this challenging period.

Editor's P/S:

King Charles III's reconciliation with Nicholas Witchell is a testament to the power of forgiveness and the importance of moving forward. Despite their past differences, Charles' heartfelt video message to Witchell at his retirement party demonstrates a willingness to put the past behind them. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, reconciliation is possible.

Charles' recent cancer diagnosis and Princess Kate Middleton's health journey serve as poignant reminders of the fragility of life. Their courage in the face of adversity is inspiring, and their decision to share their experiences with the public is a testament to their commitment to raising awareness and supporting others facing similar challenges. The royal family's unwavering support for one another during these trying times is a testament to the strength of their bonds and their dedication to their public duties.