Prince Charles had the Queen and Prince Philip believe they “could not trust him” because of his tendency to be outspoken, the royal biographer claimed.
The Prince of Wales has been known to depart from the Royal Family’s tendency to remain silent on public issues, becoming an outspoken supporter of the environment and conservationism.
But Charles’ vocal traits allegedly provoked the “annoyance” of Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh early in their eldest son’s career as heir to the throne.
Speaking to the documentary ‘The Queen and Prince Charles: Mother and Son,’ Ms Levin said: “He annoyed his parents, actually.
“They felt he was weak, they felt they couldn’t trust him to be king, that he had all these funny ideas about spiritualism and plastic in the sea.”
Royal historian Dr Kate Williams agreed Charles’ outspokenness sparked criticism from the public as members of the Royal Family before him had traditionally tended to stick to a neutral position on most matters.
Dr Williams said: “Increasingly, people started talking about Prince Charles as a bit eccentric.
“There are cartoons of him talking to his plants, and thinking too much about his plants.”
Prince Charles has spoken on several occasions about his concerns for the environment and earlier this year met with environmental activist Greta Thunberg during the World Economic Forum to discuss her campaign.
Through the years, the Prince of Wales has launched several initiatives aimed at making the world become more sustainable.
But his positions have at times sparked backlash because of his direct involvement with the political sphere.
The Prince of Wales attempted for several years to prevent the publication of the so-called “black spider memos” he sent to several members of Cabinet and MPs over the years.
The memos revealed Prince Charles had raised several issues, including affordable rural housing and public health, with members of Government during the years.
The release opened the Prince up to criticism suggesting he was meddling in politics – damaging the royal household’s neutrality.
However, Clarence House defended Charles’ intervention, noting the correspondence showed “the range of the Prince of Wales’ concerns and interests for this country and the wider world”.
In a statement released following the publication of the memos said: “The letters published by the Government show the Prince of Wales expressing concern about issues that he has raised in public like affordable rural housing, the quality of hospital food, the preservation and regeneration of historic buildings, an integrated approach to healthcare, climate change, and others.
“In all these cases, the Prince of Wales is raising issues of public concern, and trying to find practical ways to address the issues.”
And Prince Charles’ outspokenness has since appeared to have been passed on to both his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
Both princes have not shied away from discussing the impact the tragic death of their mother Diana in their teenage years had on their mental health.
Willian and Harry repeatedly joined forces in a bid to improve the debate surrounding mental health issues, and they have repeatedly praised the Prince of Wales for his commitment to the environment.