All In The Family! A Checklist Of The Real-Life Royals of KING CHARLES III

By: Oct. 29, 2015
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Long live Queen Elizabeth II!

That said, when she does pass away, Britain's current line of succession appoints Prince Charles as the next King of England. Mike Bartlett's Olivier-winning futuristic drama, King Charles III, now previewing on Broadway, envisions the early days of the new monarch's reign.

Last season, Broadway audiences got a taste British government in action with Peter Morgan's THE AUDIENCE, where Helen Mirren's Queen Elizabeth partook in weekly meetings with sixty years worth of prime ministers. There's only one prime minister in King Charles III, and he's fictitious. But let's review the real life characters that have moved into The Music Box.

CHARLES, PRINCE OF WALES, known in Scotland as Duke of Rothesay and in South West England as Duke of Cornwall, is the the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II and heir apparent to the throne. With his mother serving as queen for over 63 years, he is the second oldest heir apparent in the nation's history. A passionate advocate on environmental issues and organic farming, he's the founder of Duchy's Originals brand of organic foods, with all of its proceeds donated to charities.

DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES married Prince Charles in a 1981 ceremony that was globally broadcast to over 750 million people. Their two sons, William and Harry, became second and third in the line of succession. Popular worldwide for her charitable work, she was especially dedicated to the cause of banning landmines. Media scrutiny revealed a troubled marriage and that Charles had resumed a relationship with his former girlfriend, the married Camilla Parker Bowles. The couple was divorced in 1996 and the next year Diana was killed in a car crash inside Paris' Pont de l'Alma road tunnel. The crash was attributed, in part, to the driver's attempt to lose the pursuing paparazzi.

CAMILLA, DUCHESS OF CORNWALL became Charles' second wife in a 2005 civil ceremony. Her first marriage ended in a 1995 divorce. Her gradual introduction into the public eye was carefully orchestrated, including her taking the title of Duchess of Cornwall instead of Princess of Wales, previously held by Diana. Her numerous charitable pursuits include raising awareness of rape and sexual abuse.

PRINCE WILLIAM, DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE remains second in line to the throne, as he was at birth. Now 33 years of age, he served seven and a half years in the British Armed Forces, earning his pilot wings. Though he desired active service, his superiors kept him out of combat situations despite his capabilities. He's recently taken a position as pilot for East Anglian Air Ambulance, donating his salary to charity.

CATHERINE, DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE married William in 2011 and her sense of style has had an immediate effect on the fashion world, with Time Magazine naming her as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World for both 2012 and 2013. She is the mother of Prince George and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, third and fourth in line to the throne.

PRINCE HENRY OF WALES (A/K/A PRINCE HARRY) has dropped to fifth in line to the throne after the births of George and Charlotte. His bright red hair has prompted rumors that he is actually the son of James Hewitt, with whom his mother had an affair. Now 31, Harry was nicknamed "Wild Child" by the press for smoking marijuana, underage drinking and getting into nightclub fights. Like his brother he chose a military career and preferred active duty, having served in Afghanistan.

The highly anticipated play about Britain's future king, King Charles III, which began previews October 10, 2015, is set to open on November 1, 2015 at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street, NYC).

The cast is led by Tim Pigott-Smith, reprising his much-raved-about role as King Charles III, with Oliver Chris as William, Richard Goulding as Harry, Adam James as Mr. Evans,Margot Leicesteras Camilla,Miles Richardson as James Reiss, Tom Robertson as Couttsey and other roles,Sally Scott as Sarah and other roles, Tafline Steen as Jess and Lydia Wilson as Kate.

Written by Mike Bartlett and directed by Rupert Goold, King Charles III features sets and costumes byTom Scutt, music compositions by Jocelyn Pook, lighting design by Jon Clark and sound design byPaul Arditti.

The Queen is dead. After a lifetime of waiting, Prince Charles ascends the throne. A future of power lies before him...but how to rule? Winner of the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Play, King Charles IIIis the "bracingly provocative and outrageously entertaining" (The Independent) drama of political intrigue by Mike Bartlettthat comes to Broadway following a sensational West End run. Directed byRupert Goold and deemed "the most insightful and engrossing new history play in decades" by Ben Brantley of The New York Times, this "bold and brilliant" (The Times of London) production explores the people underneath the crowns, the unwritten rules of Britain's democracy and the conscience of its most famous family.


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