King Charles III

King Charles III

Year: 2017

Runtime: 89 mins

Language: English

Director: Rupert Goold

DramaEpic history and literatureLavish dramas and sumptuous royaltyCaptivating vision and Shakespearean dramaShow All…

Following the Queen’s death, Prince Charles ascends to the throne. However, his reign is quickly challenged when he hesitates to sign a bill into law, triggering a dramatic constitutional crisis. The ensuing political turmoil leads to widespread rioting and unrest, culminating in an unprecedented display of military presence outside Buckingham Palace.

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Timeline – King Charles III (2017)

Trace every key event in King Charles III (2017) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Funeral and royal gathering

In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, Charles and his family gather as the new king. He immediately begins his first weekly audience with the Prime Minister, signaling a more active royal role in public life. The discussion centers on a newly passed bill for statutory press regulation that would curb the press's power.

immediately after the funeral London
2

First audience on the press bill

Charles voices serious concerns about the press regulation bill, worrying it could restrict freedom and enable censorship. He questions how it could uncover abuse of power if the government controls the media. The Prime Minister refuses to concede any changes to the bill.

shortly after the first audience Buckingham Palace
3

Opposition leader arrives

Mrs. Stevens, Leader of the Opposition, arrives for the weekly meeting with Charles. She expresses doubts about the bill and questions the government's motives. Despite reminders of his constitutional power, she sees little alternative but for Charles to sign.

same day as the audience Buckingham Palace
4

Royal assent refused

One of Charles' first actions is to refuse royal assent to the press regulation bill. This directly challenges the PM and Parliament and signals a shift in the balance of power. The decision places the monarchy at the center of a constitutional crisis.

shortly after the audience Buckingham Palace
5

Crisis talks and threats

The PM holds a crisis meeting with the Opposition and then tries to persuade Charles to sign, but the king remains resistant. Evans threatens to bypass royal assent and push the bill through by other means. The standoff sharpens the political tension.

following the refusal No. 10 Downing Street
6

Parliament dissolved

Facing escalating pressure, Charles uses the royal prerogative to dissolve Parliament, preventing the bill from taking effect. He hopes to avert a legislative route around royal authority. Douglas Rowe, the Speaker, supports the move and refuses to allow Parliament to reassemble.

before the vote on the bill Westminster Parliament
7

Nationwide protests begin

Protests erupt across the country, with the most violent demonstrations in London. The crisis deepens the rift between the Crown and Parliament. In response, Charles increases the army guard at Buckingham Palace, further heightening tensions.

in the days after the dissolution Across the UK (notably London)
8

Jess receives royal protection

Charles offers royal protection to Jess Edwards, aiming to shield her from the media scandal surrounding leaked photographs. The gesture is intended to safeguard Harry's relationship and public image. The king's personal intervention marks a new dimension of royal involvement in private affairs.

shortly after the protests begin Buckingham Palace
9

Harry seeks a new life as a commoner

Charles agrees to Harry's wish to become a commoner so he can pursue a life with Jess. The decision signals a significant break with tradition and an attempt to adapt to a changing royal dynamic. It also reduces potential public friction around the couple.

after Jess's protection is offered Royal Residence
10

Mediation proposed by Catherine

The PM meets with William and Catherine to discuss a way forward. Catherine proposes that William act as a mediator between Parliament and his father. The plan represents a shift toward a collaborative monarchy in the crisis.

mid-crisis Buckingham Palace
11

William speaks as mediator

William joins his father in a press conference to announce the mediation plan without the king's knowledge or consent. The public framing emphasizes restoring balance between Parliament and the monarchy. Charles learns of the plan as it is publicly presented.

immediately after the mediation proposal Buckingham Palace
12

Tense confrontation

In a tense meeting, William rebukes his father for creating disorder and hints at abdication as a remedy. The family is pulled between duty and public expectations. The exchange intensifies the push toward a resolution that would sideline Charles.

shortly after the press conference Buckingham Palace
13

Ultimatum and abdication

Catherine and Harry deliver an ultimatum to Charles: step down or risk losing the family from his life. Reluctantly, Charles abdicates in favor of William, who plans to sign the press bill and restore the pre-crisis order. The abdication marks the end of Charles's reign.

before the coronation Buckingham Palace
14

Harry and Jess part ways

Before the coronation, Harry informs Jess that they can no longer stay together, as their plans would upset the new arrangement. The couple parts with a sense of inevitability about the changing royal landscape. This farewell underscores the personal costs of political upheaval.

prior to coronation Royal Residence
15

Coronation day

William and Kate are crowned king and queen consort at Westminster Abbey. Charles, unable to concede publicly, places the crown on William's head in lieu of the Archbishop before exiting. The crowd erupts with cries of 'God Save the King,' signaling a new chapter for the nation.

coronation day Westminster Abbey

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:26

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