Clues to the king’s aspirations can be seen in the ‘informal formality’ of his royal receptions, reforms to his household and his upcoming anti-food waste project
As the king spends the first anniversary of his mother’s death, and of his accession, at his Scottish highland retreat on Friday, he may reflect back on a year of historic transition not seen in 70 years.
Suggestions that Charles, 74, sees himself as a “caretaker king”, keeping the throne warm for the new Prince of Wales, who will be the real reformer, is not a scenario recognised at Buckingham Palace.