Boris Johnson Allegedly Plotted ‘Revenge’ on King Charles Over Political Remark

Published: 01 September 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reported to have sought “revenge” against King Charles, then Prince of Wales, following a politically charged remark in 2022, according to insights revealed in Valentine Low’s forthcoming book Power and the Palace: The Inside Story of the Monarchy and 10 Downing Street. The incident highlights a rarely seen tension between the government and the monarchy during Johnson’s premiership, raising questions about the delicate interplay between political leadership and royal commentary.

The source of friction stemmed from Johnson’s controversial plan to address illegal migration in April 2022. At the time, the government proposed sending individuals who arrived in the UK illegally to Rwanda, where they could seek asylum. Low’s book suggests that King Charles had made a critical remark regarding this policy, a comment intended to be included in a story for The Times. Buckingham Palace reportedly sought to contain the situation, as the remark portrayed Charles as voicing scepticism about a government initiative designed to address the migration crisis.

Despite the Palace’s efforts, Johnson is said to have actively planned a subtle form of retribution. Clarence House, responsible for Charles’ communications, attempted to mitigate potential fallout by arranging a photograph of Charles and Johnson smiling and shaking hands at the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Kigali. The image was intended to convey cordiality and prevent the story from escalating. Yet, Johnson is reported to have ensured that the narrative of Charles’ criticism persisted.

According to the accounts in Low’s book, Johnson made pointed comments to journalists during his flight to Rwanda, noting his desire to help others “shed some of their condescending attitudes towards Rwanda.” While the Prime Minister did not explicitly name Charles, former Downing Street director of communications Guto Harri described the remarks as “a dig at Charles, without mentioning Charles.” Harri further reflected on Johnson’s character, stating, “Charles had slagged off a key and difficult policy decision. Boris is not a man to let that go. He does not get angry or upset, but he gets even. I remember Boris telling me once, ‘I fear no man’. But it was slightly playful as well: I think he was enjoying [Charles’s] discomfort.”

The incident reportedly placed the Palace in a difficult position. The British royal family traditionally maintains a careful neutrality on political matters, and public tensions with government leaders are considered highly undesirable. Observers suggest that while Johnson’s actions may have been perceived as playful or strategic, they underscored a rare moment of friction between Number 10 and Clarence House, illustrating the complexities of modern political-royal interactions.

Low’s book promises further insights into the behind-the-scenes dynamics between successive British governments and the monarchy, providing a rare glimpse into how personal relationships can intersect with high-level policy decisions. The episode involving Johnson and Charles adds a human dimension to political maneuvering, revealing the personal stakes that often accompany public office.

As the release of Power and the Palace approaches, it is expected to spark renewed discussion about the boundaries of political and royal influence, highlighting the delicate balance that defines the United Kingdom’s constitutional and political landscape.