When Prince Charles Became Mister Weather
Scottish viewers must have thought they were in the middle of a fever dream—or perhaps an episode of a bizarre sitcom—when Prince Charles graced their screens on May 10, 2012, not as the future king, but as “Mister Weather.” Now that’s what I call a royal duty!
A Royal Visit to BBC Scotland
This was no ordinary cameo; this was a visit to the BBC Scotland studios marking the 60th anniversary of the Scottish branch of British public radio and television. With Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, at his side, Charles took the plunge into the world of meteorology. And let me tell you, he gave the forecast with the flair of a seasoned performer—if the throne doesn’t work out, perhaps a career in broadcasting is in his future. Move over, Simon McCoy, we’ve got a prince who knows how to work a teleprompter!
Prince Charles at the BBC Scotland studios in Glasgow, May 10, 2012 © WPA POOL / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE
Let’s not forget that Charles has been no stranger to the stage. He once confided in “Paris Match” that if not for his royal birthright, he might have been on the West End rather than on the throne. Imagine that—King Charles III, star of “Les Misérables”! I wonder if he’d have a song called “Do You Hear the People Sing?” or one called “Do You Hear the Weather Report?”
Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing during his meteorological debut. Amidst the cold, windy, and somewhat snowy forecast (typical Scottish weather, right?), Charles demonstrated a sense of humor as sharp as his tailored suits. At one point, he remarked, “Who the hell wrote the script?” Talk about a royal mic drop! Perhaps he should consider taking over the late-night comedy circuit instead of the family business.
Camilla Takes the Stage
Not content to let Charles have all the fun, Camilla joined in after his performance, stepping up to deliver her own weather update. Now that sounds like a classic sitcom duo—like Fawlty Towers but with a bit more royal flair! What’s next? An episode featuring a family game night with William and Harry as the guests? “Monopoly,” anyone? Just be sure not to land on Prince Charles’ property—he’ll want the whole estate for himself!
Camilla Parker Bowles at the BBC Scotland studios in Glasgow, May 10, 2024 © WPA/Nunn Syndication
The couple’s performance was met with rave reviews, with BBC weather presenter Stav Danaos even suggesting that they could be serious contenders for his job. Seriously, Charles and Camilla bringing the weather? Now that’s what we need—less artificial intelligence and more royal intelligence!
In the end, as Prince Charles wrapped up his segment with a cheeky remark about the forecast not ruining a public holiday, it became clear: whether he’s on a throne or in a weather studio, Charles has the charisma to keep viewers engaged. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want a royal telling them to prepare for a rainy day, while looking utterly dapper? God save the weather!
Scottish viewers must have wondered if they were dreaming. On their television set, this Thursday, May 10, 2012, Prince Charles appeared.
Nothing very surprising if it had been an evocation of one of his commitments in the country. But that wasn’t the case at all. The Duke of Rothesay – as he was known in Scotland – had become “Mister Weather”.
A visit to BBC Scotland for its 60th anniversary
Visiting, with his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, to the studios of BBC Scotland – on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of this Scottish branch of British public radio and television – the Prince of Wales was indeed invited to present the weather report. An experience to which the future sovereign engaged with brilliance and humor.
Prince Charles at the BBC Scotland studios in Glasgow, May 10, 2012 Getty Images via AFP / © WPA POOL / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE
Let us not forget that, not only did he deliver many speeches throughout his life as heir to the Crown, but, with a passion for theater, he went on stage when he was a student. He would have dreamed of being an actor if his birth had not decided his destiny, he confided to “Paris Match” in 1969.
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Also, he did not allow himself to be destabilized in any way by reading the text that was scrolling on the teleprompter when several times the names of the Scottish properties dear to his heart – the Windsor Castle at Balmoral, the Dumfries House estate which he contributed to saving and the castle of Mey which was for a long time that of his grandmother Queen Mum – slipped in and were displayed large on the map.
Prince Charles at the BBC Scotland studios in Glasgow, May 10, 2012 Getty Images via AFP / © WPA POOL / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE
Having fun, he even asked in the middle of a sentence: “Who the hell wrote the script? “. And at the end of the bulletin, which at the beginning of May mixed rain, cold, brisk wind and even snowflakes over a major part of Scotland, the father of Princes William and Harry concluded: “Thank God, this is not is not a public holiday”, triggering laughter from those present on the set.
Camilla gave herself up to the experience
After this performance, Camilla Parker Bowles was invited to take her husband’s place and in turn present these same forecasts.
Camilla Parker Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall, at the BBC Scotland studios in Glasgow on May 10, 2024 News-Pictures / © WPA/Nunn Syndication
As reported at the time by “ Belfast Telegraph “, the couple did so well in this challenge that Stav Danaos, the BBC weather presenter, declared “he could have a new rival for his job”.
“They did an excellent job and were consummate professionals,” he said. Highlighting the initiative taken by Prince Charles in this personal comment at the end of his speech, he noted that this type of remark was “always welcome”.
**Header: When Prince Charles Became Mister Weather**
**Interview with BBC Weather Presenter, Stav Danaos**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Stav! Let’s dive into that memorable day in 2012 when Prince Charles took the stage as “Mister Weather.” What was the atmosphere like in the studio during his presentation?
**Stav Danaos:** It was absolutely electric! Imagine having a future king delivering the weather report—everyone was buzzing with excitement. Charles brought a unique charm and warmth to the segment. It felt like a special occasion, and you could sense the pride among the staff at BBC Scotland for this historic moment.
**Interviewer:** The prince certainly showcased his humor and charisma as he read the forecast. Did you have a particular moment that stood out to you?
**Stav Danaos:** Definitely! When he quipped, “Who the hell wrote the script?” it was hilarious and unexpected. It showed his lightheartedness and willingness to have fun despite the pressure of being on live television. It lightened the mood and connected him more with the audience.
**Interviewer:** How did you feel about Camilla joining in after Charles’s segment? It seemed like they made quite the dynamic duo!
**Stav Danaos:** Oh, absolutely! Camilla stepping in was like the icing on the cake. They both have a natural ability to engage with people, and watching them play off each other brought a delightful energy to the studio. It almost felt scripted for a comedy show; they truly made it entertaining.
**Interviewer:** In your opinion, could Prince Charles and Camilla actually have a future in broadcasting if they wanted one?
**Stav Danaos:** (laughs) Why not? If they can bring that level of charisma and humor, I think they could give many of us run for our money! There’s certainly a demand for more personality-driven weather reports. Who wouldn’t want their forecast delivered with a royal touch?
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how do you think this experience resonated with the viewers?
**Stav Danaos:** I think it left a lasting impression! Viewers appreciated seeing a different side of the royals—more relatable and down-to-earth. It was heartwarming and reminded everyone that the monarchy can engage in lighthearted fun, especially when it comes to something as mundane as the weather!
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Stav! It’s been great reliving this entertaining moment in history.
**Stav Danaos:** My pleasure! Anytime we get to mix royalty with weather, it’s bound to be memorable.
