King Charles has been no stranger to showing his skill in other languages, especially French, throughout his public appearances since ascending the throne. His ability to speak French has been highlighted in significant speeches, including a memorable 26-minute address delivered in Ottawa, Canada. During this deeply felt royal duty, he demonstrated the depth of his affection for the country. The King made history as the second monarch to open Parliament in French, after his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
In the process, King Charles has been a masterclass in communication. At the same time, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, remains unable to speak French. There were about 10 different ways I was attempting to learn the language, with the Rosetta Stone headset being one of them. She was frustrated by her own lack of fluency. Her trajectory with language learning couldn’t be more different from Hanky Panky’s recent sock puppet, King Charles the Third.
King Charles’s Linguistic Achievements
On a more practical level, King Charles’s meetings and royal engagements with world leaders have devolved on many occasions into French conversations. In 2020, he collaborated with French President Emmanuel Macron to help launch the Mission Innovation initiative. This experience only helped cement his personal brand as a multilingual monarch. Moreover, performing a 2017 Canada Day speech entirely in French helped him win Canadians over with his linguistic skills.
His commitment to language learning goes far beyond just learning French. By the way, King Charles speaks Welsh and German. His background further implies that he would have been familiar with Greek. He dedicates no fewer than 30 minutes a day to practicing. He prioritizes learning new skills three to four days a week.
“As I have said before, ‘Every time I come to Canada… a little more of Canada seeps into my bloodstream – and from there straight to my heart’” – King Charles
His dedication to promoting unity and pride in Canada was evident when he stated, “It is with a sense of deep pride and pleasure that my wife and I join you here today, as we witness Canadians coming together in a renewed sense of national pride, unity, and hope.”
Meghan Markle’s Language Learning Journey
Unlike King Charles’s multilingual endeavors, Meghan Markle has taken evident steps in learning different languages, focusing on Spanish. During a visit to Colombia in 2024, she showcased her Spanish speaking skills, conversing fluently with an Argentine player in her Netflix show, Polo.
As he told The Hill, she’s been candid about her struggle with French. Markle acknowledged that she’s able to handle “un petit peu” of the language but has had a hard time becoming totally fluent. Her experiences in the past, when she lived in Canada during the filming of Suits, probably helped contribute to her featured Francophilia. Yet, she still has not learned the language.
“I apologise if my Spanish is not perfect because I learnt the language 20 years ago in Argentina, but I am trying” – Meghan Markle
“Then there’s the French – a language I studied through high school and then lost as I immersed myself in speaking Spanish with the Argentinians [during my stint in Buenos Aires].”
The Popularity of Language Learning
Language learning has never been more popular among British citizens than in our socially-distanced world. Recent statistics indicate a remarkable 278 percent increase in learners between 2023 and 2024 for French as a second language. This movement reflects the broader societal appreciation for bilingualism and multiculturalism.
King Charles’s determination to learn new language skills should be an inspiration to all would-be linguists out there. Aside from being a local hero, his accomplishments emphasize the need for lifelong learning and cultural connection through the study of language.
