KIng Charles III - questions about one plotpoint

Saw it this weekend and loved it but didn't at all get..... SPOILERS...

Harry's choices in the final scenes

Beginning with why he is signing the papers. At first I thought, ok, he's formally coming back into his royal auspices, but why exactly has he made this choice? And, in any event, why would that decision be a part of the same document? And culminating with his choice to leave Jessica.

Either the play doesn't provide a full explanation of what exactly is motivating these choices or, in the midst of everything else going on in this very fine play, I missed it. It seemed to me as if a very major piece of the fabric of this story had been edited out.

Anyone have any thoughts?

trpguyy said: "I assumed he signed the paper as a legal witness. And his decision in the final scene, well, he explained that he didn't want to go against his brother's wishes."

This was my take as well. It seemed Harry also was resigning himself to returning to the life he had been trying to escape.

I took it as he was honoring the oath that was discussed earlier in the play to always help each other (I don't remember exactly how it was worded) I assumed William would have asked Harry for his unwavering support publicly and Harry felt he could not say no. It was a "for the good of the monarchy" kinda thing

or I could be way off lol

I found Charles's acceptance of Harry's request to be clear and persuasive. He was completely moved by Harry's ardor for freedom and passion for Jessica. To say no would be to block Harry's actualization in the way he had felt blocked in his desires to marry Camilla so many years earlier than he did. The scene was staged with the two couples mirroring each other across the great steps.

I get it. Harry was reclaimed. But what was missing for me was why. I agree now that Bartlett was likely playing on the boys' oaths to always help each other, and William having worked - offstage - that duty obligation on Harry, but I wish the script would have given us a little more to tie that together.

A relatively small complaint. As I said, I really loved the play.

Updated On: 12/7/15 at 10:01 PM

You're welcome and thanks to you and everyone who took time to weigh in on my questions. Very helpful.