Deloria, I've talked to many people in England on the situation. Apparently the problem with Charles is Camilla.
Apparently traditionally if a Prince married someone who had an affair with another man, then it apparently could forfeit the Prince of Wales's succession to the throne. Essentially it would make it illegal for them to become king.
Those of the more conservative bent want that to take place, and would rather Prince William step into place instead.
Whereas more liberal system, thinks that law is outdated, and should be ignored.
Basically it lead to some rumors of someone from inside Buckingham Palace exposing some memo, that said that the Queen was grooming William as a Shadow King (taking on some of her duties while she lives), and would take her place when she passed away.
Which William later denied.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/6925437/Prince-William-I-will-not-become-shadow-king.htmlBeyond that it may just be politics as usual (I don't understand British politics) and just smear campaign from conservatives against liberals, and an attempt to discredit Charles.
I believe it's said somewhere that he was but a peasant but eventually became a page, then a squire, then a knight, then a king
That's what was said in the Silver Lining IIRC, at least in the demo version.
Not in the KQ games though (his background isn't really given, other than he was Edward's favorite and bravest knight). Actually King's Quest Companion says he's the son of Hereward, who was of noble birth himself (and the king's best friend). Although apparently only minor nobility under the Knighthood.
http://kingsquest.wikia.com/wiki/HerewardHis mother's name isn't given, but it is implied that she was a Lady of noble birth herself. Its not clear what level, however.
There are actually few references to other nobles in the kingdom in the official games, other than dukes and earls being referenced in the KQ2 manual, and nobles at the end of KQ1 remake.
The novels went a bit further, talking about several nobles in the kingdom, barons, dukes, etc. IIRC there was at least one knight in The Floating Castle, who always made a big deal about how he had higher nobility than the King (and by virtue had a better claim to the throne), although like John of Gaunt, he respects the king and supports him, and had no intention of challenging him.
In Kingdom of Sorrow, Valanice is proud of her noble station, berates Graham for not living up to his title, she complains about his choice of wearing lower class clothing in court (old thread bear jerkin), and tells him to wear a wardrobe better fitting his station when in court. BTW, she doesn't seem to have a problem with him wearing his simple adventurer clothing when he is out journeying abroad however (she just prefers when he seeing to the business of the kingdom that he better presents himself). This may have to do with the fact that there are other nobles in the kingdom such as said Dukes and Earls that may have higher nobility than him, and he needs to portray himself at their stature.