As the BBC's controversial Jimmy Savile drama airs tonight, how COULD King Charles have been so completely taken in?

This article discusses the controversial drama "The Reckoning," which explores the life of Jimmy Savile, a well-known television presenter who was later revealed to be a sexual predator. It particularly focuses on the perplexing relationship between Savile and Charles.

Savile is the subject of a new drama, The Reckoning, which airs on BBC1 tonight. Savile, played by Steve Coogan, is pictured in a fictional recreation of his encounter with Charles and Diana at Stoke Mandeville

Prince Charles appeared to admire Savile, sending him cufflinks and Cuban cigars on his birthday. According to Diana, Charles viewed Savile as 'a sort of mentor'

Savile started out as a club manager and DJ, eventually presenting Top of The Pops. His violent past was disregarded

In the drama, Charles is mentioned early on, and archive footage of Savile with Charles and Diana is featured. It suggests that Charles and Diana considered Savile as a confidante and advisor, which raises questions about how someone in such a high position could have associated with a person like Savile, given his later exposure as a predator.

Diana, too, regarded Savile as a friend. When the Waleses' marriage was in trouble, they sought his advice

The article also mentions a revelation from the Daily Mail that Charles and Savile were so close that Savile was considered as a potential godfather for Prince Harry. While he didn't make the final selection, it indicates the extent of their friendship.

Savile accompanies the Prince of Wales on a visit to the Glen Coe mountain rescue centre

Furthermore, Charles continued his friendship with Savile, even sending him gifts on his 80th birthday, expressing gratitude for what Savile had done for the country.

The article then delves into Savile's dark past, mentioning his role as a dance hall boss in Leeds during the 1950s. During this time, he was portrayed as a sinister figure with links to gangsters. Savile's own words, boasting about his use of violence and his role as a "judge, jury, and executioner," paint a disturbing picture of his character.

In a 2002 interview with Louis Theroux, Savile hinted at having killed someone, which adds another layer of darkness to his character. Despite his troubling statements and past, Savile managed to become a prominent figure in the world of British television, hosting programs like Top of the Pops, Clunk Click, and Jim'll Fix It.

The passage suggests that Savile actively worked to insinuate himself into influential circles and manipulate individuals in high positions, thereby gaining protection from legal consequences. This manipulation made it difficult for local law enforcement to take action against him, especially if his victims were vulnerable young girls.

Journalist Meirion Jones, who was the head of investigations at Newsnight in 2011, played a crucial role in exposing Savile's crimes. Initially, the program's editor, Peter Rippon, had pulled the expose in December of that year, but eventually, the truth came to light.

The article then explores the puzzling aspect of why figures like Charles associated themselves with Savile. In a 2022 Netflix documentary, it is revealed that Charles sought Savile's help to appear more in touch with young people. This is evidenced by a letter from Charles to Savile in which he expressed a desire to receive suggestions from Savile about reaching parts of the country that others couldn't.

Furthermore, the documentary claimed that Savile even drafted a media relations handbook for Charles, some of which was seen by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh. It's suggested that Lord Mountbatten, Charles' favorite uncle, initially facilitated Savile's entry into the royal circle. The text hints at the possibility that this association might have been linked to allegations of Lord Mountbatten's involvement in "perversion for young boys" according to FBI files from the 1940s.

Savile's connection with Stoke Mandeville Hospital, where he abused victims, including a shocking case of raping an eight-year-old girl, provided him with an opportunity to get to know Prince Charles better.

When the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital was opened in 1983 by Charles and Diana, they praised Savile for his efforts in raising the required funds for the project. Despite the breakdown of Charles and Diana's marriage, both of them remained close to Savile. It is even suggested that Savile was brought in as a "marriage guidance counselor" to help mend their relationship, although this effort was unsuccessful.

Taken in 1970 as Savile, with trademark cigar, presents Yorkshire Television's Calendar news show

Prince Andrew's involvement with Savile is noted, as he was called upon to assist with a young girl's request to visit a warship on Savile's show, "Jim'll Fix It." Princess Anne and Prince Philip were also mentioned as having participated in episodes of the show and in fundraising efforts for the National Spinal Injuries Centre.

Prince Philip, too, admired Savile's work.  The two men are seen arriving at Stoke Mandeville

The passage further mentions that Charles asked Savile to meet with the Duchess of York (Sarah Ferguson) to offer her "straightforward common sense" following the publication of photographs showing her having her feet kissed by her Texan lover, John Bryan.

Recordings from the "Squidgygate tapes" are referenced, in which Diana mentioned Savile's involvement with Charles and referred to him as a "sort of mentor."

Charles' admiration for Savile is highlighted, including a letter in which he praised Savile's understanding of people and his practicality.

The passage also mentions that Prince Philip, Charles' father, was an admirer of Savile. It suggests that Savile was able to deceive many in the arts and television industry, as well as the general viewership.

Journalist Meirion Jones's perspective is shared, questioning why Charles' PR and media advisers did not raise concerns about Savile's role as his mentor, especially given the rumors surrounding Savile's activities with underage girls from as early as 1990.

Diana, Charles and Savile at Stoke Mandeville. When their marriage ran into trouble, they asked Savile for advice

Charles expressed sadness at Savile's death in 2011, leaving the current thoughts and feelings of the British royal family regarding Savile's actions and their association with him as unknown.