The King (Cinderella)

The King is an important character from the film Cinderella and its two sequels. He was voiced by Luis Van Rooten in his debut appearance, and was later voiced by Andre Stojka in Cinderella II: Dreams Come True and Cinderella III: A Twist in Time.

Personality
The King is Prince Charming's father and is the ruler of an unnamed Kingdom. He has a passionate temper, but is a romantic who believes in love at first sight. He and his son were apparently close at one point, but grew apart as the prince grew older (as boys often do). As the king is getting old, he wants his son to be married because he wants to be able to see his grandchildren before he passes on to the next life. He provides comedy for the three films. It is likely that his Queen passed away before the events in Cinderella (1950 film), because she is never seen. It is revealed that he loved his wife very much.

Cinderella
In the original Cinderella, the King is desperately hoping to see the day his son gets married. The King decides to hold a royal ball in honor of his son's recent return to the kingdom. In reality though, the ball is intended to bring together beautiful maidens in the hope that the Prince would choose one of them as a bride. The king orders the Grand Duke to invite every eligible maiden in the kingdom to the ball. During the ball, the King is looking from the balcony fearfully, knowing his son is not interested in any of the maidens so far. The Grand Duke then tells the King to give up, stating that true love isjust a fairy tale. However, the King spots a spark between his son Prince Charming and a new arrival, Cinderella. The King sees the two obviously falling in love and demands that they have complete privacy, so as not to ruin the mood. The King goes to bed for the night and orders the Duke to make sure nothing goes wrong between the two lovers.

While the King was asleep, Cinderella rushed home at midnight knowing her magical spell will be broken at that exact time. When the king later asks about the couple, he is joyous and gives the Grand Duke any promotion he desires. However, the Grand Duke explains that the girl escaped without anyone learning of her identity. The King grows angry, and he accuses the Grand Duke of both letting it happen on purpose and of being in league with the Prince, whom he suspected of pushing away women in order to keep up his bachelor freedom. His anger is satiated when the Grand Duke reveals that the girl left behind a glass slipper, and that the prince intends to marry the girl that it fits. The King orders the Duke to find the maiden by having every girl in the kingdom try on the slipper. The King is later seen at the wedding of Cinderella and Prince Charming. When Cinderella loses her shoe while walking down the stairs, the king assists her in getting it back on, resulting in Cinderella giving him a kiss.

Cinderella II: Dreams Come True
The King reappears in the film's sequel, in which he is trying to help Cinderella adapt to the life of a princess. In the first segment, he is stated to be away with Prince Charming. In the meantime, Cinderella is put in charge of the palace banquets. Later in the segment Tall Tail, The King attendts the kingdoms fair and during an incident with the currently human Jaq and an elephant he is humiliated.

Cinderella III: A Twist in Time
The King reappears in the film's second sequel. After Lady Tremaine turns back time with the wand of Cinderella's Fairy Godmother, Anastasia is believed to be the mystery girl from the ball. The king takes an interest in her, as she somewhat resembles the king's former wife, as neither girl could dance. He remarks that in spite of the queen's lack of dancing ability, they loved each other dearly. The king then presents Anastasia with a seashell that was is most precious possession.

Later, when Lady Tremaine's and Drizella's true natures are revealed he orders the three arrested. They escape the king's guards by use of the magic wand. At the film's climax, the king is able to successfully arrest Lady Tremaine and Drizella, after Prince Charming blocks the wand's magic with his sword. Anastasia, who by now has had a change of heart, attempts to return the shell to the king. The king tells her to keep it, as he believes everyone deserves true love.

The Little Mermaid
The Grand Duke and the King make a cameo in the Little Mermaid. They appear as guests to Prince Eric's and Vanessa's wedding.

House of Mouse
The King made numerous cameo appearances in the animated series House of Mouse. He was usually seen sitting with the Grand Duke.

Disney Parks
The King make occasional appearances in the Disney Parks around the world. The King makes appearances in Castle stage shows having to deal with Cinderella.

Twice Charmed
In the Disney Cruise Line live broadway style show, The King joins the Cinderella cast in the show where Lady Tremaine gets an evil Fairy Godfather who corrupts Cinderella's life

Cinderella's Royal Coronation
In the live show Cinderella's Royal Coronation, the King appears as a main character along with many other characters such as Minnie Mouse, Beast, White Rabbit and more. The King's most notable role in the show is where he crowns Cinderella and pronounce her a true princess. The King also introduces many of Disney's most popular prince and princesses.

Trivia

 * The king has the books: Homer, Plato, and Rabelais on his desk