How King Charles Sees Prince William As An 'Ally' Amid Issues With Prince Harry And Prince Andrew
By Favour Adegoke on June 9, 2024 at 7:15 PM EDT
Updated on June 9, 2024 at 7:22 PM EDT
King Charles III and Prince William have reportedly grown closer due to tensions with other royal family members. Charles, who is currently undergoing treatment, relies on William for counsel on family issues, strengthening their bond.
With health issues affecting several royals and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's exit, William's public engagements have also increased.
The Prince of Wales played a prominent role in D-Day commemorations in France and updated the public on Kate Middleton's cancer battle. Prince William also advises his father on conflicts with Prince Andrew.
King Charles And Prince William Grow Closer Amid Royal Family Rifts
The King and his heir are closer than ever. According to a report, while Charles once hesitated to give his son a prominent public role, his recent battle with cancer and the dwindling number of active royals have led him to reconsider.
A friend of the monarch revealed that Charles has increasingly sought William's counsel on difficult family matters involving Prince Andrew and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, strengthening their personal and professional bond.
"If there was ever a green-eyed monster or a sense of rivalry between the two, that is a chapter of the past," the friend shared with The Times. "The King sees his son as a useful ally on family matters and increasingly in discharging the duties of nation and state."
A source close to the Prince of Wales echoed this sentiment, stating, "He very much wants to support his father. That isn't something new, but of course, with everything the King is going through with his treatment, he will continue to support him as much as he can."
Prince William Steps Up As Health Issues Plague The Royal Family
With health issues affecting several members of the royal family, Harry and Meghan's exit to the US, and Prince Andrew's withdrawal from public life due to a Jeffrey Epstein-related scandal, the number of working royals has significantly decreased.
Consequently, William's schedule has become increasingly packed with public engagements. This week, he notably participated in events in France, where he joined global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, to honor the D-Day fallen.
According to the Daily Mail, William stood out as colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps during the event, donning their unique tie.
Prince Harry Missed The D-Day Events Despite His Ties To The Military
Prince Harry, trained by the Army Air Chad as an Apache helicopter pilot, was notably absent from the memorial services in France despite his high-profile support for military veterans through the Invictus Games and other charities.
The rift between Harry and the rest of the royal family became apparent after his departure from frontline royal duties in 2020.
Tensions were further strained by his televised remarks about the family and revelations in his memoir, "Spare," detailing his troubled relationship with William.
Prince William Updates Public on Kate Middleton's Health At D-Day Event
👑 The Prince of Wales has said the Princess would have loved to join him for the “very moving” D-Day anniversary event in Portsmouth on Wednesday as he said she was “getting better”.
Read more here 👇https://t.co/b82ei4JFo2 pic.twitter.com/KSkAJeIzqq
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) June 5, 2024
After delivering a heartfelt speech to veterans and leading politicians, William interacted with the public, including a war hero who inquired about the Princess of Wales amid her ongoing cancer treatment.
In footage shared on X, William provided an update on Kate's condition, mentioning that "She is better, thanks. She would've loved to be here today" to attend the D-Day anniversary event.
The prince also mentioned speaking with women who had worked as codebreakers at Bletchley Park alongside Kate's grandmother, Valerie Middleton.
He remarked, "I was reminding everyone how her grandmother served at Bletchley, so she had quite a bit in common with some of the ladies here."
William further shared with one of the women, "My wife's grandmother did the same sort of thing as you. Catherine only found out at the end of her life."
The Prince Of Wales Plays A Key Role In Advising King Charles Over Prince Andrew's Dispute
William has also reportedly been a key advisor to his father, Charles, as he navigates issues with his younger brother, Prince Andrew. Charles and Andrew are in conflict over the Duke of York's residence at the Royal Lodge.
Despite being largely removed from public life after the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, the Duke of York has resisted moving to the smaller Frogmore Cottage, previously occupied by Harry and Meghan.
Charles has reportedly threatened to cut ties with Andrew entirely unless he agrees to the move. This could potentially leave Andrew responsible for his own security, accommodation, and lifestyle without a royal allowance. Recent images also suggest the Royal Lodge has deteriorated under Andrew's tenure.