King Charles has two very different relationships with his sons. The situation with Harry is complicated, and while Prince William has been providing him with all the necessary support, it appears their relationship is not as perfect as it seems. Insiders now reveal how the king and the heir have had loud arguments that penetrated even the “thickest castle walls.”
Prince William will become king after his father. The Prince of Wales has been crucial during Charles’ cancer treatment, stepping in and carrying out his father’s royal duties when needed.
However, while the two may appear to be “pals,” that does not seem to be entirely the case. They are said to have clashed several times, with staff overhearing the two exchanging angry words.
Royal expert Rebecca English recently claimed that “angry rows” between King Charles and Prince William have been overheard by royal staff. Not even the “thick palace walls” could keep their raised voices from being heard.
“Harsh words have been exchanged in the past, angry rows permeating even the thickest castle walls, sometimes within earshot of staff,” English wrote for the Daily Mail.
“There have also been clashes of opinion on the professional side, such as the retention of ivory treasures in the Royal Collection (William wants to burn them, Charles believes they should be kept as historical artefacts), which not so long ago resulted in a ‘frank’ exchange.”
King Charles & Prince William’s angry rows
Moreover, a royal aide recently told the Standard that Charles and William have a “tricky relationship that goes far back.” They even said William “never phones his Dad directly but has to schedule a call through the King’s private office.”
While that might sound problematic, perhaps that’s not the full story. Rebecca English cited sources saying the angry rows have not escalated in recent years.
Prince William has represented his father on several occasions in recent years. The fact that he has successfully stepped in for his father, while also managing the complicated situation with his brother, Prince Harry, in what many would consider a proper way — all while remaining a loving and devoted father — has led many to believe he is ready to become king.
Royal commentator Katie Nicholl states that, for William, the throne is drawing closer and closer.
“The crown will never have felt closer to the Prince than it does now,” she told The Mirror. “His father’s illness has been a stark reminder that it’s his turn next, and it may not be too far in the distant future.”
Prince William “absolutely prepared” to take over as king
Another royal expert, Duncan Larcombe, further stated that regardless of King Charles’ determination to continue performing his duties as king, William and Kate are the future of the monarchy.
Katie Nicholl echoed the same point, saying the Prince and Princess of Wales are “very aware” of their roles within the Firm, as well as how best to use their “phenomenal soft power.”
“William has mastered that all-important skill of diplomacy, and though he’s visited many politically sensitive areas like the Middle East and Ukraine, he’s never been accused of being overtly political,” she said. “The aides I’ve spoken to and those who know him best say he is absolutely prepared.”
One thing that could be seen as a step toward William and Kate preparing to become king and queen is Kate’s return to public life following her cancer treatment, allowing her to support her husband to the fullest.
“William and Kate are at the forefront of the Firm and have become the monarchy’s greatest asset,” Duncan Larcombe told The Mirror. “They have a pivotal role in ensuring continuity and calm, even when there has been anything but that behind the scenes.”
