King Charles is engulfed in „great sadness“ due to the strained relationship with his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, which ensures he would „never“ sever ties with Prince Harry.
That’s according to a Royal expert who claims that the monarch’s battle with cancer has intensified his desire to connect with his grandchildren, making the situation „all the more poignant“ as he faces the reality that his time is not infinite.
In her latest work, ‚My Mother and I: The Inside Story of the King and Our Late Queen‘, Ingrid Seward reveals: „Family has always been important to the King. He remembers his own somewhat fragmented childhood as his parents were always busy doing their duty. It is a great sadness to him he doesn’t see more of Archie and Lilibet.“
Seward further explains the King’s stance, saying: „That is why he will never break ties with Harry. He does not want a FaceTime relationship with his son’s children. He wants to know them and be involved with their lives while they are still young enough to be able to learn from his wisdom. His cancer has made it all the more poignant to him as he knows that he won’t be around forever.“
Insiders suggest that despite the fallout from Prince Harry stepping back from Royal duties and his explosive revelations from across the pond, King Charles remains committed to forging a bond with his American-based grandchildren, reports the Mirror.
The King, who has been battling cancer since February, has voiced his discontent with only interacting with them through video calls after meeting Archie, five, only a handful of times and two year old Lilibet once. His decision to ramp up efforts to be more involved comes as it’s revealed he sent Lili a „heartfelt gift and card“ on her recent birthday.
Insiders close to the 75 year old monarch, who was in Normandy last week for D-Day commemorations, say he is „keener than ever“ to concentrate on his family and duties and „makeup for lost time“ after being forced to cut back on engagements due to his diagnosis.
Prince Harry, 39, his wife Meghan, 42, and their children live in Montecito, California, after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped away from Royal life in 2020. Relations with the Royal Family have become tense following high-profile interviews, including one with Oprah in 2021, a Netflix show in 2022, and Harry’s explosive 2023 memoir, Spare.
King Charles has been in a reflective mood, according to those closest to him, cherishing his strong bond with Prince William’s trio of youngsters. Sources say he is hailed as a „fantastic and enthusiastic grandpa“ to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Camilla, at 76, is also said to be a driving force behind Charles‘ increased determination to spend time with the rest of his grandchildren.
An insider disclosed: „The King is absolutely committed to being present in all of his grandchildren’s lives. He values family above everything and whatever the course of his relationship with his son he would never be content with just seeing his grandchildren on the odd video call.“
Upon learning of his father’s illness, Prince Harry made a swift return to the UK. Despite the over 5,000-mile journey, the encounter between Harry and his father was fleeting, lasting merely half an hour.
Post their brief interaction, Harry told ABC in the US: „I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him, I’m grateful for that.“
A confidant of Harry’s remarked: „There has never been an issue with the King being in their lives and there never would be. The door’s always open.“
Nonetheless, during Harry’s trip to London last month for the Invictus Games‘ 10th anniversary, he discovered his father’s agenda was too full for them to meet.
No comments were provided by representatives for Buckingham Palace or the Sussexes.