Prince William and King Charles have solidified their relationship in recent years, navigating challenges such as the deaths of the Queen and Prince Philip, as well as tensions with Prince Harry.
However, there was a period when their relationship was strained, as noted by royal expert Robert Lacey. During this time, Queen Camilla confided to her friends and family about the difficulties she faced with her stepson’s temper.
In an article for the Daily Mail, Lacey stated that: “In the years following her 2005 marriage to Prince Charles, William’s new stepmother confided her surprise to her family and to her close friends at this unexpected side to Prince Charming — ‘the boy’s got a temper!’
“Camilla had been horrified by the ranting and raving that William could unleash on occasions against her husband — letting rip with no apparent inhibition in her presence. The rows had been earth-shattering, by her account, with William doing the shouting and Charles submitting meekly.”
Lacey further claimed: “In William’s kingdom, everything had to be perfect — and if his father has failed in some way to live up to his elder son’s elevated view of what being royal entails, the young man would release his fury.”
Undoubtedly, the bond between them has strengthened, as reflected in their recent public interactions. A notable example occurred during the King’s coronation, when William pledged his allegiance to his father and then kissed him on the cheek.
Commentators observed the emotional significance of the moment, highlighting the tender connection between father and son.
Writing about the King’s relationship with his eldest son in his latest book, Charles III, Robert Hardman noted: “The Prince of Wales’ relationship with the King has been strengthened by the twin burdens of their new roles and periodic broadsides from California.
Also, the more that the heir to the throne becomes involved in the running of the Duchy of Cornwall and the royal estates, the more he has come to appreciate his father’s dedication and his achievements over the years.”
Similarly, the Prince’s relationship with Camilla has greatly improved over time. William and Harry’s deep loyalty to their mother led to a longstanding distrust and resentment towards Camilla.
But following Harry’s decision to quit royal duties in 2020, William has made significant progress in fostering a friendly bond with his stepmother – especially since both King Charles and Princess Kate are undergoing cancer treatment. A source told the Mirror: “It brought them closer,” as William and Kate aimed to steer clear of any further “drama”.
