King Charles and Prince William are a force to be reckoned with.
After the pair came together to mark 80 years since D-Day in Normandy, France, a friend of the king’s told the Sunday Times on June 9 that the father-son duo have an extremely healthy relationship at the moment as they lead the monarchy.
“If there was ever a green-eyed monster or a sense of rivalry between the two, that is a chapter of the past,” said the friend.
“The King sees his son as a useful ally on family matters and increasingly in discharging the duties of nation and state,” they continued. “When you are monarch, you’re not counting the column inches. You’re thinking about performing your role for your country, not just as King Charles but as ‘the family.’ “
Prince William, 41, has stepped up in his royal duties as his 75-year-old father, and his wife Kate Middleton, 42, both battle cancer. The Prince of Wales led the commemorative D-Day ceremony last week while Charles missed the event for his cancer treatments.
“He very much wants to support his father,” a source close to William told the Sunday Times.
“That isn’t something new,” the insider added, “but of course with everything the King is going through with his treatment, he will continue to support him as much as he can.”
The Sunday Times also pointed out that the “importance” of William and Charles’ “strengthening bond” has been highlighted by Prince Harry’s absences from royal events. The Duke of Sussex, 39, quit his royal duties and moved to California with his wife Meghan Markle in 2020.
Last week, Charles, William, and Queen Camilla all appeared together at the commemorative ceremony for D-Day held in Portsmouth, south of England, to honor veterans.
The king and his eldest son are expected to appear alongside one another at more upcoming royal events like Trooping the Colour at Horse Guards Parade on June 15 and the garter service at St George’s Chapel on June 17.
Last year, sources claimed that William and Charles were expected to clash because of the prince’s increasing “influence and control” in the British royal family.
Friends of William told the Daily Beast at the time that Charles is “allergic to anyone telling him what to do.”
“William and [his wife] Kate [Middleton] would do things like give you two weeks off if your father died, while Charles’ office has a more workaholic vibe,” the source said.
However, insiders told the outlet William will ultimately “respect” his father’s wishes — unlike his estranged and rebellious younger brother, who “would not do as [he] was told.”
Despite Charles and Williams differing professional styles, the pair have presented a united front since Charles was crowned in May 2023, following the death of long-reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
