King Charles is said to be greatly saddened by the state of his relationship with Prince Harry - but as a result, he has been relying on a 'useful ally' to help him navigate daily challenges, according to insiders.
Charles and Harry's bond remains fractured following the Duke's decision to step down as a royal and his subsequent attacks on the royal family.
But the furore has brought the monarch even closer to his eldest son and heir, Prince William. The Prince of Wales has reportedly been instrumental in assisting the King, including managing the fallout from Prince Harry's explosive TV interviews and memoir, Spare.
He has also stepped up for his father on official engagements while he undergoes treatment for cancer.
It was rumoured in the past that the widespread media focus on William and Princess Kate may have triggered feelings of frustration, even jealousy, in Charles. But that now couldn't be further from the truth.
As one source explained to The Times: "If there ever was a green-eyed monster or a sense of rivalry between the two, that's a chapter of the past. The King sees his son as a useful ally on family matters and increasingly in discharging the duties of nation and state."
An insider close to William further disclosed to the publication that the Prince of Wales "wants to support his father", particularly during this challenging period with "everything the King is going through with his treatment".
Meanwhile, Charles is said to be committed to building a relationship with Harry's children, Archie and Lilibet, despite the Sussexes' spectacular exit from royal life.
The monarch, who has been having treatment for cancer since February, has told friends he is not content with only seeing them on video calls after meeting Archie, five, only a handful of times and two-year-old Lilibet just once.
His decision to step up efforts to become more involved comes as it can be revealed he sent Lili a 'heartfelt gift and card' on her birthday last week.
Sources close to the 75-year-old King say he is "keener than ever" to focus on his family and his duties and "make up for lost time" after being forced to scale back engagements after his diagnosis.
Prince Harry, 39, his wife Meghan, 42, and their children live in Montecito, California, after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex quit royal life in 2020. Relations with the Royal Family have become fractured after high-profile interviews, including one with Oprah in 2021, a Netflix show in 2022, and Harry's explosive 2023 memoir, Spare.
Those who know the King best say he has been in a reflective mood and considers his close bond with his son William's three children a blessing. He is a "fantastic and enthusiastic grandpa" to Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, sources say. His wife Camilla, 76, is also understood to be a driving force behind his decision to ramp up efforts to see his other grandchildren.
A source said: "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."
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at yourmirror@trinitymirror.com