{"id":161583,"date":"2025-11-04T03:08:14","date_gmt":"2025-11-04T03:08:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/161583\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T03:08:14","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T03:08:14","slug":"how-charles-reacted-when-difficult-william-asked-if-he-could-do-fewer-engagements-biographer-robert-jobson-reveals-the-tension-secrets-of-kates-family-life-and-how-couple-are-making-prince-ge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/161583\/","title":{"rendered":"How Charles reacted when ‘difficult’ William asked if he could do fewer engagements: Biographer ROBERT JOBSON reveals the ‘tension’, secrets of Kate’s family life – and how couple are making Prince George ‘strong’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Royal author Robert Jobson\u2019s authoritative new book on the Windsors offers piercing insights into members of the family. Yesterday, he revealed the truth about Andrew\u2019s self-indulgence. Today, in part three of our exclusive serialisation, he looks at the tensions between King Charles<\/a> and Prince William<\/a>…\u00a0<\/p>\n

Since making his cancer<\/a> diagnosis public, the King has been reduced to tears \u2013 not by his plight, but by the thousands of warm letters he has received.<\/p>\n

Some were cards, clearly made by children and covered in glitter or accompanying a get-well gift of Smarties.<\/p>\n

After years of opprobrium from those who adored his late wife Diana, Charles was simply overwhelmed to learn that so many cared and wished him well.<\/p>\n

Indeed, his longer-serving staff have detected a change in their employer, whom they feel could occasionally seem rather cold. He\u2019s now become more emotional, they say.<\/p>\n

Not only that, but he\u2019s changed some of the habits that once seemed set in stone \u2013 largely due to advice from Dr Michael Dixon, a seasoned NHS<\/a> GP and advocate of complementary medicine who was appointed head of the Royal Medical Household after Queen Elizabeth\u2019s death. William, too, has urged his father to slow down and listen to his medical team.<\/p>\n

\"King <\/p>\n

King Charles reads cards and messages sent by well-wishers following his cancer diagnosis<\/p>\n

So Charles now takes regular afternoon naps. And he\u2019s started having lunch again \u2013 often spinach soup \u2013 after skipping the meal for most of his life.<\/p>\n

Before being diagnosed with cancer, he\u2019d been typically stoical about his mounting levels of pain. Months before, his condition had worsened so dramatically, says a senior royal aide, that a doctor was summoned.<\/p>\n

The King was given morphine (one of the strongest painkillers available), fitted with a catheter and taken to Aberdeen Hospital.<\/p>\n

The cancer, however, was not discovered until a few months later, in January last year, while doctors were in the process of treating the King for an enlarged prostate. A few weeks down the line, it was announced that the Princess of Wales was also suffering from an unnamed cancer. Having two leading members of the Royal Family struck down at once seemed a malign twist of fate \u2013 and Prince William was shaken to the core.<\/p>\n

As the year progressed, both he and Catherine became more religious. Never known as a regular worshipper, William now attends church more frequently than in the past, though as privately as possible.<\/p>\n

Last year, he also told his father that he wanted to cut his own official royal engagements back to ten for the rest of 2024. But the King refused his request.<\/p>\n

\u2018Think again,\u2019 he urged.<\/p>\n

Although Charles often jokes with friends about reaching that \u2018worryingly decrepit stage\u2019 of life, he has continued to work hard while continuing his cancer treatment. Meanwhile, Queen Camilla has stepped up the number of her engagements, emerging as a steady force during a time of royal uncertainty.<\/p>\n

Moreover, her warm and humorous approach to life has undoubtedly been a boon for the ailing King. Occasionally, however, her sense of humour strays into slightly questionable territory.<\/p>\n

In September 2024, in a polished video directed by Will Warr, Catherine revealed that she had completed chemotherapy and hoped to remain cancer-free.<\/p>\n

The footage showed the Wales family affectionately enjoying time together in Norfolk, on the beach and in the woods, and many found it moving.<\/p>\n

Queen Camilla\u2019s reaction? She was deeply relieved, of course, at Catherine\u2019s recovery.<\/p>\n

\"Prince <\/p>\n

Prince William and his father generally work well together. The King happily consults him, and largely trusts him to do what is right<\/p>\n

But according to a senior Household source, she also joked with friends \u2013 very much tongue-in-cheek \u2013 that the video was \u2018like a shampoo commercial\u2019.<\/p>\n

These days, William and his father generally work well together. The King happily consults him, and largely trusts him to do what is right.<\/p>\n

But there is often an underlying tension between them. It doesn\u2019t help that both have a fiery temper that\u2019s not always held in check. Working for Charles, some staff say, can be like \u2018treading on eggshells\u2019.<\/p>\n

They point to the time Charles caught Covid \u2013 for the second time \u2013 in February 2022. Then still the Prince of Wales, he was at Clarence House, preparing to head to Highgrove for the weekend, when the two dreaded blue lines appeared.<\/p>\n

But when he was told he couldn\u2019t travel to his country retreat, he was incandescent. Frustrated, he even threatened to drive himself down the M4. Alarmed royal aides, fearing a breach of strict nation-wide rules, decided they had to act to prevent a possible calamity \u2013 so they hid his car keys.<\/p>\n

Eventually, Charles cooled off and stayed put in London, sticking to the government guidelines until he was symptom-free.<\/p>\n

As for William, Palace sources recall all too well an incident when the prince was over-assertive with his father \u2013 over a matter that William had completely misinterpreted.<\/p>\n

Even senior aides are known to tread lightly around the prince, mindful of his mood swings before attempting to raise sensitive issues.<\/p>\n

William may always appear to be composed in public, but insiders describe him as occasionally \u2018difficult to handle\u2019.<\/p>\n

According to close sources, the King believes William is sometimes hasty and too quick to dismiss sage, well-meaning advice.<\/p>\n

A case in point was when tensions flared in 2014 over William\u2019s proposal to destroy the Royal Collection\u2019s 1,200 ivory artifacts, including Queen Victoria\u2019s 1851 Indian throne, as a bold stand against the illegal ivory trade.<\/p>\n

Charles rejected the move as \u2018naive\u2019, arguing that the cause could be championed without erasing history. In the end, he quietly removed ivory from display at Clarence House and Highgrove. As King, he has gone a step further \u2013 securing the collection\u2019s ivory under legal protection.<\/p>\n

Then, in early 2024, Charles was horrified to learn that William had flown his entire family in his helicopter, a habit that had already alarmed the late Queen. Had there been a fatal accident, Harry would have immediately become heir to the throne.<\/p>\n

No one can prevent William from flying with his family if he wants to, but Charles wanted to drive his point home. So after his cancer diagnosis, he revisited the issue, instructing senior aide Sir Mike Stevens to obtain William\u2019s written acknowledgement of the risks.<\/p>\n

William refused, and his curt reply was sharp enough for Sir Mike to report it back to the King.<\/p>\n

These are not trivial matters for a King who has always loathed confrontation. The best way, he has found, of dealing with his elder son\u2019s occasional impetuousness or obstinacy is to delegate. What this means is that the monarch will often leave senior aides to raise tough work issues with William.<\/p>\n

It has led to the prince clashing with the imperturbable Sir Clive Alderton, Charles\u2019s loyal private secretary, as well as other senior aides, echoing Charles\u2019s past tensions with the late Queen\u2019s aide, Lord Geidt.<\/p>\n

While Charles managed to ease Geidt out of his job, however, William has failed to unsettle Alderton, who is a seasoned diplomat. Consequently, the prince has reportedly become fixated on the senior courtier.<\/p>\n

\"William <\/p>\n

William and Catherine\u2019s three children unquestionably come first. The couple feel their eldest, Prince George, must grow into his role without feeling crushed by the sheer weight of what lies ahead<\/p>\n

Then there was that blip during Charles\u2019s meticulously planned Coronation in 2023 when William turned up a few minutes late. The King was annoyed.<\/p>\n

His son\u2019s excuse was that he\u2019d been busy filming a video for his social media about the big day.<\/p>\n

Still, at least William had donned the correct ceremonial garments for the ceremony. As Charles knew, his son hadn\u2019t wanted to wear them at all, but he\u2019d conceded in the end for the King\u2019s sake.<\/p>\n

There has been no give at all on another clothing issue: the donning of a kilt. William refuses ever to wear one, despite holding various Scottish titles, including the Duke of Rothesay.<\/p>\n

For Charles, wearing a kilt is more than merely a tradition; it\u2019s a vital symbol of Scottish identity and of the crown his son will one day inherit.<\/p>\n

\u2018The King has repeatedly urged him, yet William won\u2019t budge,\u2019 says a senior source. William has made it crystal-clear to his father and to courtiers \u2013 even to Queen Elizabeth in her later years \u2013 that he is not in the traditional royal mould. Instead, he has redrawn the line between duty and family, at least until it\u2019s his turn to wear the crown.<\/p>\n

For now, William and Catherine\u2019s three children unquestionably come first. In particular, the couple feel strongly that their eldest, Prince George, must grow into his role without feeling crushed by the sheer weight of what lies ahead.<\/p>\n

\u2018They want him to understand what\u2019s ahead, but live as a boy first,\u2019 says a Palace insider. \u2018Balance now will make him strong when his time comes.\u2019<\/p>\n

Unlike many upper-class children, George was not sent away at an early age to board at prep school; instead, his parents have taken turns delivering and collecting him from Lambrook School in Bracknell, Berkshire.<\/p>\n

As for Catherine, her priorities were set as soon as she had her first child.<\/p>\n

A former royal aide puts it simply: \u2018She supports William and together they raise their children their way. They are their priority. Of course, her public duties matter, but family matters more.\u2019<\/p>\n

Some sneer, calling Catherine\u2019s approach terribly quaint and traditional. But she calls it essential. Along with doing school runs, she watches the plays and cheers at sports days \u2013 just as her own parents did when she was a schoolgirl. \u2018She wants her children to feel that same security,\u2019 said another source.<\/p>\n

Of course, both William and Catherine also take their royal duties very seriously. To their credit, they channel the same quiet strength of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip \u2013 but with a fresher, more relatable touch.<\/p>\n

The prince connects through social media, podcasts and celebrity interviews; he speaks openly about family life; unwinds with video games; and he (and George) support Aston Villa FC with passion. The family have no live-in staff.<\/p>\n

Yet William has also drawn criticism \u2013 not least for his five-year plan to tackle homelessness. Detractors pointed to the irony of the cause being fronted by a royal prince with three homes and a \u00a325million annual income from the Duchy of Cornwall.<\/p>\n

The national charity Crisis estimates that \u00a31.9billion could end homelessness \u2013 so a large personal contribution from William would definitely have an impact.<\/p>\n

The prince and his family have just moved into their third home \u2013 eight-bedroomed Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park. Sources close to William say this will be his \u2018forever home\u2019 even after he becomes King.<\/p>\n

Will Windsor Castle merely become a place for ceremonials?<\/p>\n

Already King Charles uses Buckingham Palace as his office rather than his home, so the two most symbolic homes of the British monarch are likely to be deserted.<\/p>\n

And why, some have questioned, didn\u2019t William take part in the 80th VJ Day commemorations \u2013 unlike his father, who had every excuse to stay away due to his continuing treatment for cancer?<\/p>\n

If the prince continues down this path, the Crown may become increasingly irrelevant under his reign. After all, as the late Queen once wisely pointed out, she had to be seen to be believed.<\/p>\n

\"\u2018The <\/p>\n

\u2018The King has repeatedly urged him, yet William won\u2019t budge,\u2019 says a senior source. William has made it crystal-clear to his father and to courtiers he is not in the traditional royal mould<\/p>\n

William\u2019s drive is for a leaner monarchy than his father\u2019s, aiming for just 65 staff in total on his payroll after he becomes King. This has unsettled senior royal aides, who feel he\u2019s not being at all realistic.<\/p>\n

They note that he often supplements his own staff by relying on his father\u2019s household, adding to their workload.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s more, aides say, he did the same when the late Queen was alive. Figures for the number of staff currently on the King\u2019s payroll are not publicly available. But given that, in 2022, the then Prince Charles already had 101 full-time staff, he will have far more now as King. So how, say the aides, can the monarchy be expected to work with only 65?<\/p>\n

The King may well share their doubts, but knows it\u2019s often pointless to argue with his headstrong elder son.<\/p>\n

For the rest of Charles\u2019s reign, his hope is to inspire, not divide. And senior aides hope that he\u2019ll be around for a long time yet, ably bridging his mother\u2019s legacy and William\u2019s future reign.<\/p>\n

Ardent love for the late Diana<\/p>\n

Who can forget the 1981 engagement interview of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer? When asked if they were in love, she replied: \u2018Of course\u2019 \u2013 only for her fiance to add: \u2018Whatever \u201cin love\u201d means.\u2019<\/p>\n

This has been taken by many to suggest that the prince never really loved his first wife. Charles, however, would certainly take issue with that.<\/p>\n

\"When <\/p>\n

When Diana was killed in Paris, Charles was devastated, and not simply for the sake of his sons<\/p>\n

When Diana was killed in Paris, he was devastated, and not simply for the sake of his sons. He sought solace with a familiar face: the Queen Mother\u2019s long-time servant and confidant, William \u2018Billy\u2019 Tallon, whom he\u2019d known since he was a boy.<\/p>\n

Turning up at Gate Lodge, where Billy lived in the grounds of Clarence House, he opened his heart. As Tallon told me later \u2013 and a second source confirmed \u2013 Charles confided: \u2018You know, we were very much in love in the early days.\u2019<\/p>\n

Song and dance at the Coronation<\/p>\n

At a special concert by royal appointment \u2013 televised live from the grounds of Windsor Castle on the day after King Charles\u2019s Coronation \u2013 pop star Katy Perry belted out her hit songs Firework and Roar.<\/p>\n

Considering her behaviour the night before, the King would have been forgiven for thinking the titles were entirely appropriate.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d invited both Katy Perry and the singer Lionel Richie to the Coronation itself \u2013 and invited the latter to spend the night afterwards at Windsor Castle.<\/p>\n

But when Katy Perry came to hear about this, her team contacted the King\u2019s officials and demanded to have the same treatment. The Palace bigwigs eventually relented, and she got her wish.<\/p>\n

What she didn\u2019t reveal was that her entourage caused a stir by partying late into the night and straying into restricted areas.<\/p>\n

Adapted from The Windsor Legacy by Robert Jobson (John Blake, \u00a322), to be published November 6. \u00a9 Robert Jobson 2025. Pre-order a copy of The Windsor Legacy (9781789468762) for only \u00a310 (RRP \u00a322) from tgjonesonline.co.uk. Use code DM-WINDSOR10 at checkout. Offer valid until November 4, 2025. Excludes delivery. Online only. Terms apply.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Royal author Robert Jobson\u2019s authoritative new book on the Windsors offers piercing insights into members of the family.…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":161584,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[75],"tags":[118,18,117,19,17,8505],"class_list":{"0":"post-161583","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-entertainment","8":"tag-dailymail","9":"tag-eire","10":"tag-entertainment","11":"tag-ie","12":"tag-ireland","13":"tag-royals"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@ie\/115489230544150639","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161583","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=161583"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161583\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/161584"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=161583"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=161583"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=161583"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}