King Charles will be full of gratitude for more reasons than one as he celebrates his landmark 75th birthday on November 14. Among soaring popularity, good health and a very successful first year of his reign, the King will be counting his blessings for something – or should we say, someone – in his life who is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
While he simply wouldn’t be the man he is today without the steadfast example set by his late mother or the support of his “darling wife” Queen Camilla, it’s no exaggeration to say that the Princess of Wales occupies a very significant place in the King’s heart. And in many ways, her support will be the greatest present he could receive.
Bound by their shared love of art and culture, Kate, 41, and her father-in-law have enjoyed a warm relationship for many years. Indeed, she’s the daughter Charles never had and is now deeply cherishes thanks to the unfaltering support she gives Prince William, her devotion to motherhood and the effortless way she has navigated her royal assent – from shy starter to a skilled diplomat.
Speaking to OK!, Jennie Bond discusses the key role Kate plays, and will continue to play, for the monarch. “Happily, King Charles seems fighting fit and is staying as active as ever. However, there’s no getting away from the fact that Kate is a heartbeat away from being our next Queen, and, as such, she is of crucial importance to the future of the monarchy," she said.
“The fact that she has such a happy and secure relationship with William is a huge comfort to the King. Not only is he very fond of Kate, but he’s proud of the way she has stepped confidently into the key role she now holds.
"I’m certain he wishes he could have given his sons the balanced and happy childhood that George, Charlotte and Louis are enjoying thanks to their very switched-on mum and a stable, happy household.”
And although we know the King’s greatest wish as he approaches his eighth decade would be to have his two warring sons reconciled and his family set back on a more harmonious path, the former BBC royal correspondent points out that it’s these family challenges which bring Kate even further into the spotlight.
“Charles probably held out hopes that Kate might be an intermediary in the rift between William and Harry – after all, Harry once described her as ‘the sister he never had’”, Jennie recalls.
“Despite what looked like an attempt to do so after Prince Philip’s funeral, even Kate has found that impossible so far. But I think she has been involved in key decisions about how to deal with the Harry situation and I suspect the King values her opinion very highly, especially since Kate herself has come under attack from Meghan.
“I’m sure Charles’ biggest hope would be to have both his sons and daughters-in-law at his side, but that’s clearly not going to happen in the foreseeable future, which makes Kate such an important member of the King’s inner circle and such a lynchpin in the institution of monarchy.”
Kate’s growth from learning what was expected of her to becoming a well-versed royal matriarch in the making will be a source of pride for the King.
Not only has he watched on as she’s become a passionate leading voice in the field of early years development, while also supporting causes from mental health to those facing addictions, he has seen her become a fierce advocate for her family.
When it emerged that Kate had been one of the most vocal in pushing for the robust “recollections may vary statement” response to Prince Harry and Meghan’s attacks in their tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021 – it was clear then, as it is now, that Kate has embodied her role as well as Charles could have ever hoped.
Jennie added: “There’s little doubt that Charles would have loved a daughter. He’s really quite a softie at heart and it is said that he was disappointed when Harry turned out to be a boy.
"So, for the King, it’s a delight that he gets on so well with Kate. He has watched her grow into her role, find the causes she truly cares about and has supported her endeavours.”
As for what the King loves most about Kate – who he has called his “darling daughter-in-law” – Jennie said:, “I think Charles admires and appreciates the solid family network she has created for William.
"The King is devoted to his grandchildren, George, Charlotte and Louis, and photographs show that he has an easy relationship with all three. I’m sure he is very proud of the way Kate is bringing them up.”
This instilled sense of normality, combined with what Kate has learnt from her research into early childhood and in particular the significance of the first five years, will stand the three royal siblings in good stead as they grow up.
“William and Kate have been keen from the outset to allow their children to live as normal a childhood as possible,” Jennie remarked. “Kate is in a perfect position to show them what 'normal' life looks like.
"Her family form a secure and happy unit away from palaces and castles, servants and hierarchy. Even Diana couldn’t easily provide that for William as her own parents were divorced and she’d been raised in a stately home.
"So I think Kate is key to providing a balanced upbringing for her children, but particularly for a boy born to be King. She has learned what it means to be royal – the restrictions as well as the privileges. And she is the perfect person to help George understand his destiny and, when the time comes, to embrace life as a working royal."
Safe in the knowledge that Kate is providing the next generation with the stability, grounding and solid foundation that they will need, the King can turn his eye to the future of his family.
Much like Queen Elizabeth would do for Prince William during his days as an Eton school boy, it emerged that Prince George is already having conversations with his grandfather about what the future has in store for him as he edges closer to the throne.
Jennie explained that the monarch greatly values the importance of passing on his experience and guidance. “When you’ve had a wonderful experience in life, it’s natural to want to replicate it for your children and grandchildren.
"Charles had a magical relationship with his grandmother, the Queen Mother, and I’m sure his dearest wish is to give George – and his other grandchildren – a similar strong and loving relationship.
"For all his serious ponderings on the state of the world and in spite of his heavy workload, Charles is quite a soppy old thing really and I’m sure he hugely values the time he has available to spend with his grandchildren.”
With wonderful family relationships like this, the future of the House of Windsor certainly looks promising!
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