Princess of Wales’ bond with the King fuels new royal tensions
Catherine has become one of King Charles’ most trusted allies, a role that is
said to be stirring unease within the royal household. The Princess of Wales’
close bond with the monarch may be strengthening the family’s future image,
but it also risks creating fresh divisions at a time when tensions are already
high.
At 76, Charles reportedly views Catherine as the future of the monarchy,
admiring her composure, discretion, and steady approach. One insider revealed
he has even referred to her as “the daughter he never had.” Yet this
admiration appears to be unsettling Queen Camilla, whose relationship with
Catherine has long been described as difficult.
The timing adds weight to the tension. Catherine recently stepped back into
the spotlight during Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK, just a week after
Harry’s first meeting with his father in 19 months. That encounter, which took
place against William’s wishes, left relations between the brothers at a
breaking point.
Camilla’s history with Catherine has only deepened the divide. Biographer
Christopher Andersen once noted that Camilla dismissed her as “not worthy” of
the royal family, questioning her suitability to become queen. Reports also
suggest Camilla has been uneasy about handing ceremonial duties to her
step-daughter-in-law. “The reality is that Camilla never pictured Catherine as
the one carrying the crown forward,” a royal source claimed.
Observers point out that Catherine now sits at the centre of three vital
relationships: with William, with the King, and with the Queen. Two are
thriving, one is not, and that imbalance could shape the monarchy’s future.
As royal historian Sally Bedell Smith put it: “Charles shares with William an
impulse to protect Catherine. They are in this together, Kate and the King.”
