Monarch Reflects on Family Bonds Through Restored Childhood Treehouse
King Charles III has issued a poignant reminder to his sons, Prince William
and Harry, as he continues his battle with cancer. The monarch’s foundation
shared a touching video showcasing the restoration of a cherished family
memory — the treehouse built for William and Harry in 1988 at Highgrove
Garden.
The video features Ben Collyns, a graduate of The King’s Foundation’s Building
Craft Programme, rethatching the iconic structure. “It’s an honour to have
been asked to come back to work on bits like this,” Ben remarked. The
treehouse, now a popular stop for visitors on guided tours of Highgrove
Gardens, represents a piece of royal history preserved for future generations.
The King’s Foundation captioned the video, highlighting its commitment to
traditional craftsmanship: “Preserving traditional skills such as thatching
sits at the heart of @kingsfdn’s education offering. Ben’s excellent work
ensures the treehouse will be enjoyed for years to come.”
This nostalgic gesture arrives amidst reports of ongoing tensions between
William and Harry. Despite the rift, royal biographer Robert Hardman suggests
King Charles remains hopeful for reconciliation.
The video also recalls a plea King Charles reportedly made during a 2021
meeting at Frogmore Gardens. According to Harry’s memoir Spare, the King asked
his sons not to “make [his] final years a misery” as their disagreements
intensified.
As the monarch’s health challenges continue, his message serves as a poignant
call for unity within his family.
