Since ascending to the throne, King Charles has become a central figure not only in the governance of the United Kingdom but also within his own family. His role as a grandfather to five grandchildren highlights a more personal side of the monarch, showcasing his deep affection and commitment to his family.
King Charles sees more of Prince William and Princess Kate’s children – Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, who all live in the UK in Adelaide Cottage, Windsor. Meanwhile, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, children of the King’s youngest son, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, live in California, and have had less opportunity to bond with their grandfather.
It is understood that the monarch, who has been having treatment for cancer since February, is “keener than ever” to focus on his family and his duties and “make up for lost time”.
When Prince George was born in July 2013, the King said he was “overjoyed” to become a grandfather. He explained: “Grandparenthood is a unique moment in anyone’s life, as countless kind people have told me in recent months, so I am enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time.”
King Charles and his family on the Buckingham Palace balcony (Image: Getty)
In tribute to his eldest grandchild, Charles built an arboretum and planted trees at Balmoral in his name, calling it Prince George’s Wood. He told the BBC in 2021: “The great thing was that I managed to plant it the same year that my grandson was born, the eldest, George, so I thought I’d call it Prince George’s wood.”
The King’s first granddaughter is Princess Charlotte, whose name pays a direct tribute to her grandfather, with Charlotte the feminine version of the name Charles.
In May 2015, Charles, who was then Prince of Wales, was on a visit to his model town, Poundbury, in Dorset and he told royal fans he was wishing for a little girl. He added: “I am thrilled. I was hoping for a granddaughter – someone to look after me when I am very old.”
The third of his five grandchildren, Prince Louis, who is five, has a special bond with his grandad the King. It was at the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations when well-wishers had a clear snapshot of their relationship. As the royals all watched the Jubilee Pageant at Buckingham Palace, a young Louis asked to sit on his grandpa’s knee and pictures show the youngster being bounced up and down by the now-King.
At the time, one royal fan tweeted: “Prince Charles and Prince Louis have the best bond.”
King Charles has a close relationship with each grandchild (Image: Getty)
Prince Archie is the oldest son of Charles’s youngest child Harry and his wife Meghan and when he was born in May 2019, King Charles said he “couldn’t be more delighted”.
However, the King has spent little time with his young grandson and their last meeting was in 2022, when Archie came to the UK with his parents during the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The Coronation in May 2023, coincided with Archie’s fourth birthday, and the youngster stayed in California with his mum Meghan.
The grandchild that Charles has seemingly spent the least amount of time with is his youngest – Princess Lilibet. It appears they have only met the once – when she came to the UK with her parents and brother Archie in 2022.
Unfortunately, Charles did not attend Lilibet’s christening as it took place at Harry and Meghan’s home in California. A source told the Mirror the King is keen to “make up for lost time” stating: “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.”