King Charles is reportedly struggling to maintain a 'stiff upper lip' as he becomes increasingly distressed over the state of his relationship with his son, Prince Harry. The monarch has also reflected on the 'pain' the rift caused his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
A source told the Daily Mail: 'Has His Majesty made mistakes when it comes to parenting? Yes. Would he privately admit he could have done some things better, or at least differently? Of course.'
Part of the King's anguish stems from revelations in Prince Harry's book, Spare, where he described his father as a less-than-ideal parent. Despite this, King Charles maintains that his duty comes before his parenting, with a royal expert noting that he and the Prince of Wales are 'firmly united' around a shared interest in serving the nation.
However, Charles is reportedly angry at Harry for perceived slights against both the late Queen and his wife, Queen Camilla. The royal expert claimed: 'There is undeniable anger at the anguish the King believes Harry caused the late Queen in the last years of her life, not to mention the insults he has heaped upon his own wife Camilla.'
Former royal correspondent Phil Dampier suggested there may be a 'difficult atmosphere' at family events, but noted that the King's door remains open to his son. Commentator Jane Moore added that Harry's 'woe is me' narrative has run dry.
