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.
