Monarch urges firm-but-fair parenting to avoid repeating past mistakes
King Charles has reportedly issued a heartfelt warning to Prince William and Catherine regarding their youngest son, Prince Louis, in a move aimed at preventing the emotional rift that developed with Prince Harry.
The monarch, known for his affection toward his grandchildren, is said to have offered a "cautious word" to the Prince and Princess of Wales following Louis’ recent seventh birthday, which featured a special portrait by Josh Shiner and a rare video tribute — attention not typically extended to his older siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
According to royal insiders speaking to Woman’s Day, Charles sees strong similarities between young Louis and his own "darling boy" Harry, whose playful charm and spirited behaviour once captured his father’s heart.
“King Charles sees so much of young Harry in Louis,” a source revealed. “He doesn’t want Louis to feel sidelined or overlooked the way Harry believes he was.”
However, the King is reportedly also urging caution, encouraging William and Catherine not to be overly swayed by Louis’ cheeky charm. “Charles wants them to keep a firm-but-fair watch on Louis,” the insider added, “as he fears he failed to do that with Harry.”
Harry has been candid about his strained relationship with his father in his memoir Spare, revealing how he was often treated as the “spare” to William’s “heir” — a dynamic that deeply affected him.
Charles’s guidance appears to be a heartfelt attempt to ensure the next generation of royals does not repeat the painful divisions of the past.
