Monarch shares sweet moment with Declan Donnelly, revealing his hands-on experience with lively grandchildren
King Charles recently offered a rare and charming insight into life as a grandfather during a warm exchange with TV presenter Declan Donnelly at Buckingham Palace. The touching moment unfolded ahead of the King's Trust Awards ceremony, co-hosted by Ant and Dec as goodwill ambassadors for the foundation.
The monarch’s genuine curiosity about Dec’s young son, who’s approaching his third birthday, sparked a relatable and humorous exchange. “My son is coming up to three, he's a crazy one,” Dec shared. In response, King Charles quipped, “Is he one of these who jumps and dive-bombs in the pool and sinks at the bottom?”—a remark that Dec said came from clear personal experience.
“He's obviously got experience with that—some of the grandkids, I would have thought,” Dec told Hello!, noting the King’s familiarity with the whirlwind energy of toddlers.
As a grandfather to five—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet—King Charles has embraced the role with affection and humour. His bond with Prince Louis, in particular, has often been on display during public outings, most recently at Trooping the Colour.
However, Charles has had fewer opportunities to spend time with Archie and Lilibet, the children of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, due to their family's life in the United States.
Still, the King's heartfelt conversation served as a reminder of his ability to connect through shared human experiences, showing a softer, more personal side of the monarch devoted not just to duty—but to family.
