Palace insiders say communication now runs through staff as father and son clash over the monarchy’s future
King Charles and the Prince of Wales are said to be on such icy terms that they “barely speak,” relying instead on their private secretaries to handle most exchanges. According to royal correspondent Tom Sykes in The Daily Beast, the breakdown is driven by three fault lines: modernisation, duty, and the King’s health.
Tensions have only sharpened with Harry’s expected return to the UK, adding another layer of strain to the House of Windsor. This summer’s Balmoral gathering highlighted the divide. While William spent time with his family, Charles stayed at his private home in Birkhall, avoiding his son altogether.
The rift is not new. Critics have long described Charles as “often absent” as a father, and even now, distant with his grandchildren. The Scottish Daily Express reports that the clash between monarch and heir runs deeper than personalities, cutting to their visions for the Crown.
The first fault line is modernisation. William reportedly feels his father is stuck in old traditions, with ceremonial uniforms and ermine robes making the monarchy appear dated. For William, relevance matters more than pomp.
The second is their approach to duty. Despite his health, Charles insists on a relentless workload, seeing service as non-negotiable. William, by contrast, believes the role should allow space for family life. From the King’s perspective, his son is not pulling his weight, shying away from the “bread and butter” duties of visiting communities in all weathers. Insiders say Charles was frustrated earlier this year when William had to be persuaded to attend Pope Francis’s funeral.
Behind palace doors, their relationship is described as “tense, difficult, formal, and fraught.” Yet those close to William insist he remains “a loyal soldier” who respects his father’s position. But when it comes to reconciling with Harry, William is said to be immovable, calling the idea “a terrible, terrible” mistake.
