King Charles and Prince William have undeniably become the central figures of the modern Royal Family. With William set to inherit the throne in the future, his role has grown increasingly significant. Yet, while King Charles continues his reign, ongoing challenges, including his cancer diagnosis, have reportedly caused tension between William and Queen Camilla.
Like Camilla, William has stepped up to support King Charles during his health struggles. He has assumed many of his father’s royal responsibilities, including a recent high-profile event in Paris to mark the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, which was restored after a devastating fire five years ago.
Prince William’s Role in Paris
During his visit to Paris, Prince William represented the Crown and met numerous world leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is set to return to office in January. However, according to a royal expert, King Charles may view William’s meeting with Trump as a painful reminder of past controversies and his own struggles to maintain prominence in the spotlight.
Charles’ Health and Ongoing Support from Camilla and William
The monarch’s battle with cancer has required him to reduce his royal engagements. While the Palace has not provided updates on his health, reports suggest that Charles paused his treatment during his October state visit to Australia and Samoa, signaling possible improvement. Throughout this period, Queen Camilla and Prince William have filled in for Charles, ensuring the continuity of royal duties.
For instance, William represented his father during the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy and the Notre Dame Cathedral reopening in Paris. These roles have highlighted William’s increasing prominence within the monarchy, drawing public and media attention.
Trump’s Troubled Relationship with the Royals
The Paris meeting between William and Trump brought renewed focus on the former president’s past interactions with the Royal Family. Trump’s controversial remarks about Princess Diana have long been a sore spot. According to journalist Selina Scott, Trump pursued Diana aggressively following her separation from Charles, sending her extravagant bouquets of flowers. Diana reportedly found his attention unsettling, once remarking, “He gives me the creeps.”
Trump, however, has provided conflicting accounts. He denied romantic interest in Diana in 2016, though earlier comments, including a crude exchange with radio host Howard Stern, suggested otherwise. These remarks have been met with disdain from Diana’s sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as King Charles.
Trump and Queen Elizabeth II
Trump’s interactions with the Royal Family extend beyond Diana. During his first term as U.S. president, he met Queen Elizabeth II in 2018. While Trump has claimed the Queen admired him, biographer Craig Brown painted a less flattering picture in his book Voyage Around The Queen. Brown alleged the Queen found Trump “very rude” and criticized his behavior during their meetings.
Despite their differing narratives, Trump has expressed admiration for the late Queen, describing her as a woman of “great wisdom” and a “generous friend” in a tribute following her passing in 2022.
King Charles’ Struggles in the Shadow of William
As Prince William continues to take on high-profile roles, royal commentators suggest that King Charles might feel overshadowed by his son. Historian and royal expert Dr. Tessa Dunlop noted that William’s Paris visit and his meeting with Trump underscored the younger royal’s growing influence.
“William exudes the untouchable confidence that comes with being a future king,” Dunlop told The Mirror. She added that Trump’s positive interactions with William may have felt like a tacit acknowledgment of the prince’s unique position as a royal figure.
Dunlop also observed that William’s recent appearances, from military exercises to state visits, have drawn significant attention, often eclipsing the King. She concluded that Charles, after spending decades in his mother’s shadow, now finds himself playing second fiddle to his eldest son, with William’s Paris trip serving as another reminder of this dynamic.
A Monarch Facing Challenges
King Charles has faced a challenging year, balancing his royal duties with his health struggles and the evolving roles of those around him. As William continues to rise in prominence, the dynamics within the Royal Family will undoubtedly shape the monarchy’s future. For now, the King remains steadfast in his role, supported by Camilla and William as they navigate these complexities together.