King Charles III's 75th birthday celebration at Clarence House saw an array of royal attendees, including Prince William and Princess Kate, who were spotted leaving the event in high spirits close to midnight.
Images captured the couple in a joyous mood, with Kate donning an elegant emerald sequin-embellished gown and William looking sharp in a white shirt and black blazer. The party, which took place at Charles' former official residence, included notable guests like Princess Beatrice, Lady Sarah Chatto, Zara and Mike Tindall, and Queen Camilla, alongside other distinguished members of the royal family and close friends.
Some things never change
Catherine looking lovingly at her husband in the car before Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip's 70th wedding anniversary in November 2017 & after King Charles III's 75th birthday yesterday pic.twitter.com/IxaKZXtXkZ — Theroyalfamily.wcgcl (@lovewalesfamily) November 15, 2023
In contrast to the celebratory atmosphere, the absence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle was conspicuous. Reports suggest that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were not on the guest list for the event, marking a continued estrangement within the royal family. However, in a gesture of reconciliation, Harry and Meghan reportedly extended an olive branch by phoning King Charles to wish him a happy birthday. This call, which included a pre-recorded video of their children singing to the monarch, is said to be a potential "turning point" in Charles and Harry's strained relationship. The birthday bash follows the recent omission of Prince Harry in an official tribute by Prince William and Princess Kate on their Instagram account, which sparked mixed reactions among followers. The post, which celebrated Charles' milestone birthday, exclusively featured photos of the Wales family with the King, leading to comments about Harry's noticeable exclusion. While some social media users criticized the decision, others defended it, stating that it was William's personal message to his father.
Last night was King Charles's 75th birthday bash, with close family & friends attending! Prince William is the reliable/supportive son every parent hopes for, & like the late QEII - i'm sure it must be a great comfort to His Majesty that Wills and Catherine are there pic.twitter.com/56iaepwZrY — Pooja (@Pooja33719735) November 15, 2023
Despite the apparent efforts at mending ties, sources close to the royal family indicate that there is still a lack of trust and significant hurt on both sides, particularly between William and Harry.
The rift's depth was further highlighted by royal biographer Katie Nicholl, who revealed that while there might be a potential reconciliation between Charles and Harry, William is not yet ready to extend the same olive branch to his brother.
According to Nicholl, William's reluctance stems from not just Harry's departure from royal duties but also the manner in which he chose to leave.
The birthday celebration and the unfolding family dynamics underscore the complex relationships within the House of Windsor. As King Charles III marked his 75th birthday surrounded by family and friends, the event mirrored the ongoing challenges and potential paths to healing within the royal family.
The New York Post shared images of William and Kate leaving the event, capturing the contrast between the festive atmosphere at the party and the underlying familial tensions that continue to captivate public attention.
