King Charles III is navigating a delicate balance between Prince Harry and Queen Camilla, following the Duke of Sussex's scathing portrayal of Camilla in his memoir, "Spare."
Sources close to the palace reveal that the King is grappling with the deep hurt inflicted upon the Queen due to Harry's comparison of her to a "wicked stepmother." This familial discord presents a significant challenge to the monarch, who has been protective of Camilla, his long-time companion and now consort.
Prince Harry's bombshell revelations in "Spare," along with his and Meghan's Netflix docu-series, have created a chasm within the royal family. The Duke's candid remarks about Camilla being "dangerous" and her alleged manipulation of the press for favorable coverage have particularly stung. This characterization has not only strained his relationship with his father but has also cast a shadow on the royal family's dynamics.
The King's 75th birthday brought a brief respite, as he reportedly shared a warm conversation with Prince Harry, possibly signaling a thaw in their frosty relations. However, the complexity of mending ties extends beyond the father-son duo. Queen Camilla and Prince William, also portrayed unfavorably in Harry's writings, are said to be less inclined towards reconciliation.
Royal author Tom Bower, known for his insights into the monarchy, described the situation as "painful and traumatic" for King Charles. He highlighted the extensive damage caused by the Sussexes' actions and expressed skepticism about the feasibility of repairing these rifts. According to Bower, the King not only has to consider the dynamics with William and Kate but also navigate the repercussions of the Sussexes' critique on Camilla.
This week, the King and Queen showcased their diplomatic prowess during a state banquet in honor of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol. King Charles lauded South Korea's cultural impact, citing phenomena like K-pop group Blackpink and the Netflix series Squid Game. This event highlighted the King's effort to maintain a composed front amidst the family turmoil.
As Christmas approaches, the royal family faces the challenge of bridging the gaps widened by Prince Harry's outspokenness. The King's role as a mediator between his wife and his son puts him in a precarious position, as he seeks to preserve both familial harmony and the monarchy's image.
