King Charles Overruled William’s Christmas Warning Amid Cold War Between Father and Son
According to a source, "Charles actually has more trouble with William than Harry," as tensions are now openly simmering.
King Charles and Prince William are reportedly not on the best of terms, with tensions emerging just days before the royal family's annual Christmas walk at Sandringham. According to a source, William was allegedly opposed to including Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, citing the sensitive timing surrounding their father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's ongoing scandals. The King, however, is said to have pushed back against his son's stance, allowing the York sisters to participate in the walk and join the wider family.
Breaking down the alleged tensions, royal columnist Rob Shuter spoke to various insiders to understand the root of the problem. As mentioned on his Substack, sources claimed that William had reportedly warned against parading the Princesses in the walk, as it would drag the monarchy back into scandal. A courtier revealed, "William said it was a disaster waiting to happen. He argued the timing was toxic and that it would hurt everyone involved — especially the sisters." Charles, however, allegedly disagreed with his son's strict stance, as an insider spilled, "Charles doesn't like being told what not to do. This quickly became about authority. He made the call even knowing William objected."
Behind closed doors, Palace aides alleged that the cold war between the father and son was openly simmering, owing to their differing stances on dealing with Mountbatten-Windsor. An aide stressed, "Charles actually has more trouble with William than Harry. Harry walked away. William stayed — and challenges him." It seems William's reported protectiveness towards Beatrice and Eugenie had merit, as their appearance tied them to their father's controversial past actions. An insider argued, "It wasn't protection. It was exposure." Another point of contention also involves William's alleged push for a future-facing monarchy free of scandals, while Charles reportedly remains inclined to close ranks and defy critics.
Regarding the King's alleged insecurities regarding William, reports have also claimed that Charles was 'not thrilled' by speculation that William was always calling the shots regarding important monarchy decisions. A source told Us Weekly, "He [Charles] doesn't feel great about it, as he has finally attained the position he has waited for his whole life. Now that he's King, everyone is focused on who will come next." Describing the Prince of Wales as 'strong-minded and stubborn', they insisted that he and Kate Middleton were trying their best to project a deliberate message of authority.
As for William's not-so-nice-stance on Mountbatten-Windsor, royal author Andrew Lownie claimed that the disgraced ex-royal was worried about his precarious position in the royal family. He told Page Six, "He [William] wants the stables cleaned … the window dressing is that Andrew will leave by the spring, and he's a good boy, and he's done what he's been told." However, Lownie noted that Andrew was anything but 'a good boy,' predicting that he would demand many guarantees, including a "pretty big house, extensive staff, a gardener, a driver, a housekeeper [and] a cook," as he has done in the past from Charles.
