'Family man' King Charles wants to see his grandchildren Lilibet and Archie on Christmas: Report
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: As the holiday season ushers in an opportunity for healing and mending relationships, King Charles is reportedly making an effort to reconnect with his estranged family.
Despite the rift with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, the King is said to be planning to send traditional gifts and may even spend time with his grandchildren through FaceTime, according to former royal butler Grant Harrold.
Harrold, who worked for the monarch from 2004 to 2011, shared that the King is determined to keep the family bond strong, even amid ongoing tensions.
Royal butler Grant Harold shares King Charles’ preferences for traditional gifts
According to a former employee of King Charles, the monarch is expected to connect with his grandchildren from Prince Harry during the holiday season.
In a recent interview with The Sun’s Fabulous magazine, royal butler Grant Harrold confidently stated, "I'm willing to bet that there definitely will be some sort of [Zoom] communication on Christmas Day. There's no question."
Harrold clarified, "I'm not talking so much about Harry and Meghan directly, but I have no doubt the King will want to see his grandkids [Lilibet and Archie] on Christmas Day."
As for gifts, Harrold assured that King Charles would organize presents for Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie this Christmas. "The King will send gifts. I guarantee you that something will be sent, and likewise, gifts will be sent to Grandpa or Grandmother [from the Sussexes]," he added.
After sharing his strong claims about gifts and a possible meeting, Harrold further suggested that King Charles would have the opportunity to watch his grandchildren open the gifts he sent them.
He explained, “There will be a chance to see each other. I'd be surprised if they didn’t FaceTime so they could see the grandchildren opening the gifts he sent them."
Grant Harold shares King Charles’ preferences for traditional gifts
Grant Harrold also shared insights into King Charles’ traditional taste in gifts, saying, “When it comes to toys and The King—have you ever been to the Highgrove shop? It's all very traditional. The King is very traditional."
He added, "I don't see him buying them an Xbox or something like that—probably too young anyway. It's going to be more traditional, you know, like a wooden farm set or something along those lines."
On the possibility of meeting his grandchildren in person, Harrold said, “I think if [King Charles] had the choice, he'd definitely want everyone together." Harrold further told the publication, "He's very much a family man."
Harrold also reminisced about spending holidays at the Palace with Prince William, Prince Harry, and their father. "They were such nice times. They were very close, and it all just went so nicely," he said.
The former royal butler further shared that King Charles is hopeful for a reconciliation following the royal rift. Harrold claimed, “I've said this a hundred times—part of him will be sad about what's taken place. Christmas is seen as a time for families to heal rifts.”
He continued, “Even if they're not there in person, just talking on Zoom or something can be part of that healing process."
