How Kate Middleton's 'calming' nature helped Prince William reconnect with King Charles, new book reveals
LONDON, UK: Kate Middleton’s soothing effect on Prince William has played a significant role in improving his relationship with his father, King Charles, according to a new biography.
In an excerpt from Robert Jobson's upcoming book, 'Catherine, The Princess of Wales', obtained by The Daily Mail, it is revealed that the Princess of Wales, 42, has been a “calming influence” on the entire royal family, particularly on William, 42.
Kate Middleton's soothing presence brings Prince William closer to King Charles
Jobson writes that Kate's role as an “instinctive peace-maker” has “smoothed the way for William and his father to have a better relationship than they had in the past.”
A senior source in the book echoed this sentiment, stating, “In recent years, they have become much closer.” The insider highlighted William's respect for his father's dedication to service but noted that Charles's work-first approach had a detrimental impact on their father-son relationship during William's upbringing.
Kate has helped William understand his father's perspective, with the book noting that “(She) is somebody who always tries to see both sides of any dispute,” they said, adding that the “emotionally mature” princess “is a stabilizing influence.”
“He also respects his father and his devotion to service, but he feels the fact his father put work first had a detrimental impact on him when he was growing up and didn't help their father/son relationship,” the source added.
Her positive influence extends to King Charles, who views Kate as his “beloved daughter-in-law” and the daughter he never had, according to Jobson. Kate reportedly addresses Charles privately as “Grandpa.”
Kate has received support from Prince William as she undergoes cancer treatment, which she announced in March. In a video message, Kate expressed how much William’s presence has meant to her, “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support, and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both."
King Charles, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, is "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told PEOPLE in March.
Both the monarch and the princess were hospitalized at The London Clinic in January, and Charles has "remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks," the spokesperson added.
King Charles 'raised concerns' with Prince William over Helicopter safety
King Charles, known for his close bond with his elder son Prince William, found himself in a dispute with William earlier this year, according to Robert Jobson's soon-to-be-released biography about the Princess of Wales.
The dispute reportedly arose from the prince's steadfast refusal to follow his father's advice on safeguarding the succession, specifically regarding the royal family's safety flying in a helicopter.
An excerpt from Jobson’s biography, Catherine, The Princess of Wales, obtained by People, reveals that King Charles, 75, expressed his worries about William’s frequent use of helicopters with Kate Middleton and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. This concern sparked a tense disagreement between the pair.
The King's apprehensions intensified after confronting his mortality following his cancer diagnosis in February. He presented William, an experienced pilot, with “a formal document acknowledging the risks involved and taking full responsibility for his actions” amid their dispute, the book claims.
Charles’ concerns echoed those of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth. She had previously requested that William not fly with his family on a helicopter from Kensington Palace to Anmer Hall in Norfolk—a 115-mile journey—due to safety concerns. Queen Elizabeth “didn’t hold back” on her opinion, an aide shares in the new book, as she was haunted by the 1967 helicopter crash that killed her flight captain.
