Prince William and King Charles have had significant disagreements, particularly regarding William’s use of a helicopter with his wife, Kate Middleton, and their children. This tension is highlighted in a new book, “Catherine, The Princess of Wales,” by biographer Robert Jobson.
According to Jobson, Charles was so troubled by William’s frequent helicopter use that he insisted William sign a formal document acknowledging the risks involved and taking responsibility for his actions. This demand underscores the serious nature of their disagreements.
Charles’s concerns about the helicopter usage echo those of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who also disapproved of William flying his family from Kensington Palace to their residence at Anmer Hall, a distance of 115 miles. The late Queen’s consistent disapproval is noted in Jobson’s book, illustrating a pattern of worry over the safety of the royal family members during these flights.
The book reveals that King Charles first voiced his frustrations to Prince William after being diagnosed with cancer in February. Jobson suggests that Charles’s heightened concern for William’s safety is partly due to his own health issues and the reality of his mortality. This context adds a layer of urgency to Charles’s demands and highlights the personal stakes involved in their disputes.
Despite the tensions between William and Charles, Kate Middleton often serves as a mediator in their conflicts. However, Middleton herself has been dealing with a cancer diagnosis, which has limited her ability to play the role of peacemaker. With her recent return to public life, the book, set to be released on August 6, suggests that the helicopter incident is just one of many complex dynamics within the royal family.