For someone who was accused of being a bad father by Prince Harry, King Charles certainly dotes on his grandchildren – at least the ones he’s permitted to see.
It’s understood he enjoys an “incredibly close” relationship with the Wales children, Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince Louis, 4.
WATCH: King Charles gets frustrated with pen at Ireland signing ceremony
But sadly, the same can’t be said for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s kids, Archie, 3, and Lilibet, 1.
New Idea is told that Charles “wasn’t able to FaceTime” with the US-based Sussex children on his 74th birthday last week, which “cast a shadow over celebrations”, according to our source.
“He was spoilt rotten by the Wales children, who drew pictures, made cakes – the whole deal,” says a source.
“But any suggestion of speaking to the kids in America was stonewalled.”
Our insiders say Meghan, 41, and Harry, 38, refused to facilitate such a phone call – especially after it was revealed in parliament on the same day as the King’s birthday that he’s appealing for his siblings, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, to be included in the UK’s Counsellors of State.
Their inclusion, while not replacing Harry, would render him obsolete if the monarchy required a family member to step in for an incapacitated or absent Charles.
“Harry took this motion as a clear message that he is being officially iced out,” says a source.
“And there’s no doubting that him and Meghan will have decided that two can play at that game.”
“They don’t have a lot of leverage left against the royals, but they do know Charles wishes he had a closer relationship with his American grandchildren. At this point, some wonder whether the Sussexes will ever allow the King to see those kids again.”
Not seeing his grandkids on his birthday was a “wake-up call” for Charles, according
to our insider.
“He is determined to rise above the feud with Harry and Meghan and have a meaningful relationship with those kids – even if their parents might not be so forthcoming,” says a source.
“The one thing about Charles is that he is willing to compromise, so the thinking is he might let the kids use their titles if it means their parents won’t keep them away from their British family.”
“Charles is led by emotion a lot more than his mother, the Queen, ever was. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out,” adds the source.
