In the grand tapestry of royal titles, Charles III holds an illustrious position as the King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith, and the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, amongst other realms and territories.
Yet, in the innocent language of his grandchildren, he’s fondly referred to as Grandpa Wales, a moniker that undoes the royal pomp and circumstance, revealing his softer side.
Although the larger narrative surrounding Charles’ role as a father isn’t always glowing, his warmth and devotion as a grandfather have painted him in a new and tender light.
This soft-hearted trait perhaps elucidates why, notwithstanding their personal complexities, the Prince and Princess of Wales were so eager for their children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, to join him at the Trooping the Colour last Saturday.
Marking attendance at any major royal event is incomplete without Louis’ amusing shenanigans, Charlotte’s sisterly endeavors to keep him contained, and George’s charming seriousness as the slightly more self-aware elder brother.
However, the silver lining of serious illness often brings families together, symbolizing our collective human desire to draw our dear ones closer during challenging times, and the royal family is no exception.
The three young royals were not merely spectators, but were actively involved, from riding in a carriage on the Mall, watching the horse guards, to the quintessential family balcony moment.
Their participation was made possible by their mother, Catherine, who had to keep her children in line while Papa was on horseback.
Catherine’s attendance was not just about supervising her brood, but also a manifestation of her resolve to stand by her father-in-law, with whom she has grown increasingly close.
This bond is further solidified by their shared battles with serious health issues.
Over the years, the King has become an integral part of William, Catherine, and their kids’ lives.
King Charles‘ choice to devote more time at the castle, coupled with the Wales family’s move to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Great Park, has granted him numerous opportunities to bond with his grandkids.
According to the Daily Mail, a close friend reveals, he cherishes being a grandfather and enjoys enormously the time he spends with them.
He loves playing with them in the garden and reading to them.
It’s been divulged that the King has even christened an area he designed at Bourke Hall, his Scottish home, as Prince George’s Wood.
While these tender moments often occur away from the public eye, those close to Charles attest to his affectionate nature.
He is very careful to ensure he makes time for them in his busy schedule, says the close friend.
Furthermore, another source attests that he is doting in his own way.
Over the years, we’ve seen a change in King Charles’ relationship with the younger generations of the royal family.
A particularly illustrative instance of this shift occurred when Charlotte was born in 2015.
There was a bit of a commotion when the Middletons were on their way to Kensington Palace to see their new grandchild, and Charles had to rush to London to not seem uncaring.
Times have changed since then, and the public has been privy to King Charles’ more affectionate side, be it a sweet moment with a smiling Charlotte entertaining an unamused Louis at Queen Elizabeth‘s Platinum Jubilee celebrations or cuddling Prince George in a rare family photograph.
His disclosures about virtually reconnecting with his grandchildren during the COVID lockdowns and the longing to hug them also added to the narrative.
While his new responsibilities as a sovereign may make such events more challenging to arrange, the nickname of Grandpa Wales he holds among the many grand titles is cherished most dearly.
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