In an unexpected turn of events, the sagas centered around a prestigious property dispute involving the Royal Family’s Estates and a brewing familial feud have captured the public’s attention. As King Charles and Queen Camilla stepped onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace, you couldn’t help but notice the clear bond between the monarch and his family. The Prince and Princess of Wales’ small children captured the hearts of the nation. However, it is the King’s life away from London where he pays tribute to the bond with one grandchild in particular.

Though we are sure the King, like any grandfather, loves his grandchildren equally, Charles’ relationship with George has a rare facet in that George will one day follow in his footsteps as monarch. Those who watched Trooping the Colour last week will have noticed the regal air of Prince George, a young prince in training to be king. It is reported that the Wales’ relocation to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor allowed more quality time with the King, who can often be found at Windsor Castle. However, travel several hours north and you will find an area that the monarch has reportedly dubbed Prince George’s Wood at his home in Birkhall in Aberdeenshire.

When Prince George was born in 2013, His Majesty planted trees at Balmoral in his grandson’s name and since refurbished a treehouse that he built for his sons in the garden at Highgrove, his private home in Gloucestershire, for George to play in. Birkhall is based on the Royal Deeside, which covers a staggering 52,000 acres. The property, built in 1715, was acquired by Prince Albert as part of the late Queen’s beloved Balmoral estate and gifted to his eldest son, Albert Edward, Prince of Wales. The property came into the hands of the King during his time as Prince of Wales, inheriting the land upon the death of his grandmother, the Queen Mother. He has since resided there on and off. The home, where he pays tribute to Prince William’s oldest child, is extra special for the King as it’s where he honeymooned with Queen Camilla in 2005.

Last week, Charles hosted a state banquet to welcome Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to the UK. As he recounted an anecdote about his attempts to improve his fly fishing skills so he can join Emperor Naruhito in one of his favorite pastimes, Charles suggested that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis are Pokémon fans. After sharing how he and the Emperor have bonded over trips to the opera and fly fishing expeditions, the monarch made a joke at his own expense in a video at the banquet. Prince William can be seen reacting to Charles quoting from the popular children’s series with an endearing smile as he looks up at his father.

Despite his affectionate bond with Prince William’s offspring, the Sovereign had limited encounters with Prince Harry’s little ones. His Majesty has only been in the presence of Lilibet once and Archie a mere few times. The King is believed to be disheartened by the geographical gap, maintaining contact through sporadic video calls from Harry’s Montecito home. Desiring a deeper connection with the younger royals, Queen Camilla, on her part, seems to be backing moves to strengthen family ties, evidenced by Charles’ recent heartfelt gift and card to Lilibet for her third birthday.

“Charles values family above everything else,” an insider says, “and whatever the course of his relationship with his son, he would never be content with just seeing his grandchildren on the odd video call.” However much King Charles may want time together with Archie and Lilibet, it would likely mean a whole host of problems. Only one can imagine the unholy circus if they brought the grandkids here to see the King. Would Meghan have her Netflix crew in tow filming every moment? Would she bring Grandpa Charles her new homemade jam she’s flogging and then post the pictures on Instagram? Would details of the time they and their children spent together with the King be sold off to the highest bidder?

Noting Harry gave an interview after visiting his father in February 2024, the commentator argued King Charles should be grateful for what he has: the love of a devoted son, daughter-in-law, and their three children, and the Prince and Princess and their three children. At the same time, he should be wary of what he naturally wishes for in his desire to see his Californian grandchildren.