The monarch, who has been undergoing cancer treatment since February, told friends that he is ‘keener than ever’ to build a relationship with Archie, five, and Lilibet, two, royal sources told the Mirror.
He has only met the Sussex children a handful of times since they were born, and wants to ‘make up for lost time’, given the long-running falling out Harry has had with the rest of the royal family over their alleged treatment of his wife.
Sources told the paper that King Charles, who managed to make it to D-Day commemorations last week, sent Lilibet a ‘heartfelt gift and card’ in celebration of her birthday last week.
A source said: ‘The King is absolutely committed to being present in all of his grandchildren’s lives.
+4
View gallery
King Charles (pictured), who has been undergoing cancer treatment since February, told friends that he is ‘keener than ever’ to build a relationship with Archie, five, and Lilibet, two,
+4
View gallery
Tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family have remained high, even through King Charles’ cancer diagnosis
‘He values family above everything 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.’
Harry, 39, and his wife Meghan, 42, have lived in Montecito, California, ever since they officially left their lives as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2020.
Tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family have remained high, even through King Charles’ cancer diagnosis.
While Harry rushed more than 5,000 miles back to the UK to visit his father following the news, the pair met for just twenty minutes.
He later told American broadcaster ABC: ‘I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him, I’m grateful for that.’
Despite his fractured relationship with Harry, King Charles is reportedly a ‘fantastic and enthusiastic grandpa’ to Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, five, sources say.
Queen Camilla, 76, is also understood to be a driving force behind his decision to ramp up efforts to see his other grandchildren.
