A new book about the royal family includes details from the period that led to the discovery of King Charles’ cancer, and the tensions that repeatedly arose between him and Prince William from William’s refusal to wear a kilt at Charles’ coronation to his hobby of flying helicopters, much to his father’s displeasure, who demanded he stop.
It is possible that recently Prince William understands his brother, Prince Harry, a little more, who grew tired of his royal duties and escaped from the foggy London palace to his sunny estate in Los Angeles.
The royal biographer, Robert Johnson, writes in his new book The Windsor Legacy that following King Charles’ cancer diagnosis, the burden on his son William increased significantly, something the heir likely did not expect. Johnson reports that Charles complained of pain for a long time and received strong painkillers from doctors but the cancer was only discovered months later, in January 2024, when treated for an enlarged prostate.
Shortly after, it was revealed that Kate Middleton also became ill with cancer. As a result, William had to take on most of his father’s duties and make time to care for his sick wife and children. The tough schedule, alongside the emotionally challenging period, led him to make an unusual request of his father: to reduce his workload. The King’s response was clear and negative: “Think again,” he said.
Charles himself tried as much as possible to continue his routine during his illness, and his aides urged him to work less. He partially complied: he began taking naps and made sure to have lunch, something he rarely did over the years.
The book describes that nowadays, the King and his heir work successfully as a team, but there are also many tensions between them, partly because both are quick-tempered and easily frustrated. Several of Charles’ staff told Johnson that working with him is like “walking on eggshells.” Those working with William say the same: “He is hard to work with,” they explain, adding that he reacts hastily to situations and often dismisses wise and important advice.
Johnson gives an example from last year, when Charles learned that William flew his family by helicopter to a vacation spot they had planned to visit. Charles, and even the late Queen Elizabeth while alive, had asked him not to fly by helicopter because it was too risky especially with his children.
When Charles fell ill, he reminded William of the request and also reminded him that he is supposed to inherit his place. If something happened to him or his children, the palace would have to deal with the next heir the Duke of Sussex which is a scenario the royal family, including Harry, likely shivers at just thinking about. Despite the reasonable reasons, William told his father he would not give up his flying hobby, angering Charles and senior palace officials, who felt he was showing disregard for his role and duties.
Another conflict occurred in 2023, at Charles’ coronation. William arrived a few minutes late, explaining that he was delayed shooting videos for social media for the big day. Worse, he refused to wear the traditional kilt his father requested and only wore the other traditional decorations, which he also preferred not to wear. Charles was not pleased.
The book also discusses the next generation: William and Kate’s eldest son, Prince George. They reportedly take an unusual approach for royal parents, allowing their children, including George, to enjoy life freely while balancing royal responsibilities: “They want George to understand what is expected of him in the future, but they want him to behave like a child for now. This balance will strengthen him later.”