By Christopher Sharp
King Charles demonstrated his wealth of experience during a conversation with esteemed television presenter Declan Donnelly.
The King spoke with the TV host at Buckingham Palace on the eve of his King’s Trust awards ceremony, an event co-hosted by Dec and Ant McPartlin.
Declan shared with HELLO! that the King had enquired about his children and displayed his seasoned understanding.
He recounted: “My son is coming up to three; he’s a crazy one. The King said: ‘Is he one of these who jumps and dives bombs in the pool and sinks at the bottom?’ Yeah, that’s him. He’s obviously got experience with that with some of the grandkids I would have thought.
“He’s great. He’s got a twinkle in his eye, he’s got a fantastic sense of humour and he’s genuinely interested in people.
“He started the trust in 1976, so to see the fruits of that, almost 50 years on, must be incredibly rewarding for him. And it’s done what he set out to do all those years ago.”
King Charles has five grandchildren – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. His affectionate relationship with Prince William’s youngest, Louis, was evident at this year’s Trooping the Colour, reports OK!
However, the same cannot be said for Archie and Lilibet – given the King has seldom seen the pair since their parents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, relocated to the US.
Reports suggest that Harry and Meghan could be given roles during the King’s future funeral, with the Telegraph claiming that plans may incorporate the Sussexes and their children.
A scenario has been proposed where Harry might walk alongside Prince William, who is expected to succeed as King, during parts of the ceremonial proceedings.
Royal commentator Victoria Ward speculated that the funeral could serve as a chance to restore some family unity following Harry’s move to the US in early-2020.
She said: “Whenever the time comes, the monarch is adamant that his youngest son take his rightful place at the centre of his family, perhaps mindful of that final chance to create family harmony. There is no suggestion that the King’s reign will not continue for many more years.”
While it may appear premature to speculate about the King’s funeral, it is customary for Royal funerals to be meticulously planned well in advance, regardless of the incumbent monarch’s health.
Health concerns regarding the King have sparked widespread conversation, particularly after last year’s diagnosis with an undisclosed type of cancer.
Whilst the Palace has been understandably extremely private on the details, the King has made occasional references to his health condition.
In an interaction earlier this year, he spoke with 22-year-old Stamford Collis, a young student battling cancer, during a Buckingham Palace garden party.
Stamford later recounted that their conversation touched on personal battles with the deadly illness, with the student of international relations conceding that the King offered a spontaneous inside view, as mentioned in reports by the Express.
Sharing the exchange, he remarked: “He (the King) was asking me about the treatment I have starting in June and spoke to me about food and diet. He also asked me if I had undergone radiation treatment, which I had earlier this year.”
Subsequently, the King dispensed some counsel to Stamford, he advised: “It’s sometimes about the diet and what you eat. It can help.”