King Charles is a proud grandfather who has a different bond with each of his five grandchildren.

King Charles looking up

Since ascending to the throne, King Charles has become a central figure not only in the governance of the United Kingdom but also within his own family. His role as a grandfather to five grandchildren highlights a more personal side of the monarch, showcasing his deep affection and commitment to his family.

King Charles sees more of Prince William and Princess Kate’s children – Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, who all live in the UK in Adelaide Cottage, Windsor. Meanwhile, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, children of the King’s youngest son, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, live in California, and have had less opportunity to bond with their grandfather.

It is understood that the monarch, who has been having treatment for cancer since February, is “keener than ever” to focus on his family and his duties and “make up for lost time”.

When Prince George was born in July 2013, the King said he was “overjoyed” to become a grandfather. He explained: “Grandparenthood is a unique moment in anyone’s life, as countless kind people have told me in recent months, so I am enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time.”

King Charles and his family on the Buckingham Palace balcony

King Charles and his family on the Buckingham Palace balcony (Image: Getty)

In tribute to his eldest grandchild, Charles built an arboretum and planted trees at Balmoral in his name, calling it Prince George’s Wood. He told the BBC in 2021: “The great thing was that I managed to plant it the same year that my grandson was born, the eldest, George, so I thought I’d call it Prince George’s wood.”

The King’s first granddaughter is Princess Charlotte, whose name pays a direct tribute to her grandfather, with Charlotte the feminine version of the name Charles.

In May 2015, Charles, who was then Prince of Wales, was on a visit to his model town, Poundbury, in Dorset and he told royal fans he was wishing for a little girl. He added: “I am thrilled. I was hoping for a granddaughter – someone to look after me when I am very old.”

The third of his five grandchildren, Prince Louis, who is five, has a special bond with his grandad the King. It was at the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations when well-wishers had a clear snapshot of their relationship. As the royals all watched the Jubilee Pageant at Buckingham Palace, a young Louis asked to sit on his grandpa’s knee and pictures show the youngster being bounced up and down by the now-King.

At the time, one royal fan tweeted: “Prince Charles and Prince Louis have the best bond.”