King Charles III, who became the monarch in September 2022 after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, has proven to be an exceptionally loving grandfather since Prince William and Princess Kate began growing their family. In July 2013, the Princess of Wales gave birth to their first child, a son named Prince George.
"The statement from Buckingham Palace announced that The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, and their families have been informed and are filled with joy," referring to the late queen, Prince Philip, Charles, and Queen Consort Camilla. "Both Her Royal Highness and her child are in good health and will be staying in the hospital overnight."
Since then, Kate and William have celebrated the arrival of two more children. Their daughter, Princess Charlotte, was born in May 2015, followed by their son, Prince Louis, in April 2018.
"It is truly heartwarming to embrace the role of a grandfather in my later years," expressed His Majesty during a press conference in December 2012 upon receiving news of Kate's pregnancy with their first child. "I am overjoyed and filled with immense happiness."
Ever since Charles and Camilla tied the knot in 2005, they have been bestowed with significant positions of reverence during their grandchildren's official christening ceremonies and portraits. However, the aging process has posed a concern for the king as he navigates the journey of nurturing the future generation.
Charles expressed his feelings about becoming a grandparent during an interview with BBC Radio 1's "Countryfile" program in March 2013. He acknowledged that it made him feel older but also emphasized his excitement and anticipation for the special bond he would share with his grandchild. The Duke of Cambridge has also openly shared his observations of his father interacting with his own children.
"When he is present, his brilliance shines," William expressed in BBC's documentary, Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70, in November 2018. "However, we desire his presence as much as possible... This stage of life is ideal for establishing stability. Like any concerned family, we worry about having him close by and ensuring his well-being. He is the healthiest man I know, but I also wish for him to remain fit until he is 95. It would be delightful to have more time with him at home and to have the opportunity to spend quality moments with the grandchildren."
The number of Charles' grandchildren increased when his youngest son, Prince Harry, welcomed his first child in May 2019. Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, gave birth to their son, Archie, during that time. The couple later welcomed their daughter, Lilibet, in June 2021, while residing in California.
Camilla, on the other hand, has openly shared her favorite pastimes whenever her grandchildren visit their former residence at Clarence House.
"I have been reading to my children, and now I continue the tradition with my grandchildren," shared the Duchess Camilla's Reading Room founder on Instagram in March 2021. "It brings me immense joy. I started reading to them when they were very young, and as they grew older, they have taken on the role of reading to me!" Alongside her love for William and Harry's children, Camilla is also a grandmother to five grandchildren from her own children, Tom and Laura, whom she shares with her ex-husband Andrew Parker-Bowles.
Scroll below to see Charles’ sweetest moments with his beloved grandchildren:
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King Charles III’s Sweetest Moments With His Grandchildren Through the Years: See Photos
King Charles III, who assumed the throne in September 2022 after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, has exhibited immense devotion as a grandfather ever since Prince William and Princess Kate began expanding their family.
"The birth of their first child, Prince George, took place in July 2013, bringing much joy to The Princess of Wales and her husband. Buckingham Palace released a statement announcing the news, stating that The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, and their families had been informed and were thrilled. The statement also mentioned that both the mother and the child were in good health and would be staying in the hospital overnight."
Kate and William have since had two more children. Their daughter, Princess Charlotte, was born in May 2015, followed by their son, Prince Louis, in April 2018. His Majesty expressed his joy and excitement at becoming a grandfather in his older years when he learned of Kate's first pregnancy, stating, "It's a very nice thought if I can say so. I'm thrilled, marvelous."
As the years have passed since their 2005 wedding, Charles and Camilla have been given special roles in their grandchildren's christening ceremonies and portraits. However, the aging process has become a concern for the king as he raises the next generation.
"Of course, it does make me feel older," Charles expressed during an interview with BBC Radio 1's "Countryfile" program in March 2013. "To some extent, it's hard to believe that it will happen in one's own life... Nevertheless, it's a beautiful notion, and I eagerly anticipate the special bond that comes with being a grandparent."
The Duke of Cambridge has similarly been open about observing his father's interactions with his own young children.
"When he is present, his brilliance shines," praised William in the BBC documentary "Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70" in November 2018. "However, we desire his presence as much as possible... This stage in life is ideal for consolidating a bit. Like any family, we worry about having our loved ones around and ensuring their well-being. He is the most physically fit man I know, but I also hope he remains fit until he reaches the age of 95. It would be wonderful to have more time with him at home and to be able to spend quality time with the grandchildren."
Charles' group of grandchildren grew even larger when his youngest son, Prince Harry, welcomed his first child in May 2019. Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, gave birth to their son Archie. The couple later welcomed their daughter Lilibet in June 2021, while residing in California.
Charles and Camilla have not had the opportunity to spend much time with Archie or Lili due to their residence in America. However, Charles conveyed his well wishes for the family of four in his inaugural speech as monarch, expressing his love for Harry and Meghan as they establish their lives overseas in September 2022.
When the grandkids visit their previous home at Clarence House, Camilla openly shares her favorite pastimes.
The founder of the Duchess Camilla's Reading Room expressed her joy of reading to her children and now her grandchildren. She shared on Instagram in March 2021 that she loves the experience and has seen her grandchildren grow older to the point where they now read to her.
Below are some of the most endearing moments that Charles has shared with his adored grandchildren.
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November 2018
In commemoration of Charles turning 70, a formal portrait was taken featuring him, Camilla, his sons, and the Wales children. Adding to the significance of the occasion, George was given the privilege of sitting on his grandfather's lap.
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January 2020
The queen posed for a January portrait with her first three heirs: Charles, William and George.
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June 2022
Prior to her passing, the queen, who had reigned for an incredible 70 years, commemorated her Platinum Jubilee. As a tribute to her, Charles and his three eldest grandchildren had the opportunity to witness the Trooping the Colour parade from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
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June 2022
William and Kate brought their three kids to the Jubilee Pageant, where Louis was keen to snuggle his grandpa during the show.
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May 2023
Princess Charlotte's 8th birthday portrait was recently shared on the official royal family Instagram account. To mark this special milestone, a "Happy Birthday" GIF with confetti was included in the post. The king and queen [consort]CUT** also took to Twitter to convey their well wishes. They retweeted the Prince and Princess of Wales' tribute to Charlotte and added their own message, " Happy 8th Birthday to Princess Charlotte!"
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George had the privilege of being chosen as one of his grandfather's Pages of Honor for his state coronation. As part of his role, he was entrusted with the important responsibility of managing Charles' majestic robe during the procession at Westminster Abbey.
May 2023
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May 2023
Charlotte bowed to her grandfather when he entered the royal box at his celebratory Coronation Concert on the Windsor Castle grounds.
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May 2023
George, along with his father William and grandfather Charles, posed for an official portrait after the coronation. The trio stood proudly beside the king, who was seated on his throne adorned with the majestic St Edward's Crown.
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June 2023
When Charles celebrated his first Trooping the Colour as monarch, his eldest grandkids joined him on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the military flyover.