King Charles and Prince William truly form the backbone of today’s Royal Family. Someday, William will take over the throne from his father, and even though Charles’ time might stretch well into the future, plans surrounding his legacy are already in place. Unfortunately, new developments indicate a strain emerging between William and Camilla.
Just like Camilla, William has become a steadfast support for Charles during his battle with cancer. He’s taken on many of Charles’ official commitments, one being his recent visit to Paris for the grand reopening of Notre Dame cathedral, five years after the tragic fire.
During this brief Parisian stay, Prince William crossed paths with influential global leaders, among them former President Donald Trump. However, one royal observer notes that this meeting might serve as a difficult memory for King Charles.
Currently, both King Charles and Prince William are wrapping up their royal duties for the year. Charles has faced quite the ordeal, dealing with his cancer diagnosis and the ensuing treatment. Even though Kate Middleton disclosed being free from cancer, there has been no update from the Palace regarding Charles’ condition.
Nonetheless, during their visit to Australia and Samoa in October, it was mentioned that Charles halted his cancer treatment, a potentially positive sign.
Throughout 2024, Queen Camilla and Prince William have been picking up the slack in Charles’ royal responsibilities as he recouped. William had to step in for his father at numerous events.
Among such duties, William represented the Crown at the 80th anniversary of the D-Day commemoration in Normandy in May. More recently, he attended the Notre Dame cathedral’s reopening, mingling with both French officials and global leaders.
Prince William’s Meeting with Donald Trump in Paris
Among the attendees was the former U.S. president, Donald Trump. His rapport with the Royal Family, particularly in the 1990s, had its twists. It’s said Trump took a notable interest in Princess Diana shortly after her separation from Charles, leading to a series of reported flower deliveries that ended up unsettling Diana.
For instance, he allegedly flooded Kensington Palace with expensive floral arrangements, which unsettled Diana as it felt like a form of stalking.
Though Trump and Diana met only once, they never pursued a romantic relationship. After her untimely passing, unfavourable remarks made by Trump about Diana came to light in a conversation with radio host Howard Stern.
Donald Trump’s Ties with the Royal Family
Donald Trump’s narrative about pursuing a relationship with Diana has evolved throughout the years. He offered a revised view during a 2016 interview, stating he “respected her” but had no romantic interest.
Still, comments made by Trump have irked Diana’s sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, and reportedly King Charles as well.
Royal biographer Christopher Andersen remarked that due to Trump’s crude remarks about Diana, it’s understandable that the Royal Family, including King Charles, William, Harry, and Kate, find Trump brazen and intrusive.
During Trump’s presidential term beginning in 2016, he faced the pressures of leadership and international diplomacy, including interacting with royalty in the UK.
In 2018, Trump visited the UK and met Queen Elizabeth II. Although private, reports suggested the Queen wasn’t impressed by Trump’s manners.
Queen Elizabeth’s Take on Donald Trump’s Visit
Biographer Craig Brown documented in his book a version of the meeting that portrayed Trump unfavorably, claiming the Queen found him “very rude.”
Brown noted that after entertaining numerous controversial leaders throughout her reign, the Queen might not have taken kindly to Trump’s demeanor, perceiving him as distracted during his visit.
Trump, however, refuted such claims, holding that he shared a positive connection with the Queen, remarking on her hospitality during a state dinner.
Reflecting on his interactions, Trump said he believed he was a favored guest of the Queen, describing her as a remarkable individual.
Despite Trump’s assertions, the contrasting reports highlight disparities in the interpretation of his royal engagements.
The Royal Dynamic and Public Perception
Queen Elizabeth II left an immense legacy, and her passing in 2022 paved the way for Charles’ ascension. For Trump, meeting the monarch was perceived as a career pinnacle, and he later remarked fondly on her wisdom and humor.
As Trump enters a second presidential term in January, it’s anticipated he may meet King Charles should he visit the UK once more. In retrospect, he wasn’t able to participate in the recent Paris ceremony, which fell to William due to Charles’ health.
With health considerations in mind, Prince William has reliably stood by his father, assuming roles in events on his behalf.
The Implications of William and Trump’s Meeting
William and Donald Trump exchanged greetings during the Paris event. Yet, historian Tessa Dunlop opines this meeting can be seen by Charles as a sobering, delicate reminder due to the public nature of William’s interactions.
Dunlop noted the symbolic power of William standing alongside Trump, the incoming President, envisaging a future partnership that’s both public and strategic.
She observed the distinguished manner William possesses, which might make him more well-received than political leaders Macron and Zelensky, evidenced by Trump’s cordiality.
Charles: A King in Transition
Dunlop contemplates King Charles’ position, experiencing his own son’s increased prominence, especially amidst his health challenges.
This dynamic unfolds against the backdrop of Charles waiting decades for his current role only to now find William occupying substantial attention, highlighted by his Parisian engagement.
The ongoing health challenges add a complex layer, juxtaposing Charles’ circumstances with the visibility and achievements of Prince William.
As the Royal Family adapts, such moments reflect the nuanced interplay of duty, public life, and personal relationships within modern royalty.
