King Charles' Marital Regret: Monarch Warns Prince William 'Don't Make the Mistakes I Made' by Not Putting Family First
King Charles III, 76, was, in the words of one royal insider, "well on his way to only being remembered as the man who cheated on Princess Diana." With his marriage to Queen Camilla nearing the 20-year mark, and now a steady reign after a 70-year wait, His Majesty is reportedly "imparting his wisdom to the Crown's next chapter."
The King "said, 'Look, William, there's nothing more important than your family,'" royal author Ingrid Seward told an outlet.
The King and Queen's path to marital bliss was anything but straightforward. The two first crossed paths at a polo match in 1970, sparking a connection that would endure decades of scrutiny and separation. Their budding relationship faced an early obstacle when Charles, then Prince of Wales, was deployed for an eight-month stint with the Royal Navy. During his absence, Camilla rekindled her romance with Andrew Parker Bowles, leading to their marriage in 1973.
Upon his return, Charles, grappling with the loss of his beloved, entered into a union with Lady Diana Spencer in 1981 — a marriage that, despite its fairy tale facade, was fraught with challenges.The union between Charles and Diana was marred by infidelity and public scandal. Charles' affair with Camilla became a focal point of media attention, casting a shadow over the royal family with scandals like "Camillagate."
The couple's separation in 1992, and subsequent divorce in 1996, marked a tumultuous chapter in royal history. Tragically, in 1997, Diana's life was cut short in a car accident, leaving the nation and the world in mourning.
Amidst this backdrop, William's relationship with Kate Middleton blossomed. The pair met in 2001 at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where their friendship gradually evolved into a romantic relationship. By 2003, they had moved in together, and their romance became public knowledge the following year.
However, the pressures of royal life and personal commitments led to a brief split in 2007. Reflecting on this period, Kate noted that the separation made her a "stronger person," emphasizing the importance of self-discovery during challenging times.
Their reconciliation later that year set the stage for a royal engagement in 2010 and a grand wedding in 2011. The couple has since welcomed three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Throughout their journey, His Majesty has been a steadfast supporter of their union. Seward revealed that Charles advised William, stating, "There's nothing more important than your family. Don't make the mistakes that I made. I just did duty, duty, duty. I neglected my marriage, and look what happened."
This counsel proved especially poignant following the Princess of Wales' recent health challenges. In March, the future queen publicly disclosed her cancer diagnosis, a revelation that came shortly after the King's own health battles. Demonstrating resilience and strength, Kate has since declared herself cancer-free, a testament to her determination and the unwavering support of her family.
The New York Post reported on Seward's comments.