Closer than ever CHARLES & WILLS' SHARED PAIN

Sickness and scheming siblings have united father and son like never before

- Judy Kean

Ongoing tensions with their troublesome siblings have turned out to have a silver lining for the King and the Prince of Wales.

The father and son have become closer than ever before as they’ve joined forces to deal with stress caused by Charles’ brother Prince Andrew, and William’s brother Prince Harry. Any issues they’ve previously had in their relationship – which have included the King allegedly being jealous of the massive popularity of his heir, William, and his wife, the Princess of Wales – have melted away as they’ve bonded over the havoc Andrew and Harry have wreaked on the royal family.

“If there was ever a greeneyed monster or a sense of rivalry between the two, that is a chapter of the past,” says a friend. “The King sees his son as a useful ally on family matters and increasingly in discharging the duties of nation and state.”

His Majesty, 75, has very much appreciated William stepping up and taking on extra duties – such as playing a leading part in the recent D-Day commemoration events – as he has undergone treatment for cancer. But he’s also grateful to have someone to talk to about tricky family situations, such as the rift with Harry, 39, since he and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, left their royal roles, and the scandal involving Andrew’s link with deceased sex off ender Jeff rey Epstein.