THE KING is refusing to disown Prince Harry over the royal race row - and believes he can still mend their fractured relationship.
He is broken-hearted by the latest claims to rock the family, but has vowed never to bow to pressure to cast him adrift.
A close confidant, who has known the Royal Family for six decades, told the Sunday Express that His Majesty will never give up on Harry, his wife Meghan and their two young children.
The source said: "He doesn't want to lose contact completely with Harry, because as a parent and grandparent his heart remains committed to them."
But the King has been deeply hurt after two senior royals were named in the Dutch-language edition of Omid Scobie's book Endgame. This version has since been withdrawn.
It has deepened the animosity with his son, but he feels parenting rather than punishment is the best way to build bridges.
The insider said: "It is a tricky time for Charles, but his overriding decision is that he will not completely cut off the Sussexes.
"Allegations in the book - whether or not endorsed by Harry and Meghan - are troubling for the image of the Palace but, frankly, Charles doesn’t want to go silent with Harry. They may communicate very little, but a lifeline remains.”
The Royal Family will put on a united front this week as they close ranks in the wake of the furore.
The King will appear alongside elder son Prince William and his wife Kate to “keep the show on the road” for a glittering diplomatic ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
This story is from the December 03, 2023 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 03, 2023 edition of Sunday Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Brownhill brilliant for Parker's men
SKIPPER Josh Brownhill's insatiable appetite for goals made it nine unbeaten games on the spin for Scrooge-like Burnley.
Japan favours 39 authentic flavours of UK
A TRADING breakthrough means much of Britain's best-loved food and drink could soon appear more often on menus in Japan.
Alarm over 'epidemic of loneliness'
FEELING lonely at Christmas could affect around 32 million people, research suggests.
Great War airfield can reach for skies once more
THE best preserved First World War airfield has secured its future for another year thanks to the generosity of the public.
Sir Elton won't let the sun go down on writing new songs
SIR ELTON John has revealed he is working on new songs despite having quit touring and suffering a severe infection that has left him unable to see out of his right eye.
World Cup hero George dies
TRIBUTES have flooded in for George Eastham, a member of England's winning 1966 World Cup squad whose death was announced yesterday.
Should I quit while I'm ahead, ponders Lesley as 70th looms
SOPRANO Lesley Garrett has revealed her impending 70th birthday has made her think about quitting singing.
French truckers' threat over checks for migrants
SURLY French lorry drivers have threatened to block goods from entering the UK unless checks to stop migrants arriving become more lenient.
Biden could save 40 from death row
PRESIDENT Joe Biden is considering commuting the death sentences of most - if not all of the 40 prisoners awaiting execution in US federal jails, it has been revealed.
'Time to come clean on mystery drones'
DONALD Trump has urged President Joe Biden to explain thousands of sightings of mysterious, SUV-sized drones reported across at least five US states.
