King Charles is ‘closer’ to Kate Middleton than to son Prince William: report

Kate Middleton “is prepared to fight” for the crown, and it may be the reason she has gotten so “close” to King Charles.

While assisting Charles, 75, and Queen Camilla, 76, in hosting over 500 members of the diplomatic corps at Buckingham Palace’s annual reception on Dec. 5, the 41-year-old Princess of Wales dazzled in the historic Lover’s Knot tiara, a favorite of Princess Diana’s, and effortlessly hobnobbed with the dignitaries in attendance.

“She hugely enjoyed that evening and looked really at home,” a royal source shared with People. “She knows the important role the family plays in building relationships globally on behalf of the UK.

“It is clear that she and the king are quite close — in some respects closer to him than William,” the insider added.

With Prince William, 41, and Prince Harry, 39, having a somewhat “fractious relationship” with their father, the insider even spilled that there was a recent improvement in William’s closeness to Charles and credited Kate for acting as a mediator.

“It’s only been recently that William has been closer [to Charles],” the source revealed. “Kate has acted as the honest broker in that.”

Despite her public image of grace and charm, Kate has developed a hidden strength, much like other historical royal consorts, while working to support her husband, the future king. Royal author Valentine Low revealed, “She is actually strong-minded, strong-willed and prepared to fight for what she wants and what she thinks is right.”

Working alongside her husband, Kate provides “directional setting” and guides the family. Adds royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith: “They are pursuing the initiatives that are important to them. They are not pushing to supplant the king and Camilla — they are an incredible enhancement.”

Kate’s steely resolve came into play after Harry and Meghan Markle’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, where they alleged that a member of the royal family expressed “concern” over their son Archie’s skin color before he was born.

Following the couple’s claims, Buckingham Palace released a 61-word statement on behalf of Queen Elizabeth, which, according to sources, was influenced by Kate.

“She showed real strength and determination to make things clear that there was perhaps a different truth,” Low wrote in his book, “Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown.”

“She thought it was very important this did not go unchallenged. She showed real strength and determination to make things clear that there was perhaps a different truth,” Low said.

“Kate thinks strategically,” he added. “She is going to be queen one day and has the long-term interests of the monarchy and royal family at heart.” 

“She takes things seriously,” said a source close to the royal household. “Thank goodness for that.”

Simon Lewis, former Buckingham Palace communications chief and co-host of the BBC podcast “When It Hits the Fan,” agreed, stating, “She’s very much seen as a player at the center of team Windsor.”