The Truth About Prince Charles And Kate Middleton's Relationship

Catherine Middleton, Princess of Wales, has been open about the importance of family in her life, revealing that spending quality time with her loved ones is something she doesn't take for granted (via E! News). The newly named Duchess of Cornwall has managed to maintain those family relationships while also balancing her role as the future queen and parenting her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Of course, Catherine also belongs to one of the most famous families in the world. After marrying William, Prince of Wales, she took her place within the royal family as the future queen and the daughter-in-law of King Charles III. After welcoming her first son, George, she also likely became the mother of the future king. While she doesn't have royal blood herself, Catherine is said to have made her own mark within the monarchy and even shares special bonds with the family, including her father-in-law, Charles. 

William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales, first met when they were students at St. Andrews University in Scotland. According to the Mirror, once the two began seriously dating, William brought Catherine home to meet his father, King Charles III, and it seems that she made a good impression on her future father-in-law. After the couple made it official and got engaged, Charles was said to welcome Catherine into the royal family with open arms. At the time, the now-Duchess of Cornwall revealed that Charles was "very, very welcoming" and "very friendly" toward her. "It couldn't have gone easier, really for me," she confessed.

Charles' affection for Catherine only seemed to grow as her royal wedding to William approached, and the king was said to have given a very emotional toast at the couple's wedding reception, which was held at Buckingham Palace. Hello! Magazine notes Charles described Catherine as the daughter he never had and added that the family was "lucky to have her" in their lives. He also wished the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness as they embarked on their new journey together.

According to Express, it's clear that Catherine Middleton holds a great deal of affection for King Charles III. Royal expert Judi James previously told the outlet that not only does she have a great rapport with Charles, but Catherine's love for her father-in-law also seems to help her bond with his wife, Camilla, Queen Consort. "The affection Kate clearly feels for her father-in-law could be one big thing she has in common with Camilla," James stated.

In the years since she joined the royal family, Catherine and Charles have been seen looking happy and comfortable with each other during public events. Hello! Magazine reveals that the pair have been photographed in many sweet moments together such as embracing in Belgium in 2017 and making arts and crafts together during a visit to Dulwich Picture Gallery in 2012. Catherine and her father-in-law have also been photographed laughing and joking together on several occasions, both with and without William at their side, seemingly offering proof that they have a sweet bond that's all their own.

In early 2022, body language expert Judi James told Express that Catherine Middleton seemed to be a very important person in King Charles III's life and has helped him become closer with his oldest son, Prince William. "The secret reason why he so often looks happy and fun-loving in Kate's company might be more to do with the fact that she forms an integral buffer or air-bag role in the relationship triangle that includes his son William," James claimed.

"William and his father haven't always appeared to have the closest relationship with one another, but with Kate present the mood between the two men does seem to lighten," she added. According to Marie Claire, Catherine also helped mend fences between William and Charles when she helped organize a photo shoot for the king's 70th birthday, which aided in clearing the air between the father and son.

However, things haven't always been sunny between Catherine and Charles.

In 2017, Prince William revealed that he and Catherine Middleton, Princess of Wales, were looking to raise their children in a very different way than previous young royals. "If I look at my parents' generation, there was a lot more stiff upper lip going on. But behind closed doors, in normal everyday life, we have to be more open and upfront with our feelings and emotions," William said (via Daily Mail). "Catherine and I are clear that we want both George and Charlotte to grow up feeling able to talk about their emotions and feelings."

According to PopSugar, royal biographer Tom Bower claimed that Charles even once felt overshadowed by William and Catherine and their popularity. In addition, the king was said to feel a bit left out and saddened that Catherine's parents appeared to be the favorite grandparents among the Prince and Princess of Wales' children.

However, everything has seemingly worked itself out since those days and Catherine is said to have been a source of great support for Charles during some difficult times.

King Charles III is said to have a "real soft spot" for his daughter-in-law Catherine Middleton (via Now to Love). The monarch reportedly believes that Catherine has been a rock for the royal family during the recent scandals and tragedies that they've endured. "To his surprise, though, this series of unfortunate events has brought him closer to Kate, who's been a real rock for not just William, but Charles as well," says a source, per Woman's World.

"Kate is truly the daughter he never had, and he's grateful for her calming presence in such stressful times," the source added, revealing that he appreciates that Catherine gives him the opportunity to feel like a regular father and grandfather in her presence.

It seems clear that Catherine and Charles have a deep mutual love and respect for one another, which likely helps to create a solid support system and backbone for Prince William as he steps up as the next in line to the throne.