Inside the relationships at the heart of the monarchy as King separating public and private family members

Svar Nanan-Sen
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 23:02:01 +0000

Senior members of the Royal Family came together this week to mark what would have been Queen Elizabeth II's centenary, a celebration that highlighted the enduring familial ties binding the institution together.

The commemorations on Tuesday brought working royals to the forefront, with King Charles and Queen Camilla leading emotional tributes across the capital and the close connections between family members were clearly visible.

The tone struck throughout the day's events appeared deliberately understated, allowing the focus to remain on remembering Queen Elizabeth II rather than grand displays of pageantry.

This approach reflected the late Queen's own preference for quiet dignity over ostentation, a quality her son has sought to maintain since ascending to the throne.

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Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, speaking exclusively to GB News, emphasised the importance of the personal relationships between members of Royal Family: "The bonds are very strong. The institution is a unique one; it is a special one, with a religious element to it."

He noted that though the monarchy remains one of the most scrutinised institutions globally, the intense public spotlight actually reinforces family unity.

Mr Fitzwilliams continued: "It is in the most fierce public gaze. What you normally find is that you get a tremendous sense of family when everybody knows that every single thing they do is going to be analysed in the press.

The royal commentator stressed that support networks extend beyond professional advisers and palace staff.

He said: "You need people to rely on and fall back on, not just courtiers whose job it is, but also your family, because you have grown up with them and you have shared the ups and downs.

“This is at the heart of the Royal Family, especially given the ferocious pressure they are under. This is what binds them together, alongside the sense of duty, which the late Queen personified."

Robert Hardman, author of Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. The Inside Story, reflected on the measured approach taken during Tuesday's commemorations.

Mr Hardman told GB News: "Normally they come together at big state occasions or the birthday parade but this was a celebration.

"The way they did it, it wasn't triumphalism, it wasn't over the top, it was very much a family day of happy and proud reflection."

King Charles and Queen Camilla travelled to the British Museum, accompanied by the Prime Minister, to view the finalised design for the national memorial dedicated to the late Queen.

The visit concluded with a reception in the Great Hall, where the royal couple met representatives from organisations across the United Kingdom involved in bringing the memorial projects to completion.

Earlier that day, Buckingham Palace released an intimate address from the King, recorded at Balmoral Castle's Library in early April.

The Scottish residence held particular significance, given it was where Queen Elizabeth II spent her final days before passing away in September 2022.

In his speech, the King described the occasion as an opportunity for his family to "reflect on the life and loss of a Sovereign who meant so much to us all and to celebrate anew the many blessings of her memory."

He fondly recalled "that marvellous twinkle of the eye” in the final months of her life.

The Marble Hall at Buckingham Palace hosted a special reception where the King and Queen welcomed centenarians celebrating their own milestone birthdays alongside delegates from organisations the late monarch had supported, including Cancer Research UK, the British Red Cross Society and the Jockey Club.

An official photograph captured eleven working royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince Edward and the Duchess of Edinburgh.

Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra completed the gathering.

Notably absent was Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, 66, who has withdrawn from public life following his association with Jeffrey Epstein and subsequent removal of his remaining royal titles.

His exclusion reflected King Charles's long-held conviction that only working members of the monarchy should appear at official events.

Robert Hardman explained to GB News that this approach of highlighting only those undertaking official duties has become an established pattern under the current reign.

Mr Hardman said: "It has become a trend; it was one of the things the keen was very keen to do. Just focusing on the working royals.”

He added: "There is no sense that Zara [Tindall], Peter [Phillips] and the rest are any less loved but they are private members of the private family. At official events, you are only going to see working royals. That is the slimmed-down monarchy."

The royal biographer also highlighted the delicate balance senior royals must maintain between institutional responsibilities and personal loyalties.

Mr Hardman said: "For the monarch and the top of the family, there has always been this dual mindset. They are a family like any other family and they look after their own, but at the same time, the first loyalty is to the institution."

This month, it was revealed that some Royal Family members have been quietly supporting Andrew during his period of isolation.

Prince Edward journeyed to the Sandringham Estate over the Easter weekend to check on his brother.

The Duke of Edinburgh brought his wife, Sophie, along for the visit to Wood Farm, where Andrew had been staying temporarily.

This marked the first time any member of the Royal Family had visited Andrew since his move to Norfolk.

Andrew was arrested on February 19, facing allegations of misconduct in public office relating to his former role as Britain's trade envoy.

He has consistently maintained his innocence and believes he will ultimately be cleared of any wrongdoing.

Last year, King Charles demanded that his brother withdraw entirely from public life and relocate from Royal Lodge in Windsor to the Sandringham estate.

Prince Edward took on the role of family mediator, attempting to bridge the gap between his brothers.

Andrew has since moved to Marsh Farm, a five-bedroom Victorian property located approximately two miles from the main Sandringham House.

Having stood empty for roughly five years before Andrew's arrival, the property underwent significant renovation work, including new carpets, satellite television installation, high-speed internet connectivity and security fencing.

Princess Anne has also reportedly reached out to Andrew in recent weeks, prompted by concerns about his well-being following his arrest earlier this year.

Richard Fitzwilliams told GB News that support for Andrew extends beyond the visits that have been made public.

He said: "We know Princess Anne took an interest in his welfare. We don't know who is reaching out over the telephone. Just the physical presence is one thing, but other members could be ringing him frequently."

However, Mr Fitzwilliams noted the challenges Andrew presents when it comes to any public rehabilitation.

The royal commentator observed: "The problem is that he does not appear capable of behaving publicly; when he has made a public appearance, it has done him harm."

Mr Hardman added regarding royals reaching out to the former Duke of York: "Sophie and Edward are compassionate, Andrew is still blood and at the lowest point he has ever been.”

He also drew a comparison with the late Queen's approach to family difficulties: "The late Queen was a Christian soul, and she had the capacity to, if not to forgive then at least understand people in difficult situations."

Robert Hardman also addressed the situation facing Andrew's daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who have been keeping a low profile amid their father's difficulties.

Mr Hardman told the People’s Channel: "You have got to watch the optics, no one is blaming Beatrice and Eugenie for what their father has been up to, but nonetheless, the best thing for them is to keep a low profile.

“We will see less of them in royal situations, as when they turn up at something, people will start asking questions.

"They have got their own families and their own lives. They both have houses on the royal estate, so they will probably want to keep their heads down."

The royal biographer explained to GB News why King Charles himself cannot offer similar support to his younger brother at present.

Mr Hardman said: "At the moment, he can't due to legal jeopardy. Andrew is under police investigation and the King cannot have anything to do with Andrew while Andrew is subject to legal proceedings. He can't go near it."

This constitutional barrier means that while Edward, Sophie and Anne can provide support to the former Duke of York, the head of state must maintain complete separation from his sibling until the legal process reaches its conclusion.