Prince William "never wants Charles to abdicate", however, he does want "more control" over the monarchy, sources have claimed.
Friends of the Prince of Wales have opened up about reported tensions between the King and his son, but are adamant that their relationship is "not destructive".
A source also claimed that William would “respect” his father’s “rank”, unlike Prince Harry who “would not do as (he) was told”.
A former Palace employee admitted that the King and his son have different work/life balances, claiming: “William and Kate would do things like give you two weeks off if your father died, while Charles’s office has a more workaholic vibe.”
Prince William 'never wants Charles to abdicate' but wants 'more control' over the monarchy
Getty
He added he would like to avoid spreading himself too “thin” and ending up with “loads of causes that you sort of turn up and keep an eye on”.
King Charles's friends refuted any suggestions of a feud, claiming: “Charles absolutely wants William to plough his own furrow, he is encouraged to do so, just as he was.”
However, a former Buckingham Palace staffer said: “I am sure they will butt heads as Charles is allergic to anyone telling him what to do, and William is not exactly famed for his subtlety.
Prince William wants to go a 'step further' than his family
PA
"But I think it is broadly seen as a productive rivalry, rather than a destructive one, because William respects his father’s ‘rank’ as head of The Firm.
"Ultimately the monarchy is a hierarchical structure based on military principles, and when push comes to shove, you have to obey orders from your superiors.
"That’s what William and Kate understand, and Harry and Meghan could never accept. They would not do as they were told.”
The Prince of Wales's friends insisted that the 41-year-old would not want to become King while his children were still young.
Prince William and King Charles on Remembrance Sunday 2023
PA
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Prince William currently has three children under the age of 11
PAA friend of William’s told The Daily Beast: “William and Catherine have three children under the age of 11, so that is very much their focus right now.
"William neither expects nor wants Charles ever to abdicate.”
Another friend of the Prince and Princess of Wales said: “Of course William expects to be given more influence and control as the years go by.
"That’s how it works. It’s total rubbish to suggest that means they are at each other’s throats.”
GB News has approached Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace for comment.