King Charles III showed his warm, personal side during a candid exchange with TV presenter Declan Donnelly at Buckingham Palace, revealing just how deeply he cherishes his role as a grandfather to five royal children.
The touching conversation took place ahead of the prestigious King’s Trust Awards, where Declan and his long-time co-host Ant McPartlin were present in their roles as goodwill ambassadors for the foundation.
A Genuine Moment of Connection
In an interview with Hello! Magazine, Declan, often known simply as Dec, shared a memorable moment with the King. During their conversation, Charles inquired about Dec’s son, who is nearing his third birthday—a question that sparked laughter and mutual understanding.
“‘My son is coming up to three, he’s a crazy one,’” Dec recalled telling the monarch.
“The King said, ‘Is he one of these who jumps and dives bombs in the pool and sinks at the bottom?’ Yeah, that’s him.”
Dec noted how the King’s humorous yet insightful comment clearly reflected personal experience, hinting at the King’s playful interactions with his own grandchildren.
“He’s obviously got experience with that—some of the grandkids, I would have thought,” Dec said with a smile.
A Devoted Grandfather of Five
King Charles is grandfather to Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—the children of Prince William and Princess Kate—as well as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, the children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
His bond with the royal grandchildren, especially Prince Louis, was on full display during this year’s Trooping the Colour ceremony, where their shared smiles and interactions captured hearts around the world.
However, Charles’ opportunities to spend time with Archie and Lilibet have been more limited due to the Sussex family’s residence in the United States. Despite the physical distance, the monarch has occasionally expressed a desire for closer ties with all of his grandchildren.
Family at the Heart of the Monarchy
The King’s interaction with Dec reflects more than just small talk—it highlights a monarch who finds common ground with others through shared experiences of family life, parenting, and grandparenting. His ability to connect on such a human level is a reminder that behind the crown is a grandfather who understands the joyful chaos that young children can bring.
As the royal family continues to evolve, King Charles remains grounded in personal values—especially when it comes to family, legacy, and the laughter shared with little ones.
