Clarence House reacts to the story which claims that 'the intimate circles of the higher echelons of the royal family' acknowledge that Charles has a 'strained' relationship with Prince William and Prince Harry.

• Sep 6, 2018

AceShowbiz - Prince Charles' relationship with his kids is good, despite reports stating otherwise. The Palace has responded to claims that the heir to the throne doesn't get along well with his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. In a rare statement to The Express, Clarence House, the official residence of Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, says the claims are "complete fiction."

The Palace releases the statement after The Daily Beast published a story on Tuesday, September 4, claiming that Charles has a "strained" relationship with his kids. "They are very different people and they just don't get on. It's as simple as that. They rarely see each other outside of official business," a source told the site.

The source also claimed that Charles "hates" when William and Harry partake in public "emoting" about their mother. The siblings have several times talked about their struggles to cope with the loss of their mother, Princess Diana, in interviews as part of their efforts to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

Harry said during the 20th anniversary commemorations of Diana's death in 2017, "My mother had just died, and I had to walk a long way behind her coffin, surrounded by thousands of people watching me while millions more did on television. I don't think any child should be asked to do that, under any circumstances. I don't think it would happen today."

The site reported that the then-young princes spent more time with Diana than they did with Charles after their parents' divorce and were not happy with their father's relationship with Camilla. Following Diana's death, Charles, under the influence of his former adviser Mark Bolland, reportedly used Harry to make him look good.

Those claims, however, could be easily disputed with many pictures of the father and sons together. Back in May, Harry additionally spoke highly of his father on his 70th birthday and was comfortable enough to insert a few jokes.

"Pa, I was again struck by the range and diversity of the work which you are involved with," he said in his speech. "His enthusiasm and energy are truly infectious; it has certainly inspired William and I to get involved in issues we care passionately about and to do whatever we can to make a difference."

"You have inspired William and I, and looking out here today, it is clear to see that we are not alone. You have created an incredible body of work that has, and will continue to make such a huge difference to so many people's lives both here and around the world," he continued, before closing it, "With that, Ladies and Gentlemen, please can I ask you to join me in wishing The Prince of Wales a very Happy Birthday - 6 months ahead of his 70th! How very Royal!"