King Charles gives rare grandchildren insight with cheeky comment to ITV star

King Charles recently provided an insight into his family experience with well-known television presenter Declan Donnelly. The monarch spoked with the ITV star at Buckingham Palace ahead of presenting the King's Trust awards ceremony alongisde long-term pal Ant McPartlin.

Dec told HELLO! that the King asked after his children and demonstrated his parental insight. He recounted: "My son is coming up to three; he's a crazy one. 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. He's obviously got experience with that with some of the grandkids I would have thought."

As goodwill ambassadors for the King's Trust, Ant and Dec have worked with the King before. Declan added: "He's great. He's got a twinkle in his eye, he's got a fantastic sense of humour and he's genuinely interested in people.

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"He started the trust in 1976, so to see the fruits of that, almost 50 years on, must be incredibly rewarding for him. And it's done what he set out to do all those years ago."

With five grandchildren – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet – King Charles has ample experience in grandparenting. His affectionate relationship with Prince William's youngest child, Louis, was on full display during this year's Trooping the Colour, reports OK!.

However, the same cannot be said for Archie and Lilibet. The monarch has had limited interactions with the duo since their parents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, relocated to the United States.

It has been reported that Harry and Meghan could play a part in the King's future funeral, with the Telegraph suggesting that plans may incorporate the Sussexes and their offspring into the proceedings.

The proposed plan includes Harry walking alongside Prince William, who is set to become King, during parts of the ceremony.

Royal commentator Victoria Ward has suggested that the funeral could serve as a moment to mend family ties following Harry's move to the USA in early-2020.

She wrote: "Whenever the time comes, the monarch is adamant that his youngest son take his rightful place at the centre of his family, perhaps mindful of that final chance to create family harmony. There is no suggestion that the King's reign will not continue for many more years."

While it might appear odd to deliberate over the King's funeral before its occurrence, it is common practice for royal funerals to be meticulously planned well in advance, even when the reigning monarch is in excellent health.

Earlier this year, during a Buckingham Palace garden party, the King engaged in conversation with 22-year-old Stamford Collis, a fellow cancer patient.

Following their conversation, Stamford revealed that he and the King had spoken about his battles with cancer. He said: "He (the King) was asking me about the treatment I have starting in June and spoke to me about food and diet. He also asked me if I had undergone radiation treatment, which I had earlier this year."

In a later part of their interaction, the King imparted some wisdom to Stamford, advising: "It's sometimes about the diet and what you eat. It can help."