Since stepping up as both the new head of state and new head of the royal family following his mother’s death, King Charles has softened considerably.
Palace insiders say becoming a grandpa initially sparked this change in the monarch – so it’s no surprise to now hear that he is planning an extra-sweet birthday surprise for his youngest grandchild, Princess Lilibet.
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The only daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex turns 2 on June 4. New Idea has exclusively learnt that Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, 41, plan on celebrating with a small get-together at their Montecito mansion.
Although it’s unlikely that the King, 74, will be at the party in person, he plans on giving a gift fit for a princess!
“Charles has had his aides looking at a custom-made cubby house, similar to what the Queen and Princess Margaret had when they were girls,” reveals an insider.
“He wants to give Lili something she will use and be hers. She’ll remember it forever – it’s going to be the ultimate surprise!
“Harry has warned Charles to be less extravagant though.”
Weather pending, the Sussexes will be having a barbecue with a few friends and their kids – and of course Lili’s big brother, Prince Archie.
It’s believed Lili has become fascinated with animals, so her parents might also organise a petting zoo with baby animals.
“No doubt she’ll be getting a truckload of presents. Meghan has fallen in love with Cartier’s absolutely divine music boxes,” says the source.
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“Harry is letting Meghan take charge of most of Lili’s gifts, but he was talking about adding more British books to the nursery that he used to love as a kid, like the Paddington Bear and Frog and Toad series.”
Charles’ gesture for Lilibet’s birthday seemingly confirms new reports that tensions with Harry, 38, have “relaxed”. The pair have been engaged in a slanging match for the best part of the last four years.
We’re told Charles was particularly impressed with Harry’s dedication to attend his coronation and then get home to be with Archie on his 4th birthday, which fell on the same day, in a matter of hours.
Since then, father and son have been in regular contact and FaceTime once a week.
“Charles is so much more relaxed now the coronation is behind him. They’re even starting to laugh again.
“Charles finally has the access to his grandkids that he craved,” adds the source. “Archie and Lili intrigue him, and he has desperately wanted to build a relationship.”
For more, pick up the latest issue of New Idea!
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