Britain’s Prince Charles is reportedly frustrated by the influence Duchess Catherine’s parents have in Prince William’s life.
The 66-year-old heir-to-the-throne is said to feel upset that his son and daughter-in-law – who are expecting their second child together – spend so much time with her parents Michael and Carole Middleton, including a recent holiday to Mustique, while he rarely gets to see his grandson Prince George, 19 months.
He reportedly complained to friends: "They never let me see my grandson."
And a source added to the Daily Mail newspaper: "Carole has rather taken over, dictating when George naps, when and what he eats. All in all, behaving like she’s Queen Carole."
The family have made few, if any, trips to Charles’ Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire over the past year, with insiders speculating William is keen to protect his family from a similar "stiff" upbringing to the one he endured, while Carole is said to not get along particularly well with William’s stepmother Duchess Camilla.
Though William and Catherine have an apartment at London’s Kensington Palace, they spend most of their time at Anmer Hall, their home on Queen Elizabeth’s Sandringham estate, and the duchess’ family are frequent visitors.
The couple broke with tradition at Christmas by opting to stay at home and have lunch with the Middleton family, rather than eating with William’s grandmother and the other royals.
Last month, it was revealed William’s housekeeper and gardener, Amy and Colin Wood, have abruptly quit their posts after just five months and returned to their old roles at Sandringham, and it has been claimed they were unhappy the residence wasn’t run like a "proper royal household".
A source said: "Staff have complained that Anmer is not run like a proper royal household. It is too middle class."
A royal spokesperson refused to comment on the claims.
Asked when Charles last saw George, they said: "We would not comment on the specifics of private arrangements. His Royal Highness enjoys an excellent relationship with his grandson."
Prince Charles frustrated by Middletons
