The tensions between King Charles and Prince William reportedly flared over the family Christmas church walk. The monarch invited Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie to join the Sandringham photo line despite pushback. The Prince of Wales argued the move would spark headlines and distract from the day. Yet the King pressed ahead, an aide says, and the dispute lingered into Boxing Day. The report frames it as a test of authority between the monarch and his heir.
King Charles included nieces in family church walk despite Prince William’s ‘objections,’ per source
As per Rob Shuter’s Substack report dated December 29, 2025, William strongly opposed the invitation. A court insider said, “William said it was a disaster waiting to happen.” The same insider added, “He argued the timing was toxic and that it would hurt everyone involved — especially the sisters.” Advisers had hoped the walk would stay tightly focused on the core working royals.
Nonetheless, the King overruled his heir. One palace source said, “Charles doesn’t like being told what not to do.” Another insider explained, “This quickly became about authority.” A third source said, “He made the call even knowing William objected.” The decision spotlighted a long-running, father-son debate about who sets the tone for public moments.
Traditionally, the Sandringham walk is planned to the minute. Therefore, the inclusion of his nieces signaled a broader tent, not a narrow balcony. Supporters of the Prince of Wales favor a tight lineup that emphasizes the future. Backers of the monarch prefer family unity in full view. As a result, the narrative around tensions between Prince William and King Charles gained traction as both strategies clashed in real time. For watchers, the dispute between Prince William and King Charles over the church walk with nieces became the day’s main subplot.
Behind the scenes, the dynamic remains tense. One insider told the outlet, “Charles actually has more trouble with William than Harry.” The same source said, “Harry walked away. William stayed — and challenges him.” For now, both sides are pressing ahead with early 2026 diaries. Yet the episode suggests the next phase of the monarchy will hinge on how the King and the Prince of Wales share control, not only on how they share the spotlight.
