Why King Charles was ‘reduced to tears’ over Prince William’s comments about the future

Charles was deeply touched

King Charles has previously been left quietly emotional after hearing a heartfelt comment from his eldest son Prince William about the future of the monarchy.

William inherited his father’s estate, the Duchy of Cornwall, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, stepping into a role Charles himself held for more than five decades as Prince of Wales.

But years earlier, in 2019, the then-Prince Charles admitted he was moved to tears after watching a conversation William had about one day taking over the vast estate.

King Charles was moved by William’s comments (Credit: Tayfun Salci/ZUMA Press/Cover Images)

Prince William’s comment that left King Charles in tears

The touching moment featured in the ITV documentary Prince Charles: Inside the Duchy of Cornwall, which offered viewers a rare insight into Charles’ working life and his role as a father.

During the programme, William was seen chatting with Mervyn Keeling, a second-generation tenant of the Duchy.

Reflecting on the importance of continuity and family, William said: “I think it’s important, Mervyn, about the family angle. I really do.”

He then went on to acknowledge his own responsibilities, adding: “I’ve started to think about how I will inherit the Duchy one day and what I do.”
William spoke about his future (Credit: SplashNews.com)

‘It reduced me to tears’

Watching his son speak so thoughtfully about the future struck a deep chord with Charles.

Speaking candidly in the documentary, he said: “When I saw it, I couldn’t believe it.

“I was deeply touched and moved by what he said. Frankly, it reduced me tears.”

Charles then reflected on what the moment meant to him personally, adding: “It did, really, because I suddenly thought, well, just hearing that from him has made the last 50 years worthwhile.”

What is the Duchy of Cornwall?

The Duchy of Cornwall is a vast royal estate covering around 130,000 acres across 23 counties in England and Wales and is valued at more than £1 billion. It was created in 1337 by King Edward III to provide financial support for the monarch’s heir.

Since taking on the role, Prince William has reportedly earned praise from royal sources for “fully immersing himself” in the Duchy’s management and long-term vision.

I was deeply touched and moved by what he said. Frankly, it reduced me tears.

Unlike salaried positions, working members of the royal family do not receive traditional incomes. Instead, the Duchy funds William’s official and private expenses.

This income helps cover household costs, staff wages, travel, charitable work, and the Prince and Princess of Wales’s royal duties.

William is understood to pay income tax on the money he receives after official and domestic expenses, although the precise figures are not made public.