Tribute to Prince William at Windsor Banquet
King Charles delivered an emotional tribute to his son, Prince William, during a lavish state banquet at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. Notably absent from his speech was any mention of Prince Harry, his estranged younger son.
The 76-year-old king addressed the Prince and Princess of Wales as he and Queen Camilla hosted French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Bridget. The evening saw over 150 special guests in attendance.
Standing up to speak, Charles shared a heartfelt message filled with humor and tender references to William and Catherine’s family. He commended his eldest son’s choice to establish a family home in Windsor, pointing out how special it is given the castle’s historic significance.
“The castle we gathered at tonight was begun in 1070 by my ancestors, including William of Normandy,” Charles noted. “It’s the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.”
He added, “It seems fitting that the Prince of Wales, who shares the name William, has made Windsor home with his family, akin to many of our ancestors.”
In his touching address, Charles also celebrated the enduring friendship between England and France. However, Harry, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 alongside wife Meghan Markle and relocated to Montecito, California, was not mentioned.
This omission might reflect the ongoing tensions within the royal family, particularly given the prolonged disputes. Recently, Harry expressed a desire for reconciliation with his father but indicated that the king does not communicate with him.
Harry, known for founding the Invictus Games, indicated that he forgives the royal family for past disagreements and believes that life is too precious to continue fighting.
William established Adelaide Cottage as the family’s primary residence in Windsor Great Park in 2022. He, Princess Catherine, and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—typically reside there but frequently visit their home at Kensington Palace.
Previously, their family lived in Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, a space once occupied by Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon after their wedding in 1960. Adelaide Cottage is conveniently located near Rumbrook School in Berkshire, where their children are currently enrolled.
