The bond between King Charles and Princess Kate has strengthened into a close-knit relationship in recent over the years. Supporting each other through recent hardships, it is clear she has become a beloved daughter-in-law.
Kate first met Charles when she began dating Prince William during their university years, and was initially apprehensive about the introduction. When asked about meeting the royal family during her engagement interview, she recalled: "I was quite nervous about meeting William's father, but he was very, very welcoming, very friendly, it couldn't have gone easier really for me." With the King once describing Kate as his "darling daughter-in-law", their mutual admiration and respect are undeniable.
© WireImageThe pair also shared a deep connection following their respective cancer diagnoses in early 2024, offering steadfast support to one another. Kate announced she was in remission in January 2025, and in December of that year, Charles shared an update on his treatment during a Stand Up to Cancer broadcast, revealing that his "schedule of cancer treatment can be reduced in the New Year." Having two senior royals navigate the disease at the same time was not easy for the family, but in turn, it made their friendship even stronger.
So let's take a look at Kate and Charles's sweetest moments through the years...
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© AFP via Getty ImagesLaughing at jokes
Princess Kate was seen warmly smiling over at King Charles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour 2026...one can only wonder what was said!
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© Getty ImagesWarm greeting
At the Duchess of Kent's funeral on 16 September 2025, Princess Kate shared a sweet embrace with King Charles at Westminster Cathedral in London.
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© GettyA shared love of art
The camaraderie between Charles and his daughter-in-law was very much apparent on a visit to Dulwich Picture Gallery.
The pair enjoyed a giggle as they got involved with the arts and crafts.
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© GettyA kiss for Kate!
Photographers captured the sweet greeting between Kate and Charles as they arrived at the world premiere of James Bond: No Time To Die in September 2021.
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© GettyPrivate jokes
We love this shot of Charles, William and Kate laughing together during a visit to Dumfries House in 2013. Oh to be a fly on the wall!
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© GettyA warm greeting
The Princess greeted her father-in-law warmly as the royal family attended the Passchendaele Commemorations in Ypres, Belgium in 2017.
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© GettyA joint outing
The Princess joined Charles and Camilla for a joint engagement at Trinity Buoy Wharf in London - a training site for arts and culture.
HELLO! understands that Kate was invited to join the visit by her father-in-law, Charles, in recognition of their shared interest and longstanding support of the arts and creative industries.
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© GettyBuckingham Palace garden party
In fact, Kate joined Charles and Camilla at a number of engagements when Prince William was working away as a search and rescue pilot.
The trio looked like they had the best time at a Buckingham Palace garden party in 2012.
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© GettyGrandpa Charles
The Duchess also joined Charles and Camilla at another garden party a year later, when she was expecting her first child, Prince George.
Charles is grandfather to the Wales's three children, George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
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© GettyA royal family outing
The Waleses carried out a rare engagement with Charles and Camilla in February 2020 as they visited the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) in Loughborough.
The King always seems to make Kate giggle in public.
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© GettyA right royal Christmas
Charles and Kate were spotted deep in conversation as they left the annual church service together in Sandringham on Christmas Day in 2014.
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© GettyGarter Day
Kate was captured beaming at her father-in-law as they shared a carriage in Windsor to mark Garter Day in 2014.
The Order of the Garter is the senior and oldest British Order of Chivalry, founded by Edward III in 1348.
Membership in the order is limited to the King, the Prince of Wales, and no more than twenty-four members.
