THE biography of Kate Middleton uncovers a tense disagreement earlier this year between King Charles III and Prince William over the safety of royal family helicopter travel.

In Catherine, Princess of Wales, an upcoming book by journalist Robert Jobson, it is revealed that King Charles (75) voiced concerns to Prince William (42) about his use of helicopters to transport Kate Middleton and their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. This sparked a notable clash between the monarch and his son.

According to a report by The Daily Mail, an excerpt from Jobson’s book claims King Charles raised his concerns after being diagnosed with cancer in February 2024.

The biography alleges that King Charles insisted William, a seasoned pilot, sign a formal document acknowledging the risks associated with such travel and accepting full responsibility for his decisions amidst their disagreement.

The King’s concerns mirror those of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who had previously urged William not to fly with his family by helicopter. The Queen was particularly anxious about their 185-kilometer flights from Kensington Palace to their former residence at Anmer Hall in Norfolk. A former aide, quoted in the book, revealed the Queen was “haunted” by the 1967 helicopter crash that claimed the life of her flight captain, which influenced her views on the matter.

Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on private conversations or the King’s opinions but emphasized that royal travel decisions prioritize safety and security.

Kate Middleton’s Role as the Family Mediator

Elsewhere in the book, Kate Middleton (42), who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, is praised for her pivotal role in easing tensions between Prince William and King Charles.

A source close to the royals told Jobson that Kate is “someone who always tries to see both sides of every disagreement” and is regarded as the emotionally mature anchor in her relationship with William.

King Charles reportedly values Kate’s positive influence on William. “I believe the King recognizes Catherine as a stabilizing force for the entire family. He loves and deeply appreciates everything she does,” a royal aide is quoted as saying.

Catherine, Princess of Wales is set for release on August 6.