Prince William has 'drawn a distinct line between himself and King Charles'

Prince William has "drawn a distinct line between himself and King Charles" in fatherhood, a royal commentator has claimed.

The Prince of Wales celebrates his 44th birthday today, coinciding with millions of Britons who are also celebrating Father's Day.

William, who bookends one of the busiest weeks in the royal calendar with events such as Trooping the Colour, the Order of the Garter and Royal Ascot, is expected to spend the day celebrating with his family at home.

And on the double celebration, royal expert Jennie Bond told The Mirror that Catherine "will need no excuse" to make a fuss of her husband today.

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She believes the heir to the throne has established himself as a genuinely involved father, a marked difference from what he was accustomed to.

"Unlike in many previous royal marriages, William is a really hands-on Dad, helping with the chaos of morning routines, doing the school runs, joining in the children's games," she explained.

The commentator believes it is in parenthood that William has categorically distanced himself from his father, approaching a much more involved approach than the King.

"This is where he has drawn a distinct line between himself and his father. Not that Charles was a bad parent, but he was often an absent parent because his work diary is always crammed," Mrs Bond said.

She added that William has made "the conscious and unabashed choice to put his children first whenever humanly possible" despite facing some criticism for this approach.

"William and Catherine have seemed closer than ever and more open about their feelings since her cancer diagnosis," she continued, adding that the Princess has spoken publicly about how much she valued her husband's support throughout her treatment.

The commentator described the Princess of Wales as "the lynchpin of the family", who is often responsible for "organising the diary and sorting out the kids' needs and activities".

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"He and Catherine seem like equal partners in a relationship where, by dint of his birth, he could act as if they weren't," she said. "In fact, they don’t just seem like equal partners, I think they are — and perhaps William is more dependent on Catherine than the other way round.

"But she has been open about how much she has valued and needed his support throughout her cancer journey, and that huge shock in their lives has undoubtedly cemented their love and strengthened their marriage."

Undoubtedly, presents will be in order for William, who celebrates both his birthday and Father's Day simultaneously.

"What you get for a man who has everything is anyone’s guess," she added. "But I expect the children found some wacky, funny presents for him."

Mrs Bond poignantly concluded: "William has often said that his mother is in his thoughts almost every day, and on his birthday, that was probably truer than ever."

As for his estranged brother, Harry, the story is different – he simply "isn't on his radar any more".

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are due to return to the UK as a family for the first time in over four years next month – though it appears unlikely that there will be any reconciliation between the two brothers.

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