King Charles feels lack of closeness with Archie and Lilibet 'acutely'

King Charles III feels his lack of closeness with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet "acutely", it has been reported.

The monarch is understood to have told friends that he is keener than ever to have a relationship with his two youngest grandchildren, who now live in America with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Hoping to be more present in their lives, the King is said to be dissatisfied with just seeing Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, via the occasional video call.

Queen Camilla is also reportedly encouraging her husband to increase his efforts in building a relationship with Archie and Lilibet.

Speaking to MailOnline, royal commentator Michael Cole said that the monarch feels a "lack of closeness with his California grandchildren acutely". This is said to be especially present for the monarch given that his own childhood was affected by his parents' long distances on tours of the Commonwealth.

The former BBC royal correspondent said that the King is looking "as happy and as content as I have ever seen him", but that his only regrets are his lack of contact with Archie and Lilibet.

Discussing Archie and Lilibet, Mr Cole said: "In the middle of this unedifying falling-out in the world's most famous family are two innocent young children who are growing up without any real contact with their royal cousins in Britain, not to mention their grandfather, the head of the family, the King, as he undergoes treatment for an unspecified cancer and would welcome the pleasure and comfort of seeing his grandchildren."

Speaking to the publication, the expert added: "With every day precious, the King would like to see as much as possible of all his grandchildren, making use of every opportunity for them to get to know him - equally as important in family terms as for him to enjoy their company. This is very much the case for the King with the Waleses' trio of charming children."

Mr Cole added: "His only regret is that he does not see Archie and Lilibet.

"If there was anything calculated to comfort and delight him, it would be for them to be with him on a regular basis. Unless Harry and Meghan can find in their hearts the love that they say they have for the world and then people in it, apart from her father and most of her family, that looks unlikely."

According to the Mirror, a source recently said: "The King is absolutely committed to being present in all of his grandchildren's lives.

"He values family above everything and whatever the course of his relationship with his son he would never be content with just seeing his grandchildren on the odd video call."

As reported by MailOnline, the King is said to have sent a "heartfelt gift and card" to Princess Lilibet on her third birthday last week.

Prince Harry's relationship with the Royal Family became strained after he stepped down as a senior working royal in 2020.

The Duke then moved to the US with Meghan and their son, Archie - who was less than a year-old at the time.

The couple welcomed their daughter the following year, on June 4, 2021.