Last year was a real test for the British royal family, facing health battles and emotional challenges head-on. King Charles III had a particularly tough time, what with his cancer diagnosis and the news that his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, was also fighting cancer. In the midst of it all, a royal source has revealed a touching moment when King Charles III shed tears during a heartfelt conversation with a royal.

You might think it would be his wife, Queen Camilla, or his son, Prince William, but it seems the King found the greatest comfort in someone he's known his whole life- his sister, Princess Anne.

Princess Anne: King Charles III's most reliable confidante
According to an unnamed royal aide, Princess Anne's dedication to the royal family really touched Charles. Speaking to Woman's Day Magazine (via the Express), the aide shared that Anne's dedication sparked a highly emotional moment for Charles, who "did break down in tears over her lifelong loyalty to him".

The aide also mentioned that King Charles III, 76, is concerned about his sister feeling she has to keep working because of his health problems. He "can't bear the thought" of Princess Anne, 74, feeling like she can't retire. The royal aide added, "In private, he is simply overjoyed that she'll be there with him until the end."


Despite the emotional moment, Princess Anne kept her sense of humour, telling her brother, "Dry your tears, buck up and get on with the job!" The royal aide also told the outlet that Princess Anne remains King Charles III's "most reliable confidante". "Camilla might be the love of his life, but Anne is his greatest and most reliable confidante...She’s always been there for him, no matter how many times he messed up. She’s more than just a sister to him, she’s someone he’s always been able to lean on and frankly, he simply can’t rule without her by his side," the source claimed.

Even while undergoing cancer treatment, King Charles III maintained his sense of humour. During a royal engagement in the London Borough of Walthamstow in December 2024, when asked how he was feeling, Charles III responded (via the Mirror), "I'm still alive".


Sky News has reported in the past that Charles III's cancer treatment will continue throughout 2025. According to a source, The King "has been moving in a positive direction and as a managed condition the treatment cycle will continue into next year". Despite ongoing treatment, "there is a sense of optimism, which can be seen in The King's desire to keep up a busy schedule of public engagements, including during the festive period".

Princess Anne, known as the "hardest working member of the royals," has publicly vowed to support her brother throughout his reign. When asked about her plans to scale back, the Princess told the Press Association, "I don’t think there’s a retirement program on this particular life...It really isn’t written in, no. It isn’t really an option, no, I don’t think so". Anne's unwavering support and ability to deliver honest truths make her an essential figure in Charles III's life and reign.