Monarch’s Visit to Staffordshire Showcased Amid Royal Family Rift Speculation
Buckingham Palace has released a new video of King Charles III, accompanied by a statement, following explosive claims from a former royal aide about Prince William and Harry’s strained relationship.
The statement was issued just hours after Jason Knauf, a former royal staffer, alleged on 60 Minutes Australia that the royal brothers remain "at war with one another," with unresolved tensions lingering. Knauf also suggested that the Duke of Sussex continues to face "indirect attacks."
In what appeared to be a shift in focus, the Palace shared footage of King Charles’ visit to Staffordshire, where he celebrated the 80th anniversary of JCB. The video, posted on the royal family’s official social media accounts, highlighted the monarch’s engagements with employees, apprentices, and long-serving staff.
The statement accompanying the footage read:
"The King visits @jcbmachines World Headquarters in Rocester as they celebrate 80 years! Founded in 1945, JCB remains a family business, employing 7,500 people across the UK. The King toured the factory floor, meeting apprentices, long-serving employees, and their families."
It also noted Charles’ meeting with 100-year-old Ken Harrison, the last known survivor of the original backhoe production team from 1953. The King also explored JCB’s latest hydrogen-powered machinery, developed by a team of 150 engineers.
The video showcased a lighthearted moment during the King’s visit to Tower Brewery in Burton upon Trent, where he pulled a pint of Gone for a Burton, a traditional British beer. Engaging with the brewery owner, John Mills, Charles joked before taking a sip, saying, “To your very good health.”
While the Palace did not directly address Knauf’s remarks, the release of the video and statement appeared to divert attention back to the King’s engagements, reinforcing his role amid continued speculation over the royal family’s internal tensions.
