If there’s one picture that will turn Prince Charles’ image around for his last remaining naysayers who still cling to the outdated (and entirely baseless) belief that he’s a remote father who puts more time and effort into saving the planet than he does into his sons and grandchildren, then this is it.
WATCH: The adorable footage of the Prince playing with Duchess Camilla’s grandchildren in the player above
For the new documentary to celebrate the Prince of Wales’ 70th birthday has thrown up the most adorable picture of the Prince with his youngest grandson, Prince Louis and frankly, we’re in love.
The chubby cheeks, the entirely squishable thighs and those glorious elbow dimples.
Prince Louis, you are divine. And judging by the adoring way Grandpa Wales is gazing at you, your royal grandfather certainly thinks so too.
READ MORE: The sweetest thing Prince Charles does with his grandchildren will make you melt.
WATCH: Prince Charles buying presents for his grandchildren in Vanuatu. Story continues below…
The new image of Prince Louis, third child to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who is pictured cradling her youngest son while Prince Charles gently coos and caresses the royal baby’s hand, came to light in the eagerly-awaited airing in the UK last night of the BBC production Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70.
It’s believed the candid snap was taken at Prince Louis’ christening in July.
READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE Woman’s Weekly 70th birthday interview with Prince Charles
The doting grandfather is besotted with his youngest grandchild! (Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Prince Charles is said to adore the eight grandchildren he shares with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. (Image: Getty Images)
Taken in the garden of Clarence House, the Prince’s London residence which he inherited following the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, the sweet family image of the Royals at play shows Duchess Catherine wearing a polka dot navy and white dress while Prince Louis is dressed for the sunny day in pale blue shorts and a white shirt.
Grandpa Wales, as the Prince’s three grandchildren by Prince William call him, is dapper in a navy pinstripe suit and seems oblivious to the photographer who recorded the intimate shot as he plays with his youngest grandchild.
The delight across the Prince’s face as he takes Prince Louis’s hand in his is just delightful!
WATCH: Prince Charles at 70 explains his vision as King
Story continues below…
Later on in the candid documentary, we see a side to Prince Charles that is largely hidden from public view as he plays with little Lola, granddaughter of his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
The Prince is pictured swinging Lola, daughter of the Duchess’s son Tom Parker Bowles, around by her arms in what is believed to be Ray Mill, the private house belonging to the Duchess in Wiltshire.
Duchess Camilla’s daughter Laura Lopes and daughter-in-law, Sara Parker Bowles can be seen in the background of the sweet picture.
The Prince playing with little Lola Parker Bowles, granddaughter of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. (Image: BBC/Clarence House)
Together, Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla have eight grandchildren, and the Duchess says in the documentary that her husband is “wonderful” with all of them.
“He will get down on his knees and crawl about with them for hours, you know making funny noises and laughing and my grandchildren adore him, absolutely adore him. He reads Harry Potter and he can do all the different voices and I think children really appreciate that,” says the Duchess.
Prince Charles is sure to be eagerly awaiting the birth of his fourth grandchild by his sons when baby Sussex arrives in April. (Image: Getty Images)
But while the Prince’s eldest son, Prince William told the documentary makers that Pa, as the Wales boys call their father, is “brilliant” with the grandchildren and will no doubt be the same for the Sussex baby believed to be due in April next year, he wishes that the workaholic Prince could spend more time with them.
“It’s something I’m working more heavily on, put it that way. I think he does have time for it, but I would like him to have more time with the children,” the 36-year-old says. “I think he’s… now he’s reached his 70th year it’s a perfect time to consolidate a little bit because as most families would do, you are worried about having them around and making sure their health’s okay. And he’s the fittest man I know but equally I want him to be fit until he’s 95 you know going on.”
READ MORE: The adorable nickname Prince George has for Prince Charles
The Prince of Wales turns 70 on November 14. (Image: Getty Images)
“So, having more time with him at home would be lovely, and being able to you know play around with the grandchildren. Because when he’s there, he’s brilliant. but we need him there as much as possible.”
We’re with Prince William. Sir, seeing the joy on your face as you spend time with the next generation of Royals means we’re all for you taking as much time as possible to be Grandpa Wales!
