Kate Middleton’s relationship with King Charles is stronger than ever – but insiders tell RadarOnline.com their closeness may be unsettling others within the royal household.

The Princess of Wales, 43, has been widely praised for her composure during a year of personal and institutional turbulence, and palace aides say she has become one of the king’s most trusted allies. Yet with tensions already running high between Charles, 76, and his eldest son Prince William, 43, as well as long-standing unease with Queen Camilla, 78, the dynamic risks creating further fault lines.

King Charles Sees Kate Middleton As The Daughter He Never Had

Photo of Kate Middleton and King Charles

Source: MEGAInsiders said Charles spoke of Middleton as the daughter he never had.

One courtier claimed: “Charles depends on Catherine more than most realize. He values her composure, her sense of discretion, and her steadiness. He has even spoken of her as the daughter he never had. But such closeness isn’t coming without consequences – it stirs unease in other quarters.”

The strain comes amid a delicate period for the monarchy. Earlier this year, Charles met his younger son, Prince Harry, 41, in London for the first time in 19 months.

Harry’s estranged older brother William was said to be deeply unhappy about the encounter, which took place against his wishes, and relations between the brothers remain at rock bottom.

Uneasy Ties with Camilla

Photo of Kate Middleton, Queen Camilla and King Charles

Source: MEGACamilla once dismissed Middleton as not worthy of the royal family.

At the same time, William and Middleton’s relationship with Camilla has long been described as “complicated.”

Royal biographer Christopher Andersen previously said Camilla once dismissed Middleton as “not worthy” for the royal family due to her upper-middle-class background and questioned her suitability to become Queen.

Another insider claimed Camilla was uneasy about the prospect of eventually handing ceremonial responsibilities to her step-daughter-in-law.

A royal source said: “The reality is that Camilla never pictured Catherine as the one carrying the crown forward.”