Prince Charles Likes Meghan Markle More Than Kate Middleton?

Kate Middleton may have been in the royal family for several years, but it appears Prince Charles may have a stronger connection to his newest daughter-in-law, Meghan Markle. A new report is claiming the Prince of Wales has a special daughter-like “bond” with the 37-year-old Duchess of Sussex.

In OK! Magazine’s Dec. 3 print issue of its U.S. edition, a source reveals the 70-year-old royal has found a soft spot in his heart for Meghan since her wedding to his youngest son, Prince Harry. At the momentous royal wedding this past spring, Charles stepped in for Meghan’s father during the ceremony, an event which changed their relationship. A palace insider tells the magazine that “the two have grown close ever since he walked her down the aisle.”

The tabloid added that since Prince Charles, who is a “genuine father figure” to Meghan, has “weathered his fair share of scandals” he has been “by Meghan’s side” as she battles her own family issues in the public eye.

“Harry is very protective of Meghan, but Charles would also do anything for her,” said a source. “He admires the way she’s handled all of this with grace, and although she’s resilient, Meghan knows that she can lean on Charles whenever she needs to.”

Despite being able to call his son Prince William’s wife, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, his daughter-in-law for years, the insider went on to add that to Charles, Meghan is “like the daughter he never had.”

While the report is unclear about the Prince’s feelings towards Middleton, is has been reported that has has a very close bond to his three grandchildren. Life & Style Magazine shared last week that the royal and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, enjoy spending “a fortune” on gifts for William and Kate’s children Prince George, 5; Princess Charlotte, 3; and Prince Louis, 6 months.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex is currently pregnant with her first child. She and Prince Harry are due to welcome their little one in the spring.