King Charles has reportedly reminded Prince William who’s in charge with a pointed message regarding Prince Harry’s potential return to the UK.

As talk swirls around a potential face-to-face meeting between the king and his estranged younger son in September, questions have arisen over who is truly calling the shots behind palace doors: the monarch or the heir.

King Charles ‘message’ to Prince William

Two competing narratives have emerged. One believes that Prince William, 43, is calling the shots on any potential reunion.

However, another argues that King Charles, 76, holds the final authority.

Former royal photographer Ian Pelham Turner is firmly in the second camp.

“In my opinion, the feeling I get is that William is trying to take over the monarchy,” Ian told Express US. “And in reality, Charles is saying, ‘I’m the king. Not you.’”

He added: “What I mean by taking over the monarchy is that he’s become very forceful in any opinion.”

According to Ian, Queen Camilla has recently stepped in behind the scenes to calm rising tensions between father and son.

This comes as reports suggest William is pushing to assert more control within the monarchy.

“I think what is happening at the moment, and this is just my inkling, [is] that she’s seeing William trying to create issues. She’s told Charles to stop it,” Ian speculated.

He noted there has been more speculation suggesting William is “trying to prove he’s the driving force behind the throne”. However, Ian doesn’t share that belief.

He said he thinks “Charles should be”.

King Charles urged to be ‘bigger person’ in Harry ‘rift’

For some time, William and Harry have been locked in an alleged feud.

Some royal experts believe the brothers aren’t even on speaking terms anymore. However, it may be different for Charles.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has emphasised that the king may lead more with his heart than with the crown.

She said she believes “it’s a parent’s job to be the bigger person in every family row”. But she said whether Charles “feels ready to do that is very much open to question”.

As Prince Harry will reportedly return to the UK in September for a WellChild charity event, all eyes are on whether his visit will mark a turning point in the royal family’s long-standing rift.

Royal Insider has contacted reps for Buckingham Palace for comment.