Patient, kind and indulgent - the bond King Charles shares with his grandchildren

Before Charles became king and climbed to the top of the royal ladder, he was the holder of many grand ­titles: Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, Baron of Renfrew, Earl of Carrick, Lord of the Isles and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland.

But there’s one title that’s rather more universal to a man of his age – grand­father. And it’s arguably the one closest to his heart.

Being a granddad brings him great joy, a friend of the king says.