What a month it’s been for anti-Semitism, oy vey. Kanye West has been saying all kinds of bigoted crap about Jewish people for weeks now, but don’t forget that he’s also really racist against Black people. In addition to all of his anti-Semitism, he was on video this weekend, repeating the lie about how George Floyd died from fentanyl, not a police officer’s knee strangling him. The Floyd family is now considering suing Kanye. I hope they do. In the same interview – it was Revolt TV’s “Drink Champs” – Kanye made some disturbing statements about Kim Kardashian’s Christianity and how she’s being influenced by Jewish people, and I honestly believe that Kanye thinks Pete Davidson is Jewish.

The real pièce de résistance of this sh-tshow was Donald Trump suddenly chiming in on Kanye. Please remember, Kanye’s support of all things Trump was the beginning of the end. Kanye got one look at that stupid MAGA hat and he turned into a bigoted death cultist. Well, Trump was also spreading anti-Semitic hate speech all weekend (on Truth Social) and then he sent people out to bash Kanye.

Kanye West’s ongoing public meltdown and antisemitic outbursts have become too extreme even for the famous rapper’s most unapologetic, scandal-prone backers. This now includes the leader of the Republican Party, who used to brag that West was “a friend of mine for a long time.”

In the days since West punctuated his recent tirades by posting to Twitter that he planned to go “death con 3” on “JEWISH PEOPLE,” former President Donald Trump has told multiple people that West is acting too “crazy” and that he needs some professional “help,” according to two sources with knowledge of the matter.

Trump has also privately signaled that it’s best if he keeps his mouth shut about West for now — an atypical move for the ex-president who has long relished sharing his unsolicited opinions on celebrity news and A-list tabloid gossip. Trump’s distance from West is strategic — and not rooted in any objection moral objection, the president made clear implicitly on Sunday. Posting to his struggling social media platform Truth Social, Trump berated American Jewish voters over an alleged lack of gratitude to him. “No President has done more for Israel than I have,” Trump wrote. “Somewhat surprisingly, however, our wonderful Evangelicals are far more appreciative of this than the people of the Jewish faith, especially those living in the U.S.”

But even as he lashes out wildly on social media, Trump has thus far kept a calculated distance from the Trump-backing hip-hop artist in the aftermath of the “JEWISH PEOPLE” tweet and also West’s display of “White Lives Matter” attire. It is unclear if there has been any private communication in recent days between West and Trump.

[From Rolling Stone]

During the 2020 election, it was clear that Kanye and Trump were rarely in direct contact, but they worked together through intermediaries like Jared Kushner. Which is still election fraud, although no one ever investigated or charged Kanye or his campaign with anything. Kanye’s “presidential run” was a Republican ratf–king operation, orchestrated at a pretty high level in the Trump White House. Meaning, I’m curious if Kanye realizes that, and if he’s going to mouth off about the Kushners and Trumps now that they’re cutting him off.

Also: after being suspended or banned from Twitter, Instagram and Meta, Kanye is now reportedly buying Parler, that social media platform for Nazis. Sounds about right.

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Backgrid, Fox News.

India is making a lot of noise right now about the Koh-i-noor diamond, which was stolen from India in the 19th century. Currently, the infamous diamond is part of the Queen Consort’s crown, last worn by Queen Consort Elizabeth, wife of King George VI. She wore the Koh-i-noor during her husband’s coronation and for official outings during his reign. Currently, Britain is trying to hammer out a massive trade deal with India and Indian diplomats are making a lot of noise about the diamond and how it should NOT be worn by Camilla at her husband’s coronation. Officially, then, Charles and Camilla have to make a big show of being “concerned” and “conscious of the history,” which is why we’re getting pieces like this:

The Koh-i-Noor diamond, which has been part of the Crown Jewels for more than 150 years, is at the centre of renewed calls for its return – with India the most diplomatically-critical country making a claim to it. As the new King and Queen Consort plan for a Coronation unlike any other before them, it is the very last thing they will want to take centre stage.

The diamond, which is often said to have been “given” to Britain in 1849, is currently set in the crown worn by Queen Elizabeth, later the Queen Mother, in her own 1937 coronation.

One source last night suggested that the jewel had not, until recently, been treated as “problematic”. But, they said, aides were particularly alert to moving with the times.

“The Coronation has deliberately been kept quite unplanned, unlike the Bridges programme [for the late Queen’s death] to ensure it can best reflect the climate at the time at which it happens,” they said. “Now is when the planning will begin in earnest, and people at the palace will be acutely aware of and wanting to reflect tradition whilst being sensitive to the issues around today. At this stage it’s entirely possible that the Koh-i-Noor will be in or out. Bluntly, people will be wondering whether they really want a row over a diamond right now.”

A separate source told the Daily Mail that the King was “acutely sensitive” to the issue, with advisors having “significant nervousness” around using the crown jewel.

William Dalrymple, co-author of a book describing the Koh-i-Noor as “the world’s most infamous diamond” said its ownership was “not a small sensitive issue in the eyes of India” but a “massive diplomatic grenade”.

[From The Telegraph]

Keep in mind, all of this hand-wringing and performative sensitivity is merely about whether Camilla will wear the Koh-i-noor. Charles and his people aren’t even mentioning the fact that India would like the diamond returned. Charles and his people are banging their heads against the wall, whining about “well, no one had a problem with it in 1937!” These dumb colonizers, I swear to God. Anyway, Charles will likely continue to side-step the whole “returning the Koh-i-Noor” issue in favor of just choosing a completely different crown/headpiece for Camilla:

As Buckingham Palace works to avoid international row over the Koh-i-Noor diamond, aides have had to look back 200 years to find suitable headwear for the Queen Consort’s coronation. Little-known crowns including one worn by Queen Adelaide in 1831 are understood to be in contention for next year’s event, as the use of Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother’s crown is all but ruled out over a dispute with India.

The crown of Queen Adelaide, used at the famously frugal coronation of William IV, is part of the Royal Collection, but its whereabouts are currently a mystery after it was carefully removed from display at the Tower of London this year. Other leading options are thought to include the 1820 Diamond Diadem, altered and worn by Queens Regnant and Consorts from Adelaide onwards.

Crowns created for the coronation of Queen Mary and Queen Alexandra, both of which temporarily held the Koh-i-Noor, could be used. Experts have told The Telegraph that Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s crown could still be used as initially planned, with the controversial diamond replaced by another of similar size. But, they warned, the change would make a significant public statement about the legitimacy of the Koh-i-Noor that the palace would wish to avoid.

The diadem would be visually more in keeping with the modern Royal family, said one source – but has previously only been used for the journey to coronations, rather than for a “crowning” itself.

[From The Telegraph]

“…But its whereabouts are currently a mystery after it was carefully removed from display at the Tower of London this year.” I assume that means the whereabouts are a mystery to the Telegraph and not the Royal Collection! I hope to God the Windsors are at least keeping track of all of their stolen loot, surely? Anyway, other sources say it’s unlikely that Camilla will have a completely new crown made, just as it’s unlikely she would significantly modify one of the existing crowns. So I bet they do go with the 1820 Diamond Diadem (a piece frequently worn by QEII) or they’ll dust off some other piece. Of course, none of this solves the larger problem, which is that the Koh-i-Noor must be returned to India.

Photos courtesy of Cover Images, Avalon Red.

The Academy Museum gala was held this weekend and a shocking number of A-listers flew into LA just for this event. The Oscar season really has begun in earnest now. Some designers treated the gala like some kind of LA-version of the Met Gala. Nicolas Ghesquière was one of those designers – he grabbed all of his new Louis Vuitton looks fresh from the runway and he threw them on every woman he could find. To terrible results. Every person in this post is wearing Louis Vuitton and it’s a comedy of errors.

Let’s start with Alicia Vikander and Emma Stone, two of the biggest LV ambassadors out there. I’ve always hated Emma’s LV ambassadorship, it’s just not a good fit at all. You can make the argument that Alicia is somewhat of a better fit, but Ghesquière gives her some of the worst looks. Making Alicia and Emma pose together just highlights the breadth of bad design, the slouchy, shapeless fit, the overreliance on lace, the asinine ruffles, the f–king tragic leather work. My god. And Nicolas Ghesquière isn’t even a “bad designer.” He’s just doing really weird sh-t at LV, like it’s a contest to see what ugly sh-t women will wear.

Sophie Turner & Joe Jonas are also very ride-or-die for LV, and they’re both brand ambassadors too, I believe. I mean… I hope they’re getting paid for this.

Genuinely feel bad for Alana and Este Haim, they got the worst LV dresses.

Renate Reinsve (the star of The Worst Person in the World, one of my favorite 2021 movies) has been all about LV for a year. She wore LV to the Oscars, she shows up at the LV shows, and this is what they gave her. Ugh. It’s a purse-dress.

HoYeon Jung actually made her LV look a bit fresh and cute. Of course, she got one of the better minidresses, and she styled it with boots. The whole thing looks very ‘90s to me.

Behold, the only “just okay” Louis Vuitton look, on Queen Ava DuVernay. This would be perfect without those giant f–king buttons.

Photos courtesy of Cover Images, Backgrid.

Introduction: Minutes 0 to 3:30
We’ll be off next week and back on October 29th. My dog got kicked out of puppy kindergarten. Here’s a link to the Twitter thread about that I mentioned. You can listen below!

Royals: Minutes 3:30 to 21:30
We’ve been hearing for some time that the palace is worried about the upcoming fifth season of The Crown. The Windsors were pleased with it up until last season when Diana was introduced. We’re hearing that the palace wants a fiction warning added. By freaking out about The Crown, Charles is bringing more attention to it. Prince Philip and his mistress Penny Knatchbull’s relationship will be shown this season.

Prince Charles’ coronation will supposedly only be an hour but it will likely have other events that last the whole day. They’re saying it won’t be as opulent as Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. There’s a controversy over the crown that Camilla will wear as it has the Koh-i-noor diamond stolen from Indian. The coronation date is on May 6th, which will be Archie’s fourth birthday. Chandra doesn’t think this was even a factor in the planning. It’s not known yet whether the Sussexes are invited, the royals are probably waiting to see what’s in Harry’s memoir. We’re also hearing that Harry’s memoir and their Netflix docuseries will be out in December.

Prince Harry is suing Associated Newspapers, the parent company of The Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, along with Elton John and David Furnish, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost, and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, whose son Stephen Lawrence was murdered in a racist hate crime in 1993. It’s over spying and surveillance. Omid Scobie reported in his column this week that Harry would take the stand if it came to that.

Will and Kate are covering People Magazine this week. They’re one of two covers along with Christopher Meloni. The coverage claims Will is going to step up running the Duchy of Cornwall and that they’re supposedly embracing a heavier workload.

The Cambridges did a radio program for World Mental Health Day. The segment they released to their social media was so bad. Will just talked about a “toolbox” without giving examples. They should phase this issue out of their charity portfolio as they’re lightweights. William is said to have spent last weekend at Balmoral alone without his wife and kids. I play a segment from Zoom where we talk about an humanitarian award the Sussexes are getting in December.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: Minutes 21:30 to 29:45
In January, 2021, Angelina sent an email to Brad offering to sell him her half of the Miraval wine business. This was released as part of her defense in Pitt’s lawsuit against her for selling to Stoli. We also heard a statement from Angelina’s lawyer that Brad hasn’t denied his abuse of her and the kids. Brad had been cutting Angelina out of the business and was spending money in ways she hadn’t approved. He doesn’t seem to care about this at all and is on the current cover of Billboard Magazine to show off the renovated music studio in Miraval. We are also hearing that he wants to sell his production company, Plan B. Chandra thinks Pitt has been bleeding money from that business and that he’s cash poor. I play a segment from Zoom where we talk about Brad and Angelina.

Comments of the week: Minutes 29:45 to end
My Comments of the week are from Janey and MrsFonzieFace on Peridot’s post about Jonathan Majors covering Men’s Health and getting in incredible shape.

Chandra’s comment of the week is from Coco on the post about Brad Pitt trying to sell Plan B.

Thanks for listening bitches!

Buckle up, bitches! Buckingham Palace has commenced their full-throated campaign against… a TV show. King Charles has been on the throne for less than two months and he’s already using all of the tools at his disposal to… whine about The Crown. King Charles’s message is “please boycott The Crown, because I said so!” Millions and millions of dollars of free press for one of Netflix’s biggest hits. None of these people have ever heard of the Streisand Effect. So, Buckingham Palace arranged a full briefing for the Mail on Sunday, and they even roped in former Prime Minister John Major to complain about the show. As always, the biggest complaint is “historical accuracy.” As always, no one is saying that The Crown is a documentary. Everyone knows that’s a dramatization and that Peter Morgan is trying to get the broad strokes right. Some highlights from the MoS’s front-page story:

A hurtful smear!! Friends called the portrayal of the new monarch as a disloyal schemer ‘false, unfair and deeply wounding’ and urged viewers to boycott the hit Netflix show. The new series, due to be screened next month, shows Charles lobbying Prime Minister John Major in a bizarre attempt to force his mother’s abdication. But Sir John told The Mail on Sunday the meeting never happened and called the scene a ‘barrel load of malicious nonsense’.

Made-up dialogue!! Another well-placed source said: ‘All the dialogue is completely made up. All the one-to-one conversations you see on screen are utter fiction and some scenes have been entirely created for dramatic and commercial purposes with little regard for the truth. People should be boycotting it.’

The first episode of Season 5 is ‘Queen Victoria Syndrome’: The first episode of the forthcoming fifth series is set in 1991, against a background of speculation about the future of the monarchy and Charles’s constitutional role. The Crown’s writers suggest that Charles believed his mother, then 65, was repeating Queen Victoria’s mistakes by refusing to stand aside for a younger heir. But critics point out that Charles was in reality acutely aware that abdication was unthinkable and would devalue the institution.

These people are ridiculous: Broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby, a friend of the King, said of the latest fabrication: ‘The Crown is full of nonsense, but this is nonsense on stilts.’ And royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith added: ‘The events depicted here are outrageous and totally fictional. This programme is doing significant damage to people’s perception of history and their perception of the Royal Family. It has been packed full of malicious lies from the beginning but this level of abuse is now beyond the pale.’

LOL, The Crown will show Charles briefing against his mother: The Prince, played by Dominic West, is shown actively briefing against the Queen who he believes is too old and too out of touch. Such is his determination to draw the Prime Minister into his conspiracy that he is shown cutting short a holiday with Princess Diana and William and Harry to race back to London. Summoning Mr Major, played by Trainspotting star Jonny Lee Miller, to a private meeting, he asks him to keep their discussions secret. In their exchange, Charles hints that the monarchy should follow the lead of the Conservative Party which a year earlier had ousted Mrs Thatcher in favour of the younger Major. He says: ‘What makes the Conservative Party the successful electoral force that it is? ‘Its instinct for renewal and its willingness to make way for someone younger.’

Tory elders are getting in on the action: Sir Malcom Rifkind, Foreign Secretary under Mr Major, said the implication that the Prince was pressing the PM to encourage the Queen to make way for him was ‘pathetic and absurd’, adding: ‘At the time, the Queen was in her 60s – younger than the King is today. It’s pure fantasy which is what we have come to expect from this particular programme.’ David Mellor, who also served in Mr Major’s Government, called the episode ‘bunkum’.

John Major is mad?? Several of The Crown’s storylines are likely to prove deeply hurtful to Sir John, who is known to have been close to the late Queen. In one scene, during a private conversation with his wife Norma, he describes the senior Royals as ‘dangerously deluded and out of touch’ and the junior Royals as ‘feckless, entitled and lost’. But a spokesman for the Majors said: ‘What you report as depicted in the script has never been their view, never would be their view, and never will be their view.’

[From The Daily Mail]

One of the best parts of The Crown is when Peter Morgan shows the absurd, archaic reality of prime ministers trotting over to the Palace for their meetings with the Queen, and the absurdity of having to fly up to Balmoral during the summer too. One of the best parts of Season 4 was seeing Margaret Thatcher (who came up through humble working class roots) suddenly realize that the Windsors are uneducated, provincial trash. As for this specific storyline about Charles wanting his mother to abdicate… he did want that. He made remarks about that in his interview with Jonathan Dimbleby in the 1990s too, that he was eager to take over if only his mother would just retire or abdicate. Charles briefed against his mother consistently for decades and it’s a f–king joke to pretend like he didn’t. Again, of course the dialogue is “made up” – it’s a dramatization not a documentary. Morgan, as always, aims to get the broad strokes right.

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Backgrid, Netflix.

Here are some more photos from the second annual Academy Museum of Motion Picture gala. Jodie Turner-Smith was in an emerald green Gucci gown with a silver rose overlay and blue feathered hem and sleeves. I might hate this on someone else but I find it striking on her. Her makeup complements it perfectly and I love the velvet choker.

Julianna Margulies was in a black and green swirled striped Zuhair Murad with a sheer skirt. She looks uncomfortable in this and you can tell it’s not her favorite look.

Mia Goth was in a boring Armani v-neck gown, but there’s something very cool and goth (for lack of a better word) about this whole look. I didn’t like it at first and then I looked again and appreciate what she’s going for. She’s had non-existent eyebrows for some time. I hope she’s OK, she had a baby with Shia LaBeouf in April.

Regina Hall was in a white David Koma gown with a high leg slit and feathered bustline. She looks so happy that I like this gown. Whenever I see her I start hearing “a bitch is 50” in my head and I mean that as the highest compliment. I’m queuing up that song for my birthday next year.

Kerry Washington was in Prabal Gurung. She rarely gets it right and this was no exception, but I appreciate that she takes risks. This wouldn’t look good without the gloves either.

Photos credit: Cover Images, Avalon.red

Here are some photos from Saturday night’s Academy Museum Gala. I remember this event last year, it was really nice. The “academy” in question is AMPAS, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and the now-annual museum gala is a who’s who of Hollywood A-listers. I think this event pretty much marks the beginning of the Oscar season at this point. There were tons of would-be Oscar campaigners getting some face-time with Oscar voters, and getting their names out there.

Jessica Chastain is the reigning Best Actress Oscar winner, and she came out in this lovely Oscar de la Renta caped gown. She looked stunning! I feel like very few women do florals in fall, but she was a breath of fresh air at this event.

Amal and George Clooney came out. Amal wore Del Core and it’s fine. I like the combination of her olive skin with the crisp white and green. I wish her posture was better, she’s always slouching.

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz, with Nicola in Givenchy. A little bit too conservative and plain, in my opinion. Even if she wanted to go simple and minimalist with the design, I would have gone with a different color. And no gloves.

Lily Collins in Dior. Hilariously bad, from head to toe. I love her (I really do, I think she’s funny/cute) but holy hell, her personal style is outlandishly bad.

Alexandra Daddario in Dior. I actually kind of like this? I wouldn’t wear it, but it’s an elevated sack dress and it looks cool on her.

Kaitlyn Dever in Dior. Like Nicola Peltz, it’s too “old” and conservative for someone so young. I get that these younger women want to veer towards more conservative looks for this event, but this honestly looks like something for Rita Wilson.

Hailey Bieber in Saint Laurent. Man, I dislike cut-outs and “midriff dresses” but whatever. Some women can pull it off and I guess Hailey is coming close. It makes her look really tall (and she’s not that tall).

Mindy Kaling in Naeem Khan, with her date BJ Novak. First of all, Mindy looks incredible – she’s lost weight and this gown is so flattering on her. Second of all, I despise their relationship. I feel like he’s such a user. Hate hate hate.

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Photos courtesy of Getty, Cover Images, Backgrid.

I’ve read Kaiser’s coverage of this event, the second annual Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Gala, and she’s reminding me that it’s the beginning of Oscar campaigning season. So many big names came out so we’re splitting our fashion coverage into a few posts. First off is Julia Roberts, looking very staid in a long Thom Browne gown with a bustier, a jacket draped over her shoulders and a long sleeve striped blouse underneath. It might look OK without the dickie thing at the top and with different styling. Julia looks off somehow with her hair like that. I’m trying to tread lightly here, which is a key component of my job.

Selena Gomez was in an excellent black Armani tuxedo pants suit with chandelier earrings, sleek hair and understated makeup. I love this look on her. She’s been knocking it out of the park recently.

Keke Palmer was whimsical in an oversize black Act No. 1 suit with a blue ruffled tulle overlay that looks like a gown she’s in the process of stepping out of. This is goofy but if anyone can pull it off it’s Keke.

Embed from Getty Images

Christina Ricci was old school glam in Vivienne Westwood with a black metallic patchwork bodice and a mermaid skirt. I might ditch the velvet bows but they add interest. I was thinking she just had a baby but her baby is ten months old already!

Eiza Gonzalez slayed in a red sequin formfitting LaQuan Smith. This is phenomenal and I love her jewelry.

Laura Harrier had another one of my favorite looks in The Row. This might look slouchy on someone else but she’s working this crisp white strapless gown with a draped bust. Check out the side view. She used to be a model and it shows.

Photos credit: Avalon.red, Getty, Backgrid and Cover Images

Jesse Williams is busy. He’s in the middle of the second run of Take Me Out, the Broadway show that resulted in his leaked nudes and a Tony nomination. He gets to have his little kids fly across the country to visit him for long weekends each month. He’s invoking his kids as part of his partnership with the fire prevention company, Kidde. And he may or may not be returning to Grey’s Anatomy after departing in season 17 after 11 years.

Jesse Williams could soon be scrubbing back in at Grey Sloan.

In an exclusive interview with E! News, the actor teased some heart-stopping news: A possible return to Grey’s Anatomy.

While we last checked in with Jackson Avery during the season 18 finale after moving to Boston, the actor exclusively told E! that the surgeon might make a stop out west one day. When asked whether he’d make a guest appearance to train the new interns, Williams responded coyly, saying, “I think that’s very possible.”

“Don’t want to get sniped in here,” he continued, looking off-camera, “But I think it’s very likely that they’ll be a way that Jackson will emerge one way or another.” We’re in need of resuscitation!

Williams added that he’s “spent some time” with the new class of Grey’s Anatomy interns, and that the experience of working with them was nostalgic as a former Grey’s intern himself.

“It reminded me of when I came in in a crop of four residents that had to learn the ropes,” he said. “They were kinda fumbling and figuring it out—both as actors and as characters, figuring out their role in this big, intimidating space. So it was really great to work with them. They’re all talented and offer something different.”

Williams starred on the long-running medical drama from seasons six through 17, ultimately leaving in May 2021 after reuniting with on-screen love interest Sarah Drew. Since his departure, Williams starred in the Broadway revival of Take Me Out, for which he was nominated for a Tony Award.

And although Williams revealed there are no concrete plans for a “Japril” spin-off in the future—with the actor citing both himself and Drew’s busy schedules—he’s certainly interested in the possibility.

[From E! News]

I’m not surprised he’s coming back. As he said in his court docs, Broadway doesn’t pay well and he has to maintain his lifestyle somehow. Also, production clearly really likes him. Aside from Sandra Oh’s Cristina Yang, Jesse’s Jackson Avery character got the second most graceful/thoughtful exit of a series regular. (Alex Karev deserved better and I’m still mad about that). But they really did leave the door open for Jesse to return, and return he did in the season 18 finale. Sarah Drew had already hinted that Jesse would be back this season and God knows the show needs some old faves to keep things interesting considering that even the titular character won’t be around much anymore. Jesse also did an interview with Variety about the return of Take Me Out, the nude leak, watching himself on Grey’s, and hitting the gym. Also, I snarked before, but truly no shade about the fire safety partnership. It seems like an organic partnership for him knowing that his brother is a firefighter and he is raising awareness about the disproportionate impact of house fires on the Black community. Jesse’s activism is never the problem.

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King Charles III will depend a lot on Prince William in the years to come. The two men have always regarded each other with suspicion, and William used to rage at his father quite regularly. It felt like their relationship needed the buffer of Prince Harry, but really… William just needs Harry in general to prop him up. Still, when push came to shove, Charles sided with William and the Sussexes exited the UK. Granted, Charles believed that they would come crawling back. Everyone on Salt Island was convinced that Harry would come crawling back. The fact that Harry hasn’t come back has thrown a spanner in the works. So it’s just Chuck and his lightweight, lazy heir. From People:

King Charles III and Prince William are stepping up to their new royal roles united. Upon the death of Queen Elizabeth on Sept. 8, Charles immediately acceded to the throne and named his eldest son the Prince of Wales, the traditional title for the heir, the following day. And although the two don’t have a traditional father-and-son relationship, they are now closer than ever before.

“Talking about the future of the country and their future roles has strengthened their bond,” a source who knows both Charles, 73, and William, 40, tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story.

In addition to coming together over the deaths of Prince Philip, Charles’ father who died in April 2021, and Queen Elizabeth, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to move to California after stepping back as senior members of the royal family in 2020 has “brought [William and Charles] closer,” says the source.

Prince William has already proved himself to be a calming presence for his father. During his televised accession ceremony following the Queen’s death, King Charles showed an impatient side by pushing aside a pen tray and glaring at an aide to move the piece off the table, then he continued to vent his irritation behind the scenes.

It was William who helped soothe Charles, “defusing the situation,” says a royal insider.

[From People]

Imagine how bad it is that Mr. Incandescent With Rage is the one positioning himself as the only one who can “soothe” Charles’s kingly pen tantrums. While Charles is known as short-tempered, irritable and shouty, it’s nothing like the reports of William’s screaming, shrieking rages. Also: Camilla will be pretty upset that she’s not being positioned as the only who can soothe Charles. That’s her thing!

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Cover Images, Chris Jackson/Buckingham Palace.