Why Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton Have a “Tense Relationship”

King Charles and Queen Camilla waited patiently for it to be their time to take the throne, supporting Queen Elizabeth in her duties, so now that they’re in their new roles, they want to enjoy them. While Charles knows that the crown is in Prince William‘s destiny, he doesn’t wish to hand it over prematurely. Camilla is enjoying the influence that comes with being queen, and her relationship with Kate Middleton doesn’t make her eager for the transfer of power, either.

A source told Us Weekly that Camilla has embraced her time as queen, and takes her job very seriously. “She loves her responsibilities,” the source explained. “Her whole life, she has always wanted to be queen, so she doesn’t want to let it go so fast.”

The outlet added that Camilla is “particularly hesitant to pass on her duties to Kate,” with their source adding the Princess of Wales and her mother-in-law have “always had a tense relationship.”

That tense relationship also extends to Charles and William. An additional source told Us that the father and son “are close,” but they are “rivals when it comes to work.” The jealousy is “similar to how he [Charles] felt about Diana.” While Charles “doesn’t feel sidelined” and is “more proud than anything,” the reigning monarch “does feel the public anticipation for William’s future role.”

Meanwhile, William and Kate are doing their best to prepare for their time on the throne: “William and Kate have been preparing for this for many years. They both feel comfortable stepping into greater roles—and [are confident] William can provide a modern way of ruling that everyone will see as a breath of fresh air.”