In the grand theater of the British Monarchy, King Charles III has often been framed by the media through a lens of stiff formality or environmental crusading. Yet, beneath the crown and the carefully tailored Savile Row suits lies a man whose private character is defined by a surprising degree of warmth, meticulous care, and a long-form vision for those he loves.

Few people are better positioned to testify to this softer side of the Sovereign than India Hicks. The 58-year-old model, philanthropist, and granddaughter of Earl Mountbatten of Burma, has spent her life within the inner sanctum of the Royal Family. As the King’s goddaughter and a bridesmaid at his 1981 wedding to Lady Diana Spencer, Hicks recently offered a rare and intimate glimpse into Charles’s nature as a mentor and guardian.

Appearing on the podcast Rosebud, hosted by Gyles Brandreth, Hicks painted a portrait of a godfather who was as consistent as he was thoughtful. She revealed that her archives are filled with “boxes of letters” written by Charles over the decades—a testament to his dedication despite the immense pressures of his royal duties.

“He is an exceptional godfather,” Hicks told Brandreth. “He never forgot a birthday or Christmas. I imagine he has quite a herd of godchildren, so he is very, very considerate.”

However, it was her recollection of his unique gift-giving strategy that truly captivated listeners. Hicks recalled that every year, a simple, unassuming cardboard box would arrive from her godfather. Inside, she would find a single piece of fine china—a saucer one year, a gravy dish the next, or perhaps a teacup.

To a young child, these gifts were, in her words, “very confusing.” While other children were unwrapping the latest plastic toys or games, Hicks was being presented with a singular piece of tableware. Yet, as the years rolled into decades, the “brilliant thinking ahead” of the then-Prince of Wales became clear.

By the time Hicks reached her late twenties and thirties, she realized she possessed a complete, exquisite set of china. What felt like an oddity in childhood had transformed into an extraordinary and practical heirloom. “It proved to be far more useful than any plastic toy,” she noted, highlighting Charles’s ability to think of what a person would need “later in life” rather than seeking the instant gratification of a trendy gift.

Hicks also shared the story of the moment her life became entwined with royal history—a moment she credits entirely to her bond with her godfather. While many enthusiasts frequently ask her what it was like to meet Princess Diana or the specifics of the 1981 “Wedding of the Century,” Hicks admits those memories have faded into a blur of taffeta and cheering crowds.

What remains crystal clear, however, is the personal touch Charles extended to her before the world even knew of the engagement. Hicks was on holiday in the Bahamas when a long-distance call came through. It was the Prince of Wales, calling his goddaughter personally to ask her to be his bridesmaid.

“Charles was, and still is, a remarkable godfather—caring, considerate, and involved,” Hicks told Town & Country. “I adored him then and still do now.”

The bond between Hicks and the King is rooted in a deep familial history. She revealed a poignant commonality between the generations: both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, as well as Charles and Diana, chose to spend the first night of their honeymoons at Broadlands, the Hampshire home of her grandfather, Lord Mountbatten.

This shared history underscores the sense of continuity that Charles values so deeply. For the King, tradition is not merely about the past; it is a foundation upon which to build the future.

Hicks, who is now a godmother to many herself, admits that she often looks to Charles’s example when navigating her own responsibilities. She frequently asks herself if she can live up to that “brilliant thinking ahead” that defined his mentorship.

In a world that often prioritizes the loud and the immediate, Hicks’s story serves as a gentle correction to the public perception of the King. It suggests that the man leading the United Kingdom is a person who understands the value of building something piece by piece—whether it is a set of china for a goddaughter or a legacy for a nation.

As Charles continues his reign, these stories from his inner circle suggest that his “softer side” isn’t a new development, but rather a lifelong practice of empathy and foresight that is only now being fully appreciated by the public. For India Hicks, the King will always be the man who sent the gravy dishes—a man who knew exactly what she would need, long before she knew it herself.