King Charles sent retiring BBC reporter a ‘warm-hearted’ message — years after calling him an ‘awful man’

nypost.com:

King Charles sent a heartfelt message to retiring BBC reporter Nicholas Witchell last month after the monarch reportedly called the journalist an “awful man” back in 2005.

In the video, which was shown at the 70-year-old journalist’s retirement party, the British monarch joked about the “ups and downs” the pair had during Witchell’s stint as a reporter covering the royal family.“It did come as a surprise to everyone there including Nicholas,” one attendee told The Daily Mail. “I think it would be fair to say the King’s message was generous and warm-hearted.” A second source told the outlet that: “The feeling within the Corporation is that everyone is pleased the King has buried the hatchet.” “What happened between them is a long time ago and both men are of an age now where it’s better not to bear grudges.” Withell, who worked at the BBC for nearly 50 years, did not divulge any other information about the message from the 75-year-old king. “Yes, there were a couple of messages – one of which was certainly a surprise,” the journalist told the outlet before declining to answer any more questions.

The Post reached out to Witchell for comment. Witchell’s feud with Charles began in 2005 when the then-Prince of Wales was on a vacation with Prince Harry and Prince William in the Swiss Alps shortly before his marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles.

During a photoshoot with reports, Charles was caught on a hot mic slamming the press generally but Witchell in particular. “Bloody people,” Charles was heard saying after Witchell asked him a question about his upcoming nuptials. “I can’t bear that man.” “I mean, he is so awful.