The coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla was a historic event, celebrated by millions worldwide. However, behind the scenes, tensions within the royal family are said to have emerged, particularly between Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, and Queen Camilla.
A Royal Tension: Kate Middleton’s Alleged Frustration
While the coronation was a spectacular success, sources suggest that Kate Middleton may not have been entirely pleased with the proceedings. Royal experts have pointed to her refusal to curtsy to Queen Camilla as a sign of discontent. During the ceremony, when King Charles and Queen Camilla made their way through Westminster Abbey, royal guests traditionally bow or curtsy as a sign of respect. However, Kate’s apparent decision to remain still during Camilla’s exit raised eyebrows among those in attendance, including royal biographer Tom Bower.
Family Dynamics on Display
An interesting aspect of the coronation was the large number of Queen Camilla’s family members in attendance. Her ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, their children Tom and Laura, and several of her grandchildren took part in the historic day. This level of family involvement, while not unprecedented, reportedly ruffled some feathers within the royal family, especially with Kate Middleton, who had only four immediate family members present.
Tom Bower has suggested that Kate may have been upset by the disparity in family representation at the coronation. “Camilla brought twenty Parker Bowles family members, while the Middletons were only represented by four,” Bower noted, implying that this imbalance could have contributed to Kate’s discontent. This, combined with a broader frustration over Camilla’s rising prominence, may have played a role in Kate’s decision to refrain from acknowledging Queen Camilla in a traditional manner.
The Role of Meghan Markle and Family Tensions
In addition to the alleged tension with Camilla, Kate Middleton reportedly played a role in keeping Meghan Markle from attending the coronation. According to royal expert Bower, Kate made it clear that Meghan should not be present at the event, citing the need for a more genuine and authentic atmosphere. While Meghan chose to remain in the U.S. with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, this family dynamic continues to attract attention as a source of underlying tension within the royal fold.
The Coronation and Camilla’s Grandchildren
Another point of contention for royal observers was the significant roles given to Camilla’s grandchildren during the coronation. Three of her grandchildren were chosen as Pages of Honor, which some royal commentators felt deviated from traditional royal practices. Kinsey Schofield, a royal expert, suggested that the inclusion of Camilla’s grandchildren in such prominent roles might have strayed too far from royal tradition, potentially alienating fans who value the monarchy’s established customs.
Despite these concerns, Camilla’s grandchildren have become increasingly visible in royal events, with King Charles also forging a strong bond with his step-grandchildren, further solidifying their place in royal life.
What Does This Mean for Kate Middleton’s Future?
As the royal family adjusts to the new reign of King Charles, Kate Middleton’s role continues to evolve. She is widely seen as a future queen who could take on a significant leadership role, much like her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. However, as her relationship with Queen Camilla shows, the road to the throne may be filled with intricate family dynamics and unresolved tensions.
Conclusion: A Coronation to Remember
The coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla will undoubtedly go down in history, not only for its grandeur but also for the family drama that unfolded behind the scenes. Whether or not Kate Middleton will overcome these royal rifts and embrace her future role as queen remains to be seen. For now, royal watchers will continue to observe how these tensions shape the future of the monarchy.