Since the passing of Queen Elizabeth a year ago, there have been speculations about the role of King Charles as he prepares his heir, Prince William, to take over as monarch, with his wife, Princess Catherine, by his side.
An exclusive insider has revealed that King Charles and Queen Catherine will provide the best possible platform for William and Catherine to move forward in their royal duties.
The close relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales is well-documented, and it is expected that this couple, along with their three children, will spend Christmas with the King at the Sandringham Estate.
However, before the holiday season begins, the monarch has presented Catherine with a truly unique opportunity.
Last year, Charles bestowed upon his beloved daughter-in-law her very first army role, appointing her as Colonel of the Irish Guards, a position previously held by her husband, Prince William.
Last month, a regal display of tradition and remembrance took place as the Princess of Wales, Catherine, made a stunning entrance alongside Prince William at Remembrance Sunday in London.
What made this moment even more poignant was Catherine’s choice of transportation.
She borrowed King Charles’ Bentley, a car previously used by her father-in-law.
During the National Service of Remembrance, Catherine appeared deeply moved, captured on camera with closed eyes and tight lips, as she remembered her late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth.
The use of the late Queen’s bespoke Bentley by the couple is a clear indication of their roles as future monarchs.
Yesterday, the Princess of Wales dazzled at the diplomatic reception held at Buckingham Palace, wearing an embellished Jenny Packham gown and the lover’s knot tiara.
However, one of her accessories hinted at a significant change for the future.
She wore her Royal Family Order, a miniature of Queen Elizabeth II attached to a yellow silk ribbon.
The length of the ribbon was noticeably shorter compared to its previous appearance during a South Korean state banquet last month.
This change serves as a reminder that the King will issue his own Royal Family Order in the future, replacing the one currently worn by Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine.
Although Catherine is not a member of the Order of the Garter, she has accompanied her husband to the annual ceremony since their induction in 2008.
It is expected that they will be seen wearing the King’s portrait at the next ceremony.
Catherine is likely to receive three orders of her own: those of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles II, and her husband after his coronation.
In 2017, she became the first British royal to wear a Royal Family Order made with glass instead of traditional ivory, a reflection of Prince William’s dedication to conservation and ending the ivory trade.
The miniature of Queen Elizabeth II on glass is adorned with diamonds and topped with a Tudor crown in diamonds and red enamel.
The reverse side, made of silver gilt, features rays and depicts the royal cipher and St. Edward’s crown in golden enamel.
At the diplomatic reception, Catherine also displayed her Royal Victorian Order and blue sash.
She was appointed a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order by the late Queen on her eighth wedding anniversary in 2019, in recognition of her services to the Sovereign.
Princess Catherine of Wales has cultivated a rich tapestry of connections within the Royal Family over her nearly 20-year journey.
One aspect that stands out is her strong and genuine relationships with other members of the Royal Family.
This depth of connection was evident during a recent red carpet appearance alongside King Charles, where the Princess affectionately referred to him as “Grandpa” during a G7 reception.
This endearing nickname, used in a public setting at the Eden Project in Cornwall, provides a glimpse into the familial closeness that transcends their official roles.
As King Charles prepares to pass the torch to Prince William and Princess Catherine, it is clear that they have a solid foundation to build upon.