The start of King Charles III's reign in September 2022 signaled a new chapter not only for the monarchy but also for his daughter-in-law. She became the Princess of Wales, a title not used since Princess Diana some 20 years earlier. However, Royal Insider claimed Catherine considered declining the title. In marrying the elder son of Prince Charles, Catherine was aware that she'd one day have to tread in her late mother-in-law's footsteps, but the prospect of becoming the Princess of Wales held little appeal. She knew she'd inevitably be compared with Diana, whose untimely death had provided such a tsunami of anger and grief. She was right—the similarities and differences between the two women were dissected ad infinitum and even discussed in the Royal household. Catherine found all such talk stressful. It got to the point where she considered following Camilla's example and opting to become the Duchess of Cornwall instead of the Princess of Wales.
However, William insisted there was no pressure on his wife, explaining, "There's no pressure because, like Catherine said, it's about carving your own future. No one's going to try to fill my mother's shoes. What she did was fantastic. It's about making your own future and your own destiny, and Catherine will do a very good job of that." Although Catherine, aka the new Princess of Wales, appreciates the history associated with the role, she understandably wants to look to the future as she creates her own path. As William and Catherine navigate their new roles, a royal source emphasized their commitment to deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time.
Recently, Prince William joined King Charles and Queen Camilla at St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh for the Order of the Thistle service during Royal Week in Scotland. However, in a noticeable absence, Catherine remained at their Windsor home with their three children as she's currently undergoing cancer treatment. During the service, William did not go by his usual title of the Prince of Wales. Instead, he opted for the title of Duke of Rothesay, a historic designation used by the male heir to the Scottish throne since 1469. This title, conferred upon him by King Charles, marks a significant connection to Scottish history and tradition. Catherine, by extension, is known as the Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland.
For many, the wardrobe of the Princess of Wales is the envy of many, with fans often desperate to emulate her looks. However, it's not Catherine who's been named the best-dressed by Society Bible Tatler magazine. In fact, it's Princess Beatrice, who was once the subject of much jest due to her fashion choices. Although Prince William's wife might have had her own doubts, the possibility of constant comparison may not have worried the palace. Even courtiers encouraged Catherine and her sister-in-law to channel Diana as much as possible with their fashion choices. From the moment Princess Diana stepped out as then-Prince Charles's fiancée, she appeared to have her own ideas regarding royal fashion. Despite the palace's long-standing traditions, Diana was ready to rip up the royal rule book and blaze her own path.
Princess Diana made her first official appearance with Prince Charles at Goldsmiths' Hall in London, wearing a low-cut, stunning black gown. The dress was notable not only for its dramatic style but also because, at the time, it was considered unconventional for a royal fiancée to wear black, a color traditionally associated with mourning. In contrast, Princess Catherine never wears black, adhering to the unspoken royal family rule. She does not wear the color to each royal engagement and instead relies on a wardrobe entirely of rainbow-hued clothing and chic neutrals.
