King Charles, who ascended to the throne in September 2022. Since his rise, speculation has swirled regarding his relationship with his daughter-in-law, Catherine, and Queen Camilla. As the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton is one of the most recognizable women in the world, though most people know her by the nickname "Kate." However, her real name is actually "Catherine," a fact known by nearly all members of the royal family. But, it seems that her real name once caused a bit of tension with her father-in-law, King Charles, and his wife, Queen Camilla.
According to Prince Harry, there was even a suggestion from the pair that she should change the spelling of her name from "Catherine" with a "C" to "Katherine" with a "K." This proposal was made because there were already two royal ciphers starting with the letter "C," and they didn’t want another one. However, this request was never fulfilled, and despite this minor disagreement, Catherine is said to enjoy a warm relationship with both Charles and Camilla. In fact, the couple recognizes the significant impact she can have on the monarchy.
King Charles has even given his blessing to his beloved daughter-in-law, granting her the freedom to pursue a role that he once denied to Princess Diana. It's widely known that Charles felt uneasy when Diana effortlessly commanded more attention than him—a dynamic that she openly discussed during her 1995 Panorama interview. The echoes of "She's on the other side" relentlessly pierced Charles's proud heart, serving as a constant reminder of his diminished presence. Instead of sharing the joy, the situation left him disheartened, with far-reaching and complex consequences.
However, according to royal expert Robert Jobson, the current King now accepts this reality. He acknowledges that the future of the monarchy lies in the hands of William, Catherine, and their children, not himself. While Charles wears the crown, it is inevitable—and only right—that the public’s attention will be captivated by the younger generation. This time, Charles welcomes the shift, understanding that for the monarchy to survive, it must resonate with the younger population.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have embraced modern communication, regularly sharing updates through social media to engage and inform their followers about their family's work and endeavors. Recently, during the annual military parade known as Trooping the Colour, Catherine made a triumphant return to public life. It was her first official appearance since Christmas, following her cancer diagnosis.
Even though it was King Charles's big day, Catherine made a conscious effort to avoid drawing attention to herself, understanding that many had turned up or tuned in specifically to see her. In a touching gesture, King Charles and his daughter-in-law stood side by side, symbolizing their unity and strength. Last year, Prince William stood next to his father, but this time Catherine stood by the King, having personally informed him of her intention to attend, much to his delight.
Traditionally, William and Catherine would stand next to each other, with King Charles and Queen Camilla also standing side by side. However, this year's protocol was changed to reflect a deeper bond between Charles and Catherine, showing that they are supporting each other through similar personal battles. Her subtle appearance, with her hat brim making a discreet return since Christmas, showed her intent to avoid overshadowing the King on his birthday celebrations.
Their closeness was evident, and it was clear they are standing by each other. It was a lovely gesture, and we can be sure that Prince William was pleased to see them side by side.
