His first year as monarch has been fraught with challenges that neither he nor anyone else anticipated upon his coronation. Therefore, it was with a sense of relief that some of King Charles's most ardent supporters welcomed a discreet announcement from the palace. Just as they learned that the next most senior honorary position, that of Commodore—previously held by Charles for 12 years as Prince of Wales—would remain vacant, hopes began to rise that it could soon be filled by the Princess of Wales, once her own battle with cancer is safely behind her.
Although she has not yet officially resumed royal duties after completing her chemotherapy treatment, the Princess of Wales has quietly conducted a meeting regarding her annual Christmas Carol service. Given the pressures of a slimmed-down royal family, people are thrilled that the King is staying on. As one supporter noted, “This club isn’t a charity, so there is both relief and jubilation that the King is remaining as patron.”
Of course, strong ties with the royal family are no guarantee against stormy waters. In 1986, Prince Andrew succeeded his elder brother as Commodore, but it wasn't until 2021 that Andrew finally stepped down. Since then, the club has eagerly awaited Katherine's appointment to replace him. As I revealed last year, Katherine has the potential to make waves in a way that Andrew never quite could. "She's a really good sailor," says Olympic gold medalist Ben Ainslie, who noted her participation with him and the rest of the British team during the race against New Zealand in Plymouth Sound in 2022.
A friend of the Princess of Wales tells me that decisions regarding her patronages are currently on hold while they await the doctor's approval for her return to public engagements. “She would be a great role model,” they added. However, royal protocol dictates that it’s up to the royal family to initiate any moves.
Over the years, Charles and Katherine have developed a unique bond, with the Princess often seen as the monarchy’s secret weapon. “She’s been brilliant; I think the King absolutely adores her. You can see his eyes light up when he sees her,” noted an author. The King’s view of the Princess as the daughter he never had stands out, particularly during moments when his relationship with Prince William has been strained.
Despite these tensions, Jobson observed that the mother of three remains fiercely loyal to William while serving as a pragmatic ally to Charles. The brunette beauty acts as both an arbiter and mediator between father and son, demonstrating her commitment to the crown and her in-laws over the years. As a formal acknowledgment of her contributions, Charles plans to appoint Kate as a member of his Privy Council. This designation will allow her to attend the Ascension Council, the ceremonial body that gathers upon the monarch’s passing to proclaim the new successor, ensuring she will be present at St. James's Place when William ascends to the throne.
He has already promoted her within the Royal Victorian Order, a historic honor thanking her for her diligent work. In the future, she will be made a member of the Privy Council, solidifying her presence when William becomes King.
Their closeness was on full display during the recent Trooping the Colour event, marking Katherine’s first public engagement in six months due to her cancer diagnosis. It was clear that she wanted to support her family and husband, and it was heartening to see her well enough to attend.
The Prince and Princess of Wales currently split their time between Kensington Palace in London and Anmer Hall in Norfolk. Despite the compelling reasons for the move, reports indicate that Prince Andrew is resistant to vacating Royal Lodge. For Andrew, leaving Royal Lodge means not only losing his home but also the challenge of finding a new residence that meets his needs and preserves his status.
King Charles’s insistence on this relocation is part of a broader strategy to modernize and streamline the monarchy, positioning the Waleses at Royal Lodge to reinforce their status as the future King and Queen Consort. This arrangement is also crucial in providing a supportive environment for the Princess during her health battle.
