The coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla was a historic and widely watched event, attended by senior members of the Royal Family, including Prince Harry and Prince William, along with his wife, Kate Middleton, and their children. For Prince Louis, it was the first time attending such a significant royal occasion. However, the ceremony also highlighted some underlying tensions within the family, particularly involving Kate Middleton and Queen Camilla.
The Coronation: A Family Affair
Camilla’s family had a strong presence at the coronation. Her ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, was there with their children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, as well as several of their grandchildren. Three of Camilla’s grandsons even served as Pages of Honor, playing key roles in the ceremony. The prominent involvement of Camilla’s family underscored her importance in Charles’ reign, with royal observers noting how visible and integral they were to the event.
Kate Middleton’s Alleged Discontent
While Camilla’s large family gathering was notable, it seemingly sparked dissatisfaction among other royals. According to royal expert Tom Bower, Kate Middleton, who attended the ceremony with only her immediate family, did not curtsy to Queen Camilla as she left Westminster Abbey. Bower suggested that Kate may have been upset over the number of Parker Bowles family members present at the event, particularly in contrast to the smaller representation of the Middleton family.
This tension reportedly extended beyond the ceremony, with Bower claiming that at the Windsor concert the following day, Prince William made no mention of Queen Camilla in his speech. This omission fueled speculation about a rift between the two women, especially as Camilla has grown more central to the monarchy under King Charles’ reign.
Kate’s Role in Meghan Markle’s Absence
In addition to her issues with Camilla, Kate was reportedly involved in ensuring Meghan Markle did not attend the coronation. According to Bower, Kate played a decisive role in making sure Meghan stayed in the United States during the event, allegedly warning that Meghan would have to “sit in the back” if she attended. Meghan’s absence from the ceremony was officially attributed to personal reasons, but the suggestion that Kate influenced the decision added another layer to the ongoing family dynamics.
Camilla’s Growing Influence
Camilla’s role in the coronation – and her family’s involvement – marked a significant moment in the royal landscape. Her grandchildren were given substantial roles in the ceremony, and her family members were highly visible throughout the day. This shift reflects Camilla’s growing influence as Queen and her integral place within King Charles’ reign.
While Camilla’s increasing prominence has raised some eyebrows, particularly among traditionalists concerned about departing from royal customs, it also signals the importance of her personal connections to the monarchy’s future.
