The Princess curtseyed to her father-in-law – but did not embrace him at the service, unlike her husband, Prince William. And it turns out there’s a very important reason
The Princess of Wales is known to have a very good relationship with the King.
Kate and Charles are believed to have become even closer following their respective cancer battles, and the monarch has fondly referred to the Princess as his ‘beloved daughter in law’ in the past.
The pair have also been photographed affectionately greeting each other in public – but royal fans were quick to note there was no such exchange at the Commonwealth Day service this week.
While Prince William was seen kissing both his father and Camilla on the cheek following their arrival at Westminster Abbey, Kate only embraced the Queen. Instead, she offered a deep curtsy to the monarch, followed by a smile.
But, the absence of a more personal greeting wasn’t a snub, according to HELLO. Instead, the formal nature of the event and the formation of the royal lineup simply made casual interactions more challenging.
The Princess was positioned behind Camilla and with proceedings now underway, was not in an easy position to embrace the King.
Charles and Kate have always been close – and it’s clear that their connection has been further strengthened by their shared health battles. Shortly after Kate’s video address announcing her cancer diagnosis, Buckingham Palace released a statement on behalf of the King.
In it, Charles said he was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did”, and said he has “remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks”.
Reflecting on the statement, royal expert Jennie Bond told OK! at the time: “I noticed in the King’s statement of support after Kate’s broadcast he said he was in the ‘closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law’. I was struck by the fact that he didn’t say close, but closest.
“There’s no doubt that cancer has cemented an already strong relationship. It’s very touching to think of Charles toddling down the corridor to see Kate when they were both in hospital. And it is understood that the King was left very emotional after their one-on-one lunch at Windsor Castle the day after she recorded her broadcast.
“There are so very few people in whom a senior royal can confide, certain that everything they say will be secure. I’m sure that both Charles and Kate have found it comforting to be able to discuss their emotions as well as the chemotherapy treatment and how it has made them feel.”
Jennie then added: “Of course Kate has her own father to turn to, so she’s not looking for a father figure, but I think she has forged a genuinely affectionate relationship with Charles. And he makes no secret of the fact that he is enormously proud of her.
“After all, remember how Diana said Charles had always wanted a daughter. And he loves the grandchildren and now sees much more of them either at Windsor or Sandringham.”
