King Charles’s special ‘protocol change’ for Kate Middleton at Trooping the Colour is so moving
King Charles could have reportedly made a change to the balcony appearance for the Princess of Wales in line with his 'preference'
King Charles reportedly made a special "protocol change" for the Princess of Wales at Trooping the Colour, according to his former royal butler.
Trooping the Colour is always a significant royal occasion, but this year it was even more so as it saw the first public appearance of the Princess of Wales in 2024. In March Kate shared a heartfelt message revealing that she was undergoing "preventative chemotherapy" and asking for "time, space and privacy". Ahead of Trooping the Colour a new picture of her taken by Matt Porteous was released and she revealed that she was "looking forward" to attending the parade.
Fans were delighted to see Kate on the Buckingham Palace balcony and according to former royal butler Grant Harrold, the monarch could have made a special change for his daughter-in-law. Speaking to Spin Genie Grant expressed his belief that it was likely King Charles’s "preference" that ensured Kate was standing next to him on the balcony.
Our King: Charles III: The Man and the Monarch Revealed by Robert Jobson | Was £9.99, Now £8.91 at Amazon
Written by royal author Robert Jobson, this definitive biography paints a portrait of King Charles as both a man and as Britain's monarch. It examines the life of the King and reflects upon how his values and beliefs continue to shape him to this day.
The former royal butler alleged that traditionally it’s protocol for the Prince and Princess of Wales to stand together and King Charles and Queen Camilla to do so too. The couples did stand together this year too, but Kate was positioned next to King Charles at Trooping the Colour. This is a change from 2023 when it was Prince William, who is first in the royal line of succession, who stood next to his father.
"It is planned but it is also changing the protocol to show the King and Kate united with each other and going through similar battles, so I would say this is down to the King’s preference," Grant claimed. "The balcony is all orchestrated but I have a feeling the King said to Kate, ‘You stand next to me’."
A huge amount of consideration goes into royal events and occasions and so if King Charles did change protocol slightly so that he and Kate would be "united" on the balcony, this is incredibly heart-warming and meaningful.
In April King Charles resumed engagements after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. After the Princess of Wales made her own diagnosis public Buckingham Palace released a statement which described King Charles as being "so proud of Catherine for her courage". It went on to add that he is in the "closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law".
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
King Charles and Kate are understood to have a close relationship and former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has suggested to OK! that they are perhaps confiding in each other.
"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," she said, before later adding, "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."
A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)
A photo posted by on
In the message she shared ahead of Trooping the Colour Kate explained that she is "making good progress", but added that "as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days".
She said that her treatment is "ongoing and will be for a few more months" and shared that she’s hoping to join a few public engagements during the summer.
"I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal," she declared. "Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me."
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
The 32 best wooden flooring looks around the home, that will instantly transform your space
From your kitchen to bedroom, try these wooden flooring looks for a stylish upgrade...
By Lauren Clark Published
-
32 ways to make a white bathroom look anything but boring
From decorative tweaks to splashes of colour, these are the best ways to make a white bathroom look anything but boring...
By Lauren Clark Published
-
Kate Middleton’s cosy turtleneck, wide-leg trousers and long coat made navy and camel one of our favourite colour combinations
The Princess of Wales stepped out in 2023 wearing a navy outfit layered with a camel coat and the contrast was sensationally striking
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s favourite dessert is a decadent classic that she enjoys at cosy Berkshire pub
The Princess of Wales is said to love an indulgent British dessert and Prince William seemingly just confirmed it's her 'favourite'
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's signature eye makeup look that's the 'epitome of timelessness' is so easy to recreate if you want instant accentuation
The Princess of Wales's 'timeless' eye makeup look involves a sweep of black eyeliner and she's shown how subtle and striking this can be
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton’s knitted Bardot dress is a cosy staple that'll take you from catch-ups over coffee to Christmas party glam
The Princess of Wales doesn't often wear Bardot necklines but her knitted white dress from 2019 was a versatile show-stopper
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's high street leather Chelsea boots are the chic and sturdy winter footwear we're ready to invest in for wet season
The Princess of Wales's Thea Leather Chelsea Boots by Reiss are the perfect fit for stylish outdoor dressing
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
Kate Middleton’s pearl drop earrings are a fast-track to elegance - these alternatives are perfect for achieving this classic style
The Princess of Wales has often been spotted wearing this stunning pair of pearl drop earrings and this look is so easy to recreate
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Prince William's excuse to get out of 'competitive' game night with Middletons
Prince William is reportedly not a big fan of the Middleton family's 'favourite' fast-paced card game and he used this excuse to get out of it
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton reflects upon the 'importance of supporting one another' in the wake of 'tragedy' as she meets Southport community
The Princess of Wales joined Prince William for a visit to Southport and shared a poignant message about the 'powerful reminder' it gave them
By Emma Shacklock Published