Princess Catherine received a historic new title from her father-in-law, King Charles III. However, her role sparked diverse reactions from the public, calling it a distraction from events behind palace walls.
On April 23, King Charles III announced that the Princess of Wales would become the Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour. This was the first appointment for any royal.
This prestigious appointment places her among an elite group recognized for their significant contributions across various fields. Some include the arts, sciences, and public service.
The Order of the Companions of Honour was established by King George V in 1917. It is an exclusive society limited to 65 members at any given time. However, additional honorary members from outside the Commonwealth are allowed. Notable figures among its ranks include Sir Elton John, Sir David Attenborough, Anna Wintour, Dame Maggie Smith, and Dame Judi Dench.
The announcement of Catherine’s new role has raised eyebrows. It has prompted a flurry of online comments expressing confusion and concern. Thoughts from the online community range from skeptical to supportive.
“Definitely a distraction as to what is really happening but okay,” one comment read, hinting at underlying royal dynamics. “But where is she?” asked another, highlighting the Princess’s noticeable absence from public engagements. “A Royal Companion never heard of that role,” a person noted.
“She still hasn’t been seen in public since Dec 25th, and no one seems concerned with this at all?” another person expressed. “Where is she now?” a comment echoed. “I hope she is getting better,” a Facebook user shared. “Ermm what kind of title is that?” questioned another, puzzled over the significance of the new title.
It’s clear that while the honor is significant, it also casts a spotlight on Catherine’s recent low profile. This has stirred public curiosity and concern about her well-being and the circumstances surrounding her new royal duties.
The appointment coincides with a challenging personal period as Catherine undergoes cancer treatment. This new role highlights the deep familial and supportive bonds within the royal family during her health struggles.
King Charles, who was also diagnosed with cancer, shares a particularly close relationship with Catherine. “He has always had a very good bond with her. I don’t think it is presumptuous to say that she is like the daughter he never had,” explained royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith.
The bond between Catherine and the King is fortified by their shared experiences and mutual support during these trying times. The Monarch even expressed pride in Catherine’s bravery following her public announcement of her cancer diagnosis on March 22. Catherine’s announcement came after much public speculation about her health.
In it, she expressed her commitment to her recovery, supported by her husband Prince William, and their children. “She has the inner strength, the support of her husband and her extraordinary family, so she can focus on what’s important, which is her getting back to strength,” commented Ailsa Anderson, former spokeswoman for the late Queen Elizabeth.
Catherine shared that having her husband by her side has been immensely comforting. The couple’s children also played a significant part in the timing of her announcement.
This shared experience of health challenges further solidifies the connection between Catherine and King Charles, beyond their roles within the monarchy.
The announcement also came on Prince Louis’s 6th birthday. His parents even celebrated his special day with a lovely Instagram post. We previously reported that Catherine and William shared a new photo of Louis for his birthday. Social media users have reacted to their birthday tribute.
In the heartwarming picture, the youngest of the Wales kids is seen beaming widely at the camera, showing off his pearly whites. “Happy 6th Birthday, Prince Louis! 🎂,” expresses the caption before it goes on to thank everyone who has been wishing him a happy birthday.
Admirers have taken to the comment section of the post to wish Prince Louis a happy birthday. “Happy birthday Prince Louis – growing up quickly, lovely picture 🎉🎁,” wrote a fan.
Similarly, another said, “Happy birthday Prince Louis! 🎈You are growing up so fast. I hope you have a great day. God bless you and your beautiful family ❤️.”
“There’s so much personality in his face. I bet he is wonderful to have as your baby 👶,” remarked another well-wisher. Someone else marveled at the similarity between Prince Louis and Prince George, pointing out, “Louis looks so much like George here!”
This breaking news comes after we just reported that Catherine and Prince William had not yet shared a birthday tribute to Prince Louis on his actual birthday or before, like they have done in the past.
Monday was cause for celebration within the British royal family as this was the date of Prince Louis’s 6th birthday. Before April 23 (Prince Louis’s birthday), eagle-eyed fans anticipated seeing a birthday post from his parents.
One person took to X to post a gif of Daffy Duck with a worried expression as he nervously patted his cheeks to show he was anxious about something. Alongside the gif, the X user captioned, “We right now … waiting for Prince Louis Birthday pictures.”
“In 2016, KP shared Prince George’s third birthday pictures in the morning so that’s likely they will do the same for Louis tomorrow. I’m glad the press didn’t get it tonight because they don’t deserve it. Fingers crossed for tomorrow 🤞🏻,” stated another person.
However, when April 23 arrived, no new pictures of Prince Louis were released yet, but some fans still clung to the hope that perhaps pictures would be posted later in the day. “Waiting to see if any photos get released of Prince Louis on his birthday,” wrote a hopeful fan.
Referencing Prince Louis’s parents, another asserted, “I hope the Prince and Princess of Wales don’t allow the Mother’s Day picture controversy to discourage them from releasing a birthday photo for Prince Louis’s sixth birthday.”
Credit: Newsweekly