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Kate’s Absence From New Royal Photo Has Fans Saying the Same Thing — and Camilla Won’t Be Happy

Kate’s absence is easily explained, but royal observers wishing for the Princess over Camilla will surely not help the already icy relationship between the two women.

On November 11, King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted a reception to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. Other than the monarch and his wife, a royal portrait from the event featured Prince Edward, Prince William, and Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester, sitting alongside several individuals recognized for their service in the Pacific during the Second World War. As pictures of the same made the rounds on the internet, netizens sought answers for Princess Kate's absence, with many also questioning why the Queen Consort appeared in the lineup at all. 

On Facebook, a royal watcher penned, "Don't think the Princess of Wales was there...?" In response, an individual suggested, "I'm thinking it's the King, the Queen, and those who served?" Another opined, "Honestly, it’s Camilla that’s out of place.” Similarly, a comment also read, "I agree. Camilla is the only one who hasn't served in the UK armed forces." While this is partly true, Camilla does hold several key honorary titles. 

She is Colonel of the Grenadier Guards and holds a range of roles in regiments and naval services. On her 78th birthday in July, Charles surprised her with a new honor: appointment as the Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom. It was an honorary naval title, a first for a woman. Meanwhile, in 2024, on St. George’s Day, Kate made history when the King appointed her a Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honor. She became the first member of the royal family to ever hold that distinction. So, why was Kate not seated in the picture? 

Well, she had a strong reason to miss the Windsor reception. On the same day, she was representing the royal family at the Armistice Day Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. It was her debut at the annual event, which is usually attended by blood royals, and this time she carried out that duty alone. At Staffordshire, the Princess of Wales joined veterans and their families in a two-minute silence and then laid a wreath in honor of those who died in service and those who have served. 

After the ceremony, Kate viewed newly dedicated names on the memorial and spoke with veterans. She also had a hearty chat with a veteran, Geoffrey Spencer, about Prince George’s passion for Lancaster Bombers and building Airfix models at home. She said, “He knows more about aircraft than I do.” Kate’s absence at the Windsor event is hence easily explained, but royal observers wishing for the Princess over Camilla will surely not help the already icy relationship between the two women.