Additional Coverage:
- King Charles’s reaction to Kate Middleton’s Ascot snub ‘speaks volumes’ amid reported tension (themirror.com)
Royal Ascot Attendance Sparks Whispers of Palace Discord
The Princess of Wales’s last-minute absence from Royal Ascot has fueled speculation about a growing rift between Kensington and Buckingham Palaces. While initially expected to join Wednesday’s traditional carriage procession, Kate Middleton’s name was unexpectedly removed from the attendee list.
Conflicting explanations have emerged. Some sources claim her inclusion on the original list was a clerical error, while others maintain it was linked to her ongoing recovery from cancer treatment. Insiders suggest the Princess was disappointed but ultimately prioritized her health.
However, the incident has been interpreted by some as a sign of differing approaches to royal duties between the Prince and Princess of Wales and King Charles. Critics question whether the perceived snub would have occurred during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, suggesting a lack of respect towards the current monarch.
One source commented that while King Charles insists on maintaining royal appearances, the Prince and Princess of Wales adopt a different philosophy. Despite this, the King reportedly supports their decisions.
This latest incident follows reports of royal aides expressing frustration with Prince William’s work ethic. Speculation also arose around King Charles’s reported intervention to ensure his son’s attendance at the funeral of Pope Francis. Further fueling the rumors, a source hinted that the Princess of Wales might have attended Ascot had it involved a sport she favored, such as Wimbledon.
While acknowledging the Princess’s likely genuine reason for absence, some observers question the last-minute nature of the announcement and its potential to appear disrespectful to the King. Conversely, sources close to the King emphasize his compassionate nature, particularly given his own experience with cancer, suggesting he would be understanding of the Princess’s situation.