Tensions within Buckingham Palace have resurfaced following a recent State Banquet, where Queen Camilla was privately angered by what aides describe as an unusually bold appearance by Catherine, Princess of Wales, according to people familiar with the matter.
The episode unfolded last week as the Prince and Princess of Wales hosted the German Prime Minister at a formal State Banquet. Catherine arrived wearing a large headpiece, a departure from her typically restrained style, drawing widespread attention and igniting speculation about internal royal dynamics as the monarchy continues its transition toward the next generation.
A source told Closer Online that Queen Camilla viewed the moment as a deliberate attempt to dominate the evening. "By all accounts, she was hopping mad that she wore the giant tiara at the banquet last week, she said it was another blatant attempt by Kate to hog the limelight," the source said.
The reaction has been interpreted by some palace observers as reflecting broader anxiety about shifting roles within the royal hierarchy. Prince William and Catherine have taken on increasingly prominent responsibilities, positioning them as the public face of the monarchy's future, while King Charles and Camilla continue to define the contours of the current reign.
According to the same source, Camilla's frustration extends beyond the banquet itself. "There's no doubt she's panicked about where she'll stand in the new scheme of things, but instead of falling into line and respecting Kate, she's chosen to be petty and territorial," the source said.
While public interactions between the two women remain outwardly cordial, palace insiders say private conversations have been less restrained. "She's being professional and cordial when they're together in public, but behind closed doors, Camilla's not shy at all about making her feelings known, and it's been quite the talking point for a while now because she's so vocal to courtiers and other senior royals," the source added.
Staff within the royal household are said to be divided. Some believe Camilla deserves deference as Queen, while others view Catherine as emblematic of the monarchy's future direction. The source said, "Camilla can bitch and gripe all she wants, there's no changing the reality that Kate will be Queen one day, and Camilla could be isolated and effectively at her mercy in terms of the perks and influence within the Firm."
The remarks underscore the delicate balance facing the institution as it manages overlapping reigns, evolving public expectations, and internal sensitivities tied to succession. Preparations for the eventual transition to a reign led by Prince William are already under way, according to people close to palace operations.
Speculation intensified earlier this week when King Charles and Queen Camilla did not attend the Princess of Wales's annual Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey. Some royal watchers interpreted the absence as intentional, believing it allowed Catherine to remain the focal point of the event.
Royal insiders cautioned against overinterpretation, noting that King Charles and Camilla have missed the service for three consecutive years, potentially due to scheduling constraints rather than discord. Still, the timing added fuel to existing rumors of strain between the current and future centers of royal influence.
