In a move that has sent ripples through royal circles, Queen Camilla recently hosted her first reception at Clarence House as the newly appointed Colonel and Chief of the Royal Lancers.
This event took place just as Prince Harry was in London, embroiled in a legal battle against Mirror Group Newspapers.
For many observers, this timing feels like a deliberate snub to the Duke of Sussex, especially given his recent controversial remarks about his stepmother.
At 75, Camilla’s new role marks a significant moment in her royal journey.
The announcement came straight from Buckingham Palace, shared on social media with photos of the Queen and the caption celebrating her appointment.
The Royal Lancers, formed in 2015, carry a rich history intertwined with the monarchy.
Notably, both Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother held the title of Colonel before her.
During the reception, Camilla was seen mingling with current and former members of the regiment, showcasing her commitment to her new position.
The royal family also posted a heartwarming clip on Instagram, highlighting Camilla honoring Lieutenant Michael de Bourgh on his 100th birthday.
In this touching moment, she presented him with the Buckingham Medal, further solidifying her connection to the regiment.
Camilla’s fashion choice for the occasion—a stunning royal blue max-length dress—added an air of elegance to the event.
With puffy sleeves and a stylish open collar, she exuded confidence while donning high heels.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry was making headlines for a different reason, having just returned to Los Angeles after a brief visit to the UK.
Harry’s trip was primarily to give evidence in his lawsuit against MGN, but it was marred by missed family connections.
Reports indicate that he did not see his father, King Charles, or his brother, Prince William, despite staying at Frogmore Cottage.
This cottage, once a home for the Sussexes, is now under scrutiny as they prepare to vacate it, following King Charles’s request for them to leave.
The Duke of Sussex arrived in London shortly after celebrating his daughter Lilibet‘s second birthday.
However, he missed the initial day of his court case, prompting a rebuke from the presiding judge.
Justice Fancourt expressed surprise at Harry’s absence, a reflection of the ongoing tensions in the royal family.
Sources suggest that Harry’s stay at Frogmore Cottage might be one of his last, given reports that King Charles plans to offer the property to Prince Andrew.
This potential move has raised eyebrows, especially since Andrew has been reluctant to leave his long-time residence, Royal Lodge.
The shift could be seen as a demotion for Andrew, who currently enjoys a spacious home compared to the smaller Frogmore Cottage.
Amid these developments, Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” has cast a long shadow over his relationship with the royal family.
His candid revelations about family dynamics, including an alleged physical altercation with his brother, have only deepened the rift.
The memoir’s release in January exposed grievances that seem to have lingered for years.
The tension was palpable last weekend when official social media accounts for King Charles and Prince William notably failed to acknowledge Lilibet’s second birthday.
This silence starkly contrasted with last year’s celebrations when the royal family publicly celebrated her first birthday.
Such omissions speak volumes about the current state of affairs within the royal family.
Royal commentators have weighed in, suggesting that the lack of public acknowledgment from senior royals reflects their strained ties with Harry and Meghan.
R.S.
Locke, a noted royal expert, pointed out that King Charles’s decision not to recognize his granddaughter’s birthday signals a shift in social media practices moving forward.
As the royal family navigates these complex relationships, it remains to be seen how the dynamics will evolve.
With new roles, lingering tensions, and public scrutiny, the saga of the Sussexes and the royal family continues to unfold, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike.
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