King Charles, who hold a soft corner for his ‘darling daughter-in-law’ Kate Middleton, did not hesitate to break a major royal protocol for her.
The Princess of Wales, who hosted the fourth annual Christmas Carol Serviceon Friday following her cancer treatment, received a special gesture from the monarch for a major event to mark her return to her royal duties.
Kate made her first appearance during the Trooping the Colour parade in June following her cancer announcement. According to King Charles’ former butler, a small tweak in the arrangement suggested the close ties between the king and his daughter-in-law.
“It is changing protocol to show the King and Kate united with each other and going through similar battles,” royal butler Grant Harrold told OK! Magazine. “So, I would say this is down to the King’s preference.”
He continued, “The balcony [line-up] is orchestrated, so I have a feeling the King said to Kate, ‘You stand next to me.’”
Compared to last year, Prince William stood next to King. Hence, the change of order for Kate was a sign of respect from the monarch, who himself in undergoing cancer treatment.
Meanwhile, Kate completed her nine-month cancer treatment in September.
