Though Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, and Queen Camilla have long appeared to maintain a cordial public relationship, recent reports and expert commentary suggest that tensions may exist behind the scenes — tensions that reportedly surfaced during the coronation of King Charles III in 2023.
During the historic ceremony, royal observers noticed that while King Charles and Queen Camilla exited Westminster Abbey, all senior royals were seen bowing to the King — but noticeably, no one curtsied or bowed to Queen Camilla. This moment caught the attention of royal biographer Tom Bower, who publicly remarked: “If you look at the coronation footage… everyone bows and curtsies to the King — and no one moves a muscle when Camilla passes.”
Adding to the speculation, Bower noted that Queen Camilla had reportedly invited 20 members of her own family to the coronation, whereas the Middleton family — Catherine’s relatives — were limited to just four seats. Notably absent were Catherine’s brother-in-law James Matthews and her sister-in-law Alizée Thevenet.
Some commentators speculated that the lack of a curtsy might have been a deliberate snub. However, royal insiders and analysts argue otherwise. Known for her poise and strict adherence to royal protocol, Princess Catherine is unlikely to make a public display of disrespect — particularly at an event watched by millions around the world. Furthermore, royal protocol dictates that curtsying is not always expected toward a queen consort, as opposed to the reigning monarch.
This was not the first time reports of underlying strain between the two women emerged. In 2021, sources suggested that Camilla had been hesitant to delegate responsibilities to her stepdaughter-in-law, possibly out of protectiveness over her own role. Others hinted that Camilla may have felt uneasy about Catherine’s close relationship with the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Despite these rumors, any noticeable tension seemed to fade by early 2022, with both women appearing to maintain a supportive working relationship. However, Princess Catherine’s priorities have shifted significantly since her cancer diagnosis and treatment in early 2024, with her focus largely centered on her health and young family.
Historical accounts also point to earlier friction. Royal author Christopher Andersen previously claimed that Camilla had expressed disapproval of Catherine during the early stages of her relationship with Prince William, reportedly viewing her as unsuitable for royal life. Camilla was said to be envious of the couple’s popularity and media attention.
Nevertheless, by the time of William and Catherine’s 2011 wedding, any prior disagreements seemed to have been set aside. The two women were even spotted lunching together prior to the ceremony — though that outing did attract criticism due to the inclusion of foie gras, a dish King Charles opposes on ethical grounds.
In light of these incidents, royal watchers remain divided. Was the lack of a curtsy a subtle sign of discord, or simply a matter of outdated etiquette? For now, the truth remains shrouded in the royal tradition of discretion.
