The Princess of Wales stole the spotlight at the German state banquet last month – dazzling in a huge tiara and glittery gown. But as she steps up in preparation for her future role as Queen Consort, insiders tell Closer it’s left Queen Camilla feeling increasingly irritated.
Insiders say tension between the two women is still simmering, weeks after the huge state occasion.
‘Kate’s been centre stage over Christmas, and Camilla’s been feeling sidelined. She’s still reeling from the banquet, feeling Kate’s tiara was no accident and highly symbolic. Kate was effectively telling the world that it won’t be long before she’s Queen. She’s adored within the family and by the British public, so it makes sense that she’s taking a bigger hand in shaping what the monarchy looks like moving forward,’ a source says.
camilla felt sidelined during trump’s state visit ©WPA Pool/Getty Images
‘She’s stepping up in a big way, and believes that the time of senior royals turning up for a quick photo op and calling it a day’s work is over. The old guard hates this – especially Camilla, who definitely doesn’t appreciate being told what standard she has to meet. But Kate is stronger than people think, and she is not backing down.’
All eyes were on Kate, 43, as she attended the Windsor Castle state banquet alongside husband Prince William in a glittering blue Jenny Packham gown – as well as Queen Victoria’s rarely- seen Oriental Circlet tiara, which features 2600 diamonds.
Originally designed by German- born Prince Albert for his wife, Victoria refused to wear the tiara after his death, and instead designated it to be ‘worn by future Queens in right of it’. Seen only once on Queen Elizabeth in 2006, it has not been publicly worn until Kate’s recent appearance.
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And German president Frank- Walter Steinmeier – who was guest of honour at the 152-person dinner, which also included the Duke of Edinburgh, supermodel Claudia Schiffer and Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse – isn’t the only head of state to be impressed by the Princess of Wales.
In September, US president Donald Trump branded Kate ‘so beautiful’ during his own state visit. But, yet again, Camilla, 78, was unhappy with her daughter-in-law stealing the limelight – and could subtly be seen to ‘shoo’ her away so that she could speak to Trump’s wife Melania alone.
And with King Charles, 77, still battling cancer, William and Kate – who continued her solo carol service initiative, Together At Christmas, for the fifth year in December – are reportedly already making plans to modernise the monarchy. Speaking to actor Eugene Levy, William, 43, explained that change is ‘on [his] agenda’, adding that he ‘doesn’t fear it’.
the couple with their three children ©Chris Jackson / POOL / AFP
Our insider continues, ‘Camilla can gripe all she wants, but she’ll become isolated and effectively at Kate’s mercy in terms of influence within the Firm once Kate becomes Queen. It’ll be hard for her to swallow her pride and accept Kate’s authority.
‘There’s no doubt Camilla is panicked – but instead of falling into line and respecting Kate, she’s chosen to be territorial. Some believe Camilla should be afforded more respect and authority while she’s still Queen Consort. But the Waleses are capable of being ruthless, so they’re warning her to accept it.’
It’s been a tough few years Kate takes her role very seriously for Kate and William. On top of Charles’ ill-health, the princess announced her own cancer diagnosis in March 2024. After announcing she was in remission last January, the couple have then dealt with the ongoing drama from William’s estranged brother, Prince Harry, and sister- in-law Meghan Markle.
the king and camilla at the state banquet ©David Levenson/Getty Images
William is also said to have been instrumental in both the former Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson’s titles being stripped in October – after new details of their friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein came to light.
‘Kate is William’s partner in every way – she helps him far more than anyone realises,’ the insider says.
‘She’s the sounding board, the strategist, and the one who smooths over personality clashes. She’s been told by doctors and her family to take things slowly, but is still massively involved in every big decision William makes.
‘Camilla needs to dial back this envy and resentment before it becomes a bigger problem. After everything Kate’s been through, the last thing she needs is to be pulled to pieces just for trying to do her job. She won’t back down.’
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