Princess Kate Receives Honor Previously Held Only by Queen Camilla During State Visit
LONDON – In a historic first, Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, received a unique honor during the recent state visit – surpassing even Queen Camilla in a exhibition of diplomatic protocol. The Princess was formally greeted with a military salute upon her return to Buckingham Palace alongside King charles III following a reception hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa on November 22,2023. This is the first time a non-reigning royal has been afforded this traditionally reserved recognition.
The significance of this gesture lies in its deviation from established practice.Traditionally, only the reigning monarch or a visiting head of state receives a royal salute upon their return to a royal residence after an official engagement. Queen Camilla was not granted this honor during similar engagements. The decision to extend the salute to Princess Catherine underscores her increasingly prominent role within the monarchy and signals a potential shift in the request of royal protocols.The event highlights the evolving dynamics within the royal family as King charles continues to define his reign and the roles of its key members.
The state visit, commencing November 22, 2023, aimed to strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and South Africa, focusing on areas of mutual interest such as trade, security, and environmental sustainability. President Ramaphosa’s visit included meetings with King Charles and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, as well as a banquet at Buckingham Palace. The Princess of Wales actively participated in hosting duties, demonstrating her commitment to supporting the King in his official responsibilities.
