Claims Kate Middleton “overshadowed” King Charles at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2023 were previously discussed, with the Princess of Wales being defended.
The king and Queen Camilla attended this year’s Chelsea Flower Show yesterday (Monday May 19), meeting David Beckham and being introduced to the new King’s Rose.
But back in 2023, during his first show as monarch, it was claimed King Charles may have been “disappointed” by an appearance from his daughter-in-law.
King Charles and Kate Middleton at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2023
That’s because, according to reports, Princess Kate’s appearance was a surprise – and may have taken the focus off him.
However, Princess Kate’s own horticultural endeavours with Chelsea pensioners and groups of school children, as well as her bright pink attire, may have commanded more press coverage.
A source is said to have said at the time: “With his love of horticulture, His Majesty’s appearance at Chelsea was an important engagement.
“It’s a shame that his visit with Her Majesty the Queen received less coverage than might have been expected. I hope they are not too disappointed.”
Did Princess Kate ‘overshadow’ the king?
Around the same time a former royal butler spoke out about the reports and insisted the Princess of Wales has “never put a foot wrong”.
Speaking on GB News, Paul Burrell gave his take as he drew parallels between Princess Diana and Princess Kate.
He also said: “[Kate’s] doing an incredible job. I don’t think for a minute that the king would mind sharing some of the spotlight with his daughter-in-law.”
But, Paul did address the king’s alleged “jealous” behaviour.
He claimed: “In the old days there was a rivalry between Diana and Charles. And Charles was jealous of Diana’s popularity.
“He didn’t like her being as popular as she was because her star rose and his fell. He once said to her: ‘I married you and made you royal, without me, you’d be nobody.’”
I think there is an element of jealousy in the king.
Mr Burrell went on: “I think there is an element of jealousy in the king. But I think he is also looking to the future.
“I think he thinks William and Kate are the best people for the job. ‘They are following in my wake. I am not going to be king for a very long time. They are waiting to take over the reins.’ And I think he’s looking to the future.”
Meanwhile, in his book Spare, Prince Harry claimed he and his brother sometimes encountered resistance when it came to public appearances.
He claimed: “Pa and Camilla didn’t like Willy and Kate drawing attention away from them or their causes. They’d openly scolded Willy about it many times.”
What title did King Charles give Kate Middleton?
When Charles became king, his eldest son Prince William assumed the position of Prince of Wales. Therefore, Kate, as Prince William’s wife, became Princess of Wales.
But in April 2024, King Charles bestowed a separate honour on her. She was appointed Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honour, the first member of the royal family to receive the title.
The Order of the Companions of Honour was founded by King George V in 1917. It recognises outstanding achievements in the Arts, Sciences, Medicine and Public Service.
