On March 8th, Buckingham Palace faced backlash as a wave of frustration surged among Princess Catherine’s supporters.
The controversy arose when the princess was noticeably absent from the Royal Family's official tribute for International Women’s Day, sparking widespread speculation. Her exclusion, combined with her absence from several royal engagements alongside Queen Camilla, led to renewed rumors of internal tensions within the monarchy. The palace marked the occasion by sharing a collection of inspirational photographs featuring Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and Duchess Sophie, alongside historical images of Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria. However, the omission of the Princess of Wales stood out.
This decision was particularly surprising as Catherine had recently resumed public duties following health challenges. Despite her active involvement in charitable initiatives and women’s causes, some royal watchers interpreted her absence as a deliberate snub. Others speculated that it could be linked to unverified rumors of a private meeting between Catherine and Prince Harry.
The public reaction was swift, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment. One commenter questioned, “Where is the Princess of Wales?” while another pointed out that the tribute could have included a photograph of Catherine taking a picture of Camilla, maintaining the theme. Some fans noted that Catherine has been photographed by female photographers in the past, making her absence even more puzzling. Others highlighted that the post also omitted Princess Diana, with one remarking, “You’re missing the Princess of Wales—both of them.”
Shortly after the controversy gained traction, King Charles addressed the public with a statement for Commonwealth Day, emphasizing themes of global unity and resilience. In response to the growing speculation, Princess Catherine and Prince William shared their own tribute celebrating women who had inspired them over the past year. Their heartfelt message, posted on Instagram, featured a series of photos, including one of Catherine embracing Liz, a woman from North Yorkshire who had passed away the previous year after battling an aggressive desmoplastic tumor. Another image captured the royal couple posing with Liz and her family during their meeting at Windsor Castle. This deeply personal tribute stood in stark contrast to the palace’s official post, further fueling speculation of behind-the-scenes tensions.
Buckingham Palace has yet to comment on Catherine’s exclusion from the official tribute. However, the incident has once again put the royal family’s social media decisions under public scrutiny. While Catherine has not directly addressed the controversy, her response subtly reinforced her commitment to female empowerment, independent of the palace’s messaging.
Amidst the ongoing discussions, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Princess Catherine will participate in the upcoming Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. She is expected to attend alongside key members of the royal family, including Prince William, King Charles, and Queen Camilla. Last year, she was unable to attend due to surgery and subsequent cancer treatment. This year’s Commonwealth Day theme, “Together We Thrive,” will be marked by a gathering of 2,000 guests, commemorating the enduring strength of the Commonwealth community.
The princess was last seen publicly on February 26th during a visit to South Wales with Prince William. Despite her recent health challenges, she continues to use her platform to highlight resilience and strength, reinforcing the royal family’s commitment to honoring inspirational individuals. Meanwhile, Prince William has resumed his royal duties following a private retreat, making a significant solo visit to the Royal Berkshire Hospital on March 5th. This location, notable as Catherine’s birthplace, was chosen to highlight his ongoing support for healthcare initiatives through NHS Charities Together, a cause that both he and Catherine have championed since 2020.
Recently, the Wales family took a private vacation to Mustique with their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—during the school break. Their absence from the BAFTA Awards led to speculation, but sources emphasized that their priority remains family and Catherine’s recovery. With King Charles also facing health concerns, the royal family has adjusted its focus, ensuring that Catherine’s public engagements are carefully managed while Prince William takes on a more prominent role. As she balances her recovery, family responsibilities, and select public appearances, Catherine remains dedicated to her work while navigating the evolving dynamics within the monarchy.
