A major shift in royal tradition has taken place — and it’s causing waves inside the palace.
Princess Catherine of Wales has become the first royal in over a century to take on the historic responsibility of issuing Royal Warrants, a prestigious honor previously held only by men — and not since Queen Mary in 1910.
This bold decision by King Charles III is being hailed as a monumental endorsement of Catherine’s rising status within the royal family. But behind the scenes, it’s reportedly left Queen Camilla both shocked and emotional.
A Title with History and Power
Royal Warrants are formal endorsements awarded to British businesses that supply goods or services to the royal family. These marks of royal favor are more than symbolic — they elevate brands, boost reputations, and reinforce the Crown’s influence on British industry.
Previously, King Charles issued them during his time as Prince of Wales, but notably, neither the late Princess Diana nor Queen Camilla, during her tenure as Duchess of Cornwall or even as Queen Consort, were entrusted with this authority.
That makes Princess Catherine the first Princess of Wales in 115 years to hold this role — a clear signal of how central she is to the monarchy’s future.
Camilla’s Reported Reaction
While the royal family maintains a polished public image, insiders suggest this move has caused some emotional tension behind closed doors. Queen Camilla is said to have been “deeply moved” — and possibly troubled — by the decision, especially since she was never offered this role herself.
Some royal observers speculate that the honor reflects a growing divide between Catherine and Camilla, whose relationship, though respectful, is not known to be particularly close.
This new role comes at a pivotal time for Catherine. After publicly revealing her cancer diagnosis, undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, and stepping back from the spotlight to recover, this recognition feels like both a personal and public triumph.