Queen Camilla and Princess Kate could be set to hand out honours in new royal mix-up, a source has claimed.
An Investiture is a day when someone who has been awarded an honour receives an award in person from a member of the Royal Family.
As reported by the Mirror, this typically happens at Buckingham Palace – although has previously taken place at other royal residences.
Examples of such honours include OBEs, MBEs and knighthoods. Actress Emilia Clarke and her mum were recently awarded MBEs, by Prince William, for their role in the creation of SameYou – a brain injury recovery charity.
At present, only those born into the Royal Family can hand out these awards although, with a slimmed-down monarchy looking likely, this could be set to change.
A source told the Mail: “Queen Camilla has proved herself to be a really hard-working and dutiful spouse to the King, and who wouldn’t want to be handed a gong by the Princess of Wales?
“There is a feeling that both have earned it and it might prove a very popular change.”
King Charles is currently taking some time away from duty due to his cancer treatment, meaning that Queen Camilla has headed the Royal Family for most of the year so far.
Despite this, Camilla is now set to step back from duty for a short time – a hard-earned and, no doubt, welcomed break for the 76-year-old.
Prince William has recently returned to duty after stepping down from duties to care for his wife Princess Kate – who underwent abdominal surgery in January – and their three children.
The Princess of Wales, 42, is currently recovering at home in Windsor and is likely to rejoin duties “after Easter”.
Around 30 Investitures are typically held each year, with more than 2,600 people receiving an honour.
A source added: “There were preliminary discussions in the Jubilee year about increasing the number of senior royals who undertook investitures… that’s when they first looked at adding Camilla and Catherine. Despite this, another source added: “In my opinion, they should be performed by members of the Royal Family in direct line of succession.”
