Each year, roughly 30 investiture ceremonies are held across the United Kingdom to recognise citizens for service and achievement. Recipients, including those from the British Overseas Territories, are presented with honours such as MBEs, OBEs, knighthoods and damehoods. Traditionally, these ceremonies are conducted by senior members of the royal family, who personally award the insignia and certificates.
At present, the duty is shared between King Charles III, the Prince of Wales, and the Princess Royal. Of the three, Princess Anne is widely regarded as the busiest, carrying out more investitures than her fellow royals.
There is no formal prohibition on spouses of senior royals taking on the role. Historical precedent demonstrates that the task can extend beyond the bloodline: the late Queen Mother performed more than 50 investitures between the 1950s and 1980s, while Prince Philip also carried out the duty during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
This has prompted speculation over whether Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales might assume some of the responsibilities. As consort, Camilla occupies a position comparable to Prince Philip and could be called upon if the King is unable to attend. The Princess of Wales, by contrast, has never hosted an investiture, though nothing in protocol prevents her from doing so.
Recent reports suggest that the royal household has explored widening the roster of investiture hosts. The King’s ongoing health concerns, coupled with the Princess of Wales’s recent recovery from surgery, have led to discussions about redistributing ceremonial duties. A source told the media that both women “have earned it” and that their participation might be welcomed by the public.
Investitures themselves are highly formal affairs, usually held at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle, though they may also take place in Scotland or overseas. Each recipient is announced in turn, presented with their insignia, and has a brief audience with the royal awarding the honour. The procedure underscores the ceremonial importance of the honours system, which recognises contributions to society across a range of fields.
For the moment, however, the responsibility remains firmly with the King, Princess Anne, and Prince William – leaving Camilla and the Princess of Wales on the sidelines of one of the monarchy’s most visible and enduring traditions.
