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Royal News

Could The Queen and the Princess of Wales be about to change decades of royal tradition?

The Queen and the Princess of Wales could oversee honours ceremonies in the future.

Plans to change the current situation which currently only sees those born royal handing out honours are under consideration.

The Daily Mail reports that discussions have taken place to alter the situation so that Queen Camilla and Catherine will take on the duty too in the future.

It’s understood the idea was first mooted around the time of the pandemic. Now, as the number of working royals shifts, it’s reported that the plans are on the table once again.

Technically, all honours are given by the Monarch with other members of the Royal Family presenting them on his behalf.

Currently, honours are most frequently given out by The King, the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal.

However, King Charles continues to restrict his duties to private, constitutional matters behind palace doors as he is being treated for cancer.

Queen Camilla has taken on a wide range of duties as her husband continues his treatment and the move to distribute honours would seem a natural progression.

The Princess of Wales remains at home in Windsor where she is recuperating from abdominal surgery. Kensington Palace re-iterated its January announcement in recent days, confirming that Catherine will be away from public duties until at least Easter as she continues to recover from a major operation.

Honours are announced twice a year, at New Year and for The King’s Official Birthday. Presentation takes place at a series of events with the majority held in recent times at Windsor Castle.

In the past, the Queen Mother handed out honours as did Prince Philip on several occasions.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.