In a revelation from his book “Spare,” Prince Harry disclosed an unusual request from his father, King Charles, which Princess Kate reportedly declined. The disclosure sheds light on the sometimes complex dynamics within the British Royal Family.
Princess Kate and King Charles are known to share a strong and affectionate relationship. Much like his late mother, Queen Elizabeth, Charles has openly acknowledged Kate’s significant contribution to the monarchy since her marriage to Prince William. Despite facing her own health challenges, Kate has remained a steadfast supporter of both Charles and the Royal Family. Recently, she has reappeared in the public eye, with notable appearances at events like Trooping the Colour and Wimbledon.
However, according to Prince Harry, there was a peculiar moment several years ago when Kate was presented with an unusual request from Charles. In his memoir, “Spare,” Harry recounted that Charles had asked Kate to change the spelling of her name. This request was aimed at resolving a potential issue related to royal cyphers.
Harry explained that Charles was concerned about confusion arising from having multiple royal cyphers with a “C” and a crown. At the time, both Charles and Camilla had royal cyphers featuring these symbols. To avoid any mix-up, Charles proposed that Kate alter the spelling of her name from “Catherine” to “Katherine” with a “K.” Harry recounted his reaction to this request, noting his confusion and curiosity about the outcome of the suggestion.
Despite the request, Kate chose to retain the original spelling of her name, “Catherine.” This decision, while seemingly minor, was a reflection of her determination to maintain her identity despite the unique pressures of royal life.
The decision did not seem to impact the strong bond between Kate and her father-in-law. When Kate publicly announced her cancer treatment, Charles promptly expressed his support, referring to Kate as his “beloved daughter-in-law” and praising her for her bravery in the emotional video message that shared her health struggles. This gesture reaffirmed the warmth and support Charles has for Kate, despite the earlier request.
Similarly, Queen Elizabeth had previously demonstrated her support for Kate. In 2019, she honored Kate with the Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO), the highest rank awarded by the monarch. This honor, announced on the occasion of William and Kate’s eighth wedding anniversary, was a significant public acknowledgment of Kate’s dedication and service. Royal expert Katie Nicholl wrote for Vanity Fair, explaining that the GCVO was a clear sign of the Queen’s appreciation and recognition of Kate’s contributions.
Kate’s decision to keep her name unchanged and her ongoing relationship with Charles highlight the complexities of royal life, where even small details can carry significant meaning. Despite the unusual request, the mutual respect and support between Kate and Charles remain evident.