Prince William joins King Charles for 'special' Victoria Cross event at Windsor Castle as Kate absent
Royal fans wondered where the Princess of Wales was
Prince William stepped into the spotlight alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla on Thursday for a Victoria Cross event, but royal watchers couldn’t help but notice the absence of Kate Middleton.
On May 1, the Prince of Wales joined his father and stepmother at Windsor Castle for a reception honouring members of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association.
This group celebrates the UK’s highest awards for bravery.
Prince William joins King Charles and Queen Camilla for Victoria Cross event
The official royal family Instagram account shared a group photo from the event.
“The King, The Queen and The Prince of Wales have hosted a special reception at Windsor Castle for holders of the Victoria Cross and George Cross,” the caption read.
“The Victoria Cross is awarded to those serving in British and Commonwealth Forces who have shown tremendous bravery. The George Cross, which can be awarded to anyone, is given to people who show heroism or courage in extreme danger. His Majesty has been Patron of the VC & GC Association since 2022.”
The striking photo shows King Charles seated front and centre with Queen Camilla on his left in a bright green dress, and Prince William on his right.
The George Cross, which can be awarded to anyone, is given to people who show heroism or courage in extreme danger.
Medal recipients are seated around them, smiling warmly.
This engagement marks the first Victoria Cross and George Cross Association reception at Windsor Castle since 2006, and the first since Charles became King in 2022.
It is also a rare joint appearance for Charles and William, who both hold significant roles in the association.
King Charles is a patron, and William is the president.
King Charles has long-standing ties with the association. He formerly served as its president starting in 2003 before becoming patron upon Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
The association’s rich legacy includes former presidents like Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother.
During the event, the royals posed for photos, mingled with recipients and spoke with family members.
According to Buckingham Palace, the reception highlighted the continued efforts of the association in supporting honorees, educating the public and maintaining memorials dedicated to acts of extraordinary courage.
Kate Middleton absent from Victoria Cross reception
But despite the celebratory tone, fans couldn’t help but note Princess Kate’s absence from the photos.
“Where’s Princess Kate?” One fan queried on social media.
“Where is the Princess of Wales?” Another echoed.
One fan offered up a potential explanation for Kate’s absence: “Likely home with the children. They just returned from a two-day engagement in Scotland and celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary while away. Plus, tomorrow is Princess Charlotte’s birthday.”
Meanwhile, others gushed over the participating royals.
“Queen Camilla looks great in green,” a fan commented.
“Nice to see William participating,” another fan added, while someone agreed: “Love to see king and prince together.”
No official reason was given for Kate’s absence.
Read more: ‘Normal’ activity Prince William struggles to do with children George, Charlotte and Louis
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