Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, might be on the outs with the "temperamental" King Charles III, who reportedly "snubbed" his sister-in-law at the State Banquet for the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
At the grand event on Tuesday, June 25, Her Royal Highness did not receive a special broch known as a Family Order, which is given to female members of the royal family. Queen Camilla was the only female monarchy member present, wearing His Majesty's new honor on the sash on her right shoulder. HRH wore the King's new miniature portrait right above his predecessor, Queen Elizabeth II's.
Royal Family Orders are a cherished tradition within the British monarchy, symbolizing personal favor from the reigning monarch, which has many calling the King's move a snub. Dating back to the early 19th century, with the first known order given by King George IV, these orders reflect a personal connection between the monarch and the recipient, often recognizing their contributions to royal duties and public service.
His Majesty's miniature is set within a diamond-studded frame, maintaining the elegant and prestigious design characteristic of royal family Orders. The ribbon for King Charles III's is a distinctive shade of blue, chosen to represent his reign. This color choice differentiates it from the orders of previous monarchs and adds a unique touch to his era. The blue ribbon also complements the detailed and regal portrait of Charles III, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship of the order.
For nearly five years, the Duchess of Edinburgh was not given a broch during Elizabeth II's reign either, even though she worked for the Crown. It's also worth noting that Sophie has been recognized and honored in other significant ways, such as being made a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) by her mother-in-law in 2010, which is another form of high royal honor reflecting her service to the crown.
Numerous analysts are predicting the Duchess will likely be given a Carolean Era Family Order after Kate, Princess of Wales, the second lady of the land, and likely before Princess Anne, who both were unable to attend the banquet.
Sophie, and her husband, Prince Edward, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, June 19. The duo are also being praised for dedicating a quarter-century of their lives to the monarchy.
"Understated, unshowy, and as down-to-earth as you can be when you are born into the royal family," veteran royal reporter Jennie Bond stated when describing the now senior royals.
Prince Edward and a then-Sophie Rhys-Jones first crossed paths in 1987, during a tennis event organized by the It's a Royal Knockout prince. However, their romantic relationship didn't begin until they met again in 1993 at a charity event.
Daily Mirror reported on the Family Order.