The Princess of Wales, commonly known as Kate, was reportedly requested to change the spelling of her name due to a potential conflict with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
While she is popularly referred to as Kate, her actual name is Catherine. This is the name by which most royal family members, including her husband Prince William, address her.
The spelling of her name, however, once led to a minor dispute with her father-in-law, King Charles, and his wife, Queen Camilla. As narrated by Prince Harry, the royal couple proposed a change in the spelling of her name.
In his autobiography titled “Spare,” Harry shared that the king and queen proposed that Catherine be spelled with a K instead of a C. Harry cited in his book: “There were already two royal cyphers with a C and a crown above: Charles and Camilla. It would be too confusing to have another. Make it Katherine with a K, they suggested. I wondered now what came of that suggestion.”
Harry disclosed that Prince William was present when the suggestion was made. Recounting the moment, Harry said: “I turned to Willy, gave him a look that said, ‘You listening to this?’ His face was blank.”
Despite the unfulfilled request, it’s known that Kate maintains a good relationship with Charles and Camilla, who acknowledge the significant impact she can make on the monarchy.
This proposed change in Kate’s name highlights the close attention to detail the royal family pays, especially regarding public symbols and representations. The royal cypher, a personal emblem of a monarch used on state documents, insignia, and official items, was the reason behind the suggestion. The idea was to avoid confusion due to an excess of similar symbols.
Released in early 2023, Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare” has unveiled many details about the royal family, offering insights into their personal dynamics and internal discussions. The book has piqued public and media interest, revealing less-known facets of royal life. Harry’s frank narrative provides a peek into the family’s complexities and challenges, even in minor issues like the spelling of a name.
Despite the unusual suggestion, Kate Middleton is still known as Catherine within the royal family and Kate to the public. She continues to fulfill her duty as the Princess of Wales, undertaking various public engagements and charitable activities when her cancer treatment and doctors permit. The support she receives from King Charles and Queen Camilla demonstrates the cooperative spirit within the royal family, as they work together to maintain their responsibilities and public image.