Photo: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo
Prince Williamis honoringKing CharlesandQueen Elizabethwith a tiny tweak to his uniform.
The change was spotted on Wednesday when the Prince of Wales, 40, held an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. AsPrince Williamdistributed honors to Lionesses soccer stars Beth Mead and Lucy Bronze, former palace adviser Jason Knauf and more, tworoyal cypherswere unusually spotted on the right shoulder strap of his military uniform. Above his golden braided aiguillettes were the royal monograms for his grandmother, who died in September at age 96, and his father, who was crowned in aglittering ceremonyat Westminster Abbey on Saturday.
According toHello!, the cyphers signifyPrince William’s roles as an aide-de-camp toQueen Elizabethand King Charles. The honorary positions are unpaid and awarded at the discretion of the monarch, theMinistry of Defencesaid.
WhileQueen ElizabethmadePrince Williamanaide-de-campa decade ago, his honor from King Charles is new. Though it remains unclear when the King bestowed the role, the Prince of Wales only woreQueen Elizabeth’s initials at hismost recent investiturebefore Wednesday, in October 2022.
Charles and Elizabeth’s respective insignias link their first initial with the letter “R,” meaning “Rex” for King or “Regina” for Queen in Latin, plus their regnal numbers. The Prince of Wales wore theceremonial dress uniformof the Welsh Guards with the Mantle of the Order of the Garter and formal robes to the coronation Saturday, so the King’s cypher was not visible then.
Prince William and Vanessa Redgrave.PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo
Prince Williammemorablypaid homageto his father during the church service, kneeling before the monarch after he was crowned to pledge allegiance.
“I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God,” William told Charles, who appeared emotional.
RELATED VIDEO:Prince WilliamKneels Before His Father King Charles in Emotional Coronation Moment
He then touched his father’s crown and kissed his cheek, prompting the King to say what appeared to be, “Thank you, William.”
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Upon the death ofQueen Elizabethon Sept. 8, Charles immediately became King and named his eldest son the Prince of Wales, the traditional title for the male heir, the following day. Although the twodon’t have a traditional father-and-son relationship, they are closer than ever before.
“Talking about the future of the country and their future roles has strengthened their bond,” a source who knows both King Charles andPrince Williampreviously told PEOPLE.
source: people.com
