Queen Camilla 'Stepped In' When Princess Kate Got 'Distracted' by Queen Máxima at 2019 Key Royal Event

A moment from a major royal ceremony in 2019 has resurfaced as recent reports offer contrasting accounts of the relationship between Queen Camilla and Kate Middleton, including claims that Camilla stepped in when Kate became distracted by Queen Máxima.

The incident took place at the Order of the Garter service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on 17 June 2019, when the then-Duchess of Cambridge was photographed in conversation with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

The pair reportedly became so engrossed in their conversation that they almost missed an important part of the procession.

How Camilla Stepped in When Kate Got Distracted

The annual Order of the Garter ceremony brought together senior members of the Royal Family alongside European royals, including Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and Queen Letizia of Spain.

Kate and the then-Duchess of Cornwall attended the event as their husbands, Prince William and then-Prince Charles, took part in the ceremony.

According to reports at the time, Queen Máxima 'proved a bit of a distraction for Kate'. The two women were reportedly caught up in conversation as the procession was taking place, with reports suggesting they almost missed an important part of the ceremony.

According to the report, the then-Duchess of Cornwall intervened and tapped Máxima on the shoulder to remind the pair to face forwards as the procession passed.

The moment was also reported by other outlets at the time, although the circumstances were presented as a brief lapse of attention rather than evidence of a serious issue between the royal women.

Why Reports Once Suggested Tension Between Camilla and Kate

Despite occasional reports of a difficult relationship, claims about Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales have varied considerably over the years. An unnamed source cited by Us Weekly claimed Camilla was reluctant to relinquish her responsibilities as Kate's future role became closer.

The source claimed Camilla enjoys her royal responsibilities and does not want to give them up quickly. The same report alleged that Camilla was 'particularly hesitant to pass on her duties to Kate' and that the pair had 'always had a tense relationship'.

These claims came from an unnamed source and have not been publicly confirmed by Buckingham Palace or Kensington Palace. They should therefore be treated as allegations rather than an established description of the relationship between the two women.

Queen Camilla and Kate Reportedly 'Very Close'

More recent reporting has presented a markedly different picture of the relationship between the two women. Royal author Andrew Lownie reportedly told the Daily Mail that Queen Camilla 'is very close to Kate', while reports have suggested the pair have grown warmer in recent years.

The report also suggested Camilla has developed a warm bond with Kate's family, including her mother, Carole Middleton. Their relationship has also been highlighted through public appearances, with the pair photographed together at major royal occasions.

At the 2025 Remembrance Sunday service, body language expert Judi James described an exchange between the two women as a 'warm chat', noting what she interpreted as a playful interaction between the present and future queens.

Her comments were an interpretation of their public interaction and do not independently establish the nature of their private relationship.

The differing reports underline how difficult it is to establish the private nature of the relationship between Camilla and Kate from public appearances alone. While earlier claims suggested tension over their respective royal positions, more recent accounts have described the pair as increasingly close.