When President Donald Trump swept into Britain for his controversial state visit last week, the spotlight was supposed to shine firmly on the pomp and pageantry of the occasion.
But palace insiders tell Closer that, behind closed doors, it was the simmering tension between Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales that had people talking.
The Prince and Princess of Wales ©Aaron Chown-WPA Pool/Getty Images
According to a source, Kate ‘completely outshone’ Camilla at the glamorous event – much to the Queen’s disdain.
‘The tension was impossible to ignore,’ an insider reveals. ‘Every gesture and every colour choice felt like a power move. It was Kate who drew the attention, and that didn’t go down well with Camilla. From the moment Kate arrived, she proved herself to be the real power player.’
They continue, ‘She completely outshone Camilla and everyone noticed it. There were moans and groans behind the scenes at how well Kate was doing, because everyone knew it would go down like a lead balloon at the debrief afterwards. Kate showed who the real star of the show is, and it was impossible not to notice the contrast.’
Catherine, Princess of Wales, Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump ©Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images
All the stops were pulled out for the president’s historic state visit, which involved a 120-strong horse carriage procession to mark his arrival at Windsor Castle. But royal watchers were quick to notice Camilla, 78, dismissing Kate, 43, after she personally escorted Trump’s wife, Melania, 55, over to greet her.
‘It was subtle, but Kate felt sidelined,’ explains the source. ‘She’s worked hard to position herself as the monarchy’s future, and being asked to literally move aside was humiliating. She won’t have it going forward.’
All eyes were on Kate again as she sat next to Trump during the lavish dinner that followed. The president did ‘most of his talking’ with the mum-of-three, according to a fellow guest.
Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales ©Samir Hussein/WireImage
‘She was radiant, poised and every inch the future Queen – and sitting next to Trump only emphasised her star power,’ says the insider. ‘Camilla looked elegant, but Kate commanded the room. That contrast was not lost on anyone, least of all Camilla herself.’
As Closer reported last month, friction has been bubbling between the two women at the heart of the monarchy – with Camilla fearing that she may be pushed to the sidelines with Kate now in remission from cancer and back in the spotlight.
‘Camilla doesn’t like the idea of being upstaged at engagements,’ a source said at the time.
‘Suddenly, Kate’s returned presence is feeling very “queenly”. Palace staff are now managing a delicate balance, encouraging Kate to pace herself so as not to overshadow Camilla.’
Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump ©Ian Vogler – WPA Pool/Getty Images
The rumoured feud follows a stressful few years for the royals. In a 2024 interview, Prince William admitted that the last year had been ‘brutal’ and the ‘hardest year in my life’ after both his wife and father, King Charles III, were diagnosed with cancer.
In January, Kate revealed she was in remission, while Charles continues to undergo treatment.
The Princess of Wales has also supported her husband throughout his ongoing rift with his estranged brother, Prince Harry, since he decided to step back from royal duties in 2020. Harry, 41, and his wife Meghan Markle, 44, went on to make a series of damaging allegations against the royal family.
But it’s thought the ongoing drama has only brought William and Kate closer.
Prince William and Catherine ©Eddie MULHOLLAND / POOL / AFP
‘Kate wears the trousers in that marriage. If it wasn’t for her, William might have walked away from royal life already,’ our insider explains.
‘He’s struggled with duty and has questioned whether it’s worth it. Kate is always there. She mothers him, guides him, and reminds him of what they’re building together.
‘Cancer, family crises and the loss of Harry have actually pulled Kate and William closer. She knows the Crown will only survive if it adapts, and she’s prepared to be the architect of that change.
‘The Waleses are equally clear on where loyalty lies. There’s no path back for the Sussexes where William is concerned. Kate and William want a trimmed-down monarchy – and only those who share their vision will remain.’
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At 76, Charles is the oldest person to take the British throne in history, making a premature step back a very real concern for the Queen Consort.
Amid Charles’ cancer battle last year, royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith revealed, ‘William has been taking on more responsibilities, and he and Kate have been preparing for their future roles sooner than they would have expected.’
Kate is supposedly taking a front seat in helping her husband ‘shape’ the future of the monarchy. The source shares, ‘Kate and William are plotting something far bigger in the background – a monarchy in their own image, modern and warm, but also ruthlessly loyal.
‘Kate is no longer just supporting the future king, she is shaping him. Every time she steps out in public, the cameras love her. Camilla may have the crown, but it’s Kate who has the country’s heart. Camilla might be Queen, but Kate is the one who’ll define the monarchy for decades to come.’