![\"frosty\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/frosty-1748244982936.jpg\")
Source: Getty Images | Stefan Rousseau – WPA Pool<\/p>\n
Prince William and King Charles arrive for the Order of the Bath service.<\/p>\n
May 26 2025, Published 12:06 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Prince William and King Charles made an appearance together on May 16 at Westminster Abbey for the 300th anniversary of the Order of the Bath. At the event, Charles conferred the honorary title <\/a>of \u2018Great Master of the Order\u2019 on William. But behind the scenes, things were reportedly frosty between the father and son. William\u2019s friend claimed that the Prince allegedly found the whole affair \u2018ridiculous\u2019 and out of line with his vision of a modern monarchy.<\/p>\n Article continues below advertisement<\/p>\n<\/p>\n William\u2019s new title was once held by Charles, who received it from the late Queen Elizabeth in 1975. William\u2019s pal told the Daily Beast, <\/a>\u201cThis is exactly the kind of medieval cosplay William thinks is ridiculous. He understands and respects tradition, but this kind of event is hardly telegraphing a monarchy which is modern and relevant.\u201d The Prince of Wales has been vocal about not being a big fan of the royal pomp. Following his trip to South Africa in November 2024, he told reporters, \u201cI can only describe what I\u2019m trying to do and that\u2019s trying to do it differently, and I\u2019m trying to do it for my generation. I\u2019m doing it with maybe a smaller r in the royal.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below advertisement<\/p>\n Despite reports of a tense exchange, Sky News<\/a> reports that William and Charles were able to share a touching moment before they participated in the historic ceremony. Dressed in crimson robes, the father and son warmly greeted each other, and the King gently patted his son’s arm before the procession. The event also saw Charles act as sovereign for the first time, as the service happens once in every four years. In a heartfelt decision, the monarch appointed Kate Middleton, the first Royal Companion in the history of the Order of the Companions of Honor, to recognize her for her public service<\/a> and support of the arts.<\/p>\n Article continues below advertisement<\/p>\n Coming back to William’s plans to modernize the monarchy,<\/a> as per the Telegraph<\/a>, he once stressed, \u201cAnd I\u2019m also going to throw empathy in there as well\u2026And I think we could do with some more empathetic leadership around the world.\u201d He added, \u201cIt\u2019s more about impact, philanthropy, collaboration, convening, and helping people.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below advertisement<\/p>\n<\/p>\n