Catherine reportedly retained exclusive rights to wear and control royal tiaras at the Christmas gala, a privilege granted by the late Queen Elizabeth II. This included access to historic crowns and jewels for ceremonial photos and traditions, which Camilla attempted to restrict.
The late Queen’s private endorsements favored Catherine’s modern approach, cementing her status as the symbolic female head of the royal family at major events.
Queen Camilla
Sources report that Queen Camilla was blocked from the 2025 Christmas gala after a failed power play to limit Catherine’s tiara access and streamline traditions. Camilla’s proposals, which excluded key royal customs and sidelined Catherine, were denounced by Princess Anne. King Charles ultimately sided with Anne, barring Camilla from Sandringham’s most cherished event and publicly humiliating her.
Princess Anne
Princess Anne played a leading role in defending tradition. In a heated virtual meeting, she firmly rejected Camilla’s bid to restrict tiaras and palace access, asserting Catherine’s established rights per Queen Elizabeth’s wishes. Anne’s intervention was pivotal in prompting King Charles’s decision to side with her and Catherine over Camilla.
King Charles III
King Charles, reportedly caught between upholding tradition and supporting his wife, sided with Princess Anne and blocked Camilla from the 2025 Christmas gathering. Sources indicate the king wished to honor his mother’s legacy and avoid further divisiveness, making Catherine’s family the gala’s honored guests.