One week ago exactly, Prince Harry walked up the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral alone, with an adoring crowd of hundreds of British people cheering for him. He looked like a king, he carried himself like a king, and the photos showed a man with natural charisma oozing out of every pore. The Windsors made a point of snubbing last week’s Invictus service, which only made Harry appear more regal. Skip ahead to today… King Charles and Queen Camilla trudged up the stairs of St. Paul’s Cathedral for the Service of Dedication for the Order of the British Empire. They wore fancy hot pink robes and looked grumpy and tired, despite Camilla’s fresh blowout.
The imagery insists on a comparison. Both events at St. Paul’s Cathedral, with those iconic grey steps. On one side, a charismatic prince who escaped the clutches of his abusers and tormentors. On the other side, an old man and his side chick, hellbent on abusing and tormenting anyone who leaves the cult.
Something I didn’t know: while Charles is the head of the Order of the British Empire, Camilla “oversees the OBE as its Grand Master.” People Magazine noted that “nearly 2,000 award holders attended,” meaning recipients of the OBE honor, and that Prince William skipped this because he was holding an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. It doesn’t look like anyone else from the family turned up either – no Anne, no Sophie or Edward.
PS… I know that the robes are supposed to be red, but in natural light, they really look hot pink, right? In natural light, the fabric also looks really cheap and flimsy, like budget polyester.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.
London, UK, 15th May 2024. The king and queen arrive in their ceremonial robes. Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend a Service of Dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul’s Cathedral in London today. The ceremonial service is attended by holders of the Orders awards, as well as many others.,Image: 873144740, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: Imageplotter / Avalon 
London, UK, 15th May 2024. The king and queen arrive in their ceremonial robes. Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend a Service of Dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul’s Cathedral in London today. The ceremonial service is attended by holders of the Orders awards, as well as many others.,Image: 873144768, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: Imageplotter / Avalon 
London, UK, 15 May 2024: Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla take part in a Service of Dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.,Image: 873153221, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Hannah McKay / Avalon
St Paul’s Cathedral, London, UK. 15th May 2024. His Majesty, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, wearing ceremonial robes, attend a Service of Dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul’s Cathedral. Established by King George V in 1917 to reward outstanding contributions to the war effort, the Order of the British Empire now recognises the work of people from all walks of life with honours such as MBEs, OBEs, Knighthoods and Damehoods. The King is the Sovereign of the Order of the British Empire. The Queen is the Grand Master of the Order of the British Empire.,Image: 873159715, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: Supplied by AVALON – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Avalon – sales@avalon.red London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles: +1 (310) 822 0419 Madrid: +34 91 533 4289, Model Release: no, Credit line: Photo by Amanda Rose / Avalon 
St Paul’s Cathedral, London, UK. 15th May 2024. His Majesty, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, wearing ceremonial robes, attend a Service of Dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul’s Cathedral. Established by King George V in 1917 to reward outstanding contributions to the war effort, the Order of the British Empire now recognises the work of people from all walks of life with honours such as MBEs, OBEs, Knighthoods and Damehoods. The King is the Sovereign of the Order of the British Empire. The Queen is the Grand Master of the Order of the British Empire.,Image: 873159750, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: Supplied by AVALON – Fee Payable Upon Reproduction – For queries contact Avalon – sales@avalon.red London: +44 (0) 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles: +1 (310) 822 0419 Madrid: +34 91 533 4289, Model Release: no, Credit line: Photo by Amanda Rose / Avalon 
London, UK, 15th May 2024. The King and Queen, together with the Lord Mayor, exit St Paul’s Cathedral after the service. Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend a Service of Dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul’s Cathedral in London today. The ceremonial service is attended by holders of the Orders awards, as well as many others.,Image: 873161111, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: Imageplotter / Avalon
London, UK, 15th May 2024. The King and Queen, together with the Lord Mayor, exit St Paul’s Cathedral after the service. Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend a Service of Dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul’s Cathedral in London today. The ceremonial service is attended by holders of the Orders awards, as well as many others.,Image: 873161218, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: Imageplotter / Avalon 
London, UK, 15th May 2024. The King and Queen, together with the Lord Mayor, exit St Paul’s Cathedral after the service. Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend a Service of Dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul’s Cathedral in London today. The ceremonial service is attended by holders of the Orders awards, as well as many others.,Image: 873161226, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: Imageplotter / Avalon 
London, UK, 15th May 2024. The King and Queen, together with the Lord Mayor, exit St Paul’s Cathedral after the service. Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend a Service of Dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul’s Cathedral in London today. The ceremonial service is attended by holders of the Orders awards, as well as many others.,Image: 873161232, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: Imageplotter / AvalonncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pLHLnpmirJOdxm%2BvzqZmcW9hboNxe8qipaCXk52us7jErJahoaOUwKqwxJiaoaGToKytu86knJ2Xl6fCrrzYmKuiqpWZrKLAvqyrmKiRqrm0q8Kaq6GdlKeurXs%3D