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King Charles has made headlines with two significant appointments ahead of Garter Day, leading to claims of a snub against the Princess of Wales.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, the King, 75, announced the appointments of Baroness Manningham-Buller as Chancellor of the Order of the Garter and Lord Ashton of Hyde as the Master of the Horse, bypassing Princess Kate amidst rising public support for her inclusion in the Order of the Garter.
Baroness Manningham-Buller, the former director general of MI5, will make history as the first female Chancellor of the Order of the Garter, succeeding the Duke of Abercorn.
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This prestigious role has been part of Britain's oldest and most senior order of chivalry since its inception in 1475.
Meanwhile, Lord Ashton of Hyde, a former insurance broker, will assume the largely ceremonial role of Master of the Horse, overseeing the Royal Mews during state occasions.
The timing of these appointments has raised eyebrows, particularly as they come amidst calls for Princess Kate, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, to be made a member of the Order of the Garter.
The Order, celebrated annually with a grand procession and service at Windsor Castle, remains one of the most significant honors in the British chivalric system.
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The upcoming Garter Day service on June 17 will likely draw attention to this perceived oversight.
Last year, Princess Kate made a stunning appearance at the event, wearing a polka dot Alessandra Rich dress and Princess Diana's Collingwood Pearl earrings.
Her ensemble, completed with a Philip Treacy fascinator and Alessandra Rich white pumps with black toes, was widely praised, further endearing her to the public and royal watchers.
The role of Master of the Horse, dating back centuries, was originally responsible for the Sovereign’s horses, carriages, and travel arrangements.
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Although now largely symbolic, it remains an important ceremonial position. The current Master of the Horse, Lord de Mauley, participated in the Coronation procession and will also ride during the upcoming Trooping the Colour ceremony.
The Chancellor of the Order of the Garter holds a high-ranking title within the order, a position historically held by the Bishops of Salisbury and Oxford for nearly five centuries. The appointment of Baroness Manningham-Buller marks a significant modern shift in the order’s traditions.
Both appointments, in the King’s gift, will take effect on June 18. The decisions reflect King Charles' ongoing efforts to modernize the monarchy while maintaining its rich traditions.
However, the exclusion of Princess Kate, despite growing public support for her inclusion in the Order of the Garter, has sparked controversy and debate about the future direction of the royal family.
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As the nation prepares for Garter Day, all eyes will be on Windsor Castle to see how these changes play out and what they might signal for the future of the monarchy.
The King's choices highlight his commitment to honoring service and tradition while also facing the inevitable scrutiny that comes with royal appointments.
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