Royal pair unite at St James’s Palace following postponement of Vatican trip
King Charles III and Princess Anne made a united public appearance at St James’s Palace just hours after Buckingham Palace confirmed the postponement of the monarch's scheduled visit to the Vatican due to concerns over Pope Francis' health.
The siblings came together on Tuesday for a meaningful royal engagement, honouring exceptional individuals in the UK’s criminal justice system. The event marked the 40th Annual Butler Trust Awards, where Princess Anne — Patron of the Trust since its inception in 1985 — presented awards to those making outstanding contributions in prisons, probation, and youth justice.
While the Princess Royal led the ceremony, the King made an unexpected appearance to support the occasion, with the Palace noting: “The 40th Annual Butler Trust Awards hosted today by The Princess Royal at St James’s Palace had a surprise guest — The King!”
Ahead of the reception, Princess Anne personally presented 10 Awards and 20 Commendations to this year’s recipients, recognising dedication and innovation within the justice sector.
Photos shared by the Palace showed a smiling King and Princess Anne engaging with honorees, offering a moment of stability and service amidst a challenging week for the monarchy.
Earlier in the day, King Charles also knighted Sir Stephen Fry at Windsor Castle in recognition of his services to mental health, the environment, and charity — continuing his royal duties despite the postponement of his international engagement alongside Queen Camilla.
