King Charles III was briefly hospitalized on March 27, 2025 due to temporary side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment. Buckingham Palace confirmed that the hospitalization was precautionary following planned treatment, and the King was discharged shortly after and has since resumed duties. Several public engagements were postponed in line with medical advice.

In the meantime, Queen Camilla received a historic honor: on July 16, 2025, one day before her 78th birthday, she was officially appointed Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom, becoming the first woman ever to hold this honorary title. The appointment, made by King Charles based on the First Sea Lord’s recommendation, reflects her longstanding association with the Royal Navy, especially as Lady Sponsor of HMS Astute.

This title is an honorary naval post, historically established in 1513 under Henry VIII, typically held by senior Royal Navy officials. Camilla’s appointment holds symbolic significance and marks a modern milestone in royal tradition.

While both developments were significant, there’s no credible evidence linking Princess Anne or Prince William to influencing this appointment during the King’s hospital stay. It remains a personal honor endorsed and enacted by the monarch himself, not the result of a power shift within the royal family