Janet Davison

There has been speculation about whether junior members of the Royal Family might step in to carry out official royal duties, but even in the face of a streamlining in the upper echelons of the family, that appears unlikely.

When King Charles awarded Catherine, Princess of Wales, a rare honour the other day, it was more than a recognition of her role within the Royal Family. It also drew attention to the warm relationship that has developed between Charles and his daughter-in-law since she joined the family through marriage to Prince William.

When King Charles handed over a senior military title to Prince William the other day, it was more than a symbolic passing on of a role. It was also a personal moment rife with symbolism for the monarch and his heir, and hinted at the family dynamics at play right now in the House of Windsor.

As members of the Royal Family put some planned engagements on hold during the U.K. election campaign, there is another reminder of the fine line royals walk in wanting to be seen to be above politics, along with hints that in the reign of King Charles, there may be changes in how the royals go about their official business.

Princess Anne postponed a trip to Canada after she was injured at her home in England, and while she is expected to reschedule the trip, her absence here and from other duties in her jam-packed itinerary is a reminder of a larger issue for the Royal Family these days.

Prince William’s efforts to fight homelessness reflect the way in which he and his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, have concentrated their philanthropic efforts, seeking to draw people together to work in a limited number of areas rather than cast a wider net on a larger range of issues.

The rift between Prince William and Prince Harry is the latest example of how personal conflict can distract popular attention around the Royal Family and what they are doing in and out of the public eye.

When Catherine, Princess of Wales, made a low-key return to work this past week, it was in marked contrast to an unprecedented royal public display a week earlier by the 42-year-old, who was front and centre in a personal and polished video revealing her great relief that she had completed her chemotherapy.

When King Charles and Queen Camilla are in Australia over the next few days, they will meet people who devote their time to interests the royals have also long shared. But the visit carries with it added significance, particularly because it's the King's first trip to a Commonwealth realm since he became monarch two years ago.

The recent visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla to Australia and Samoa was a pared-down, carefully planned and jam-packed visit that offered a look at the evolving nature of royal tours.