Prince Charles' ‘complaint’ to Duchess Camilla revealed by lipreader as he stepped in for the Queen
Prince Charles reportedly made a ‘complaint’ as he arrived for the State Opening of Parliament to deliver the Queen’s Speech…

Prince Charles reportedly made a “complaint” to Duchess Camilla as he prepared to undertake one major engagement for the first time on behalf of the Queen.
- The Prince of Wales stepped in for Her Majesty to deliver the Queen’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament.
- Now a lipreader has claimed that Prince Charles wasn’t impressed with one aspect and remarked upon this to the Duchess of Cornwall.
- This royal news comes as we revealed the utterly adorable Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis moment we'll see this week.
After much speculation from fans and commentators alike over whether Prince Charles as the eldest of the Queen’s children and first in the royal line of succession might step in to attend the State Opening Parliament 2022, the future King did just that. Accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince William, Prince Charles replaced the Queen for his important duty, he delivered the Queen’s Speech outlining the government’s agenda for the coming session.
This marked not only the first time he’d done so but the first time in 59 years since Her Majesty last missed it. This has left some people wondering when the Queen was last seen in public and also why Kate Middleton didn’t join Prince William.
Whilst another intriguing aspect of the day has now been revealed by a lip reader who has claimed Prince Charles made a “complaint” as he arrived for the engagement.
Opening up to The Mirror, Jeremy Freeman, an expert in lip reading, analyzed the moment Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla appeared to briefly talk before entering the Houses of Parliament. And according to him, the Prince of Wales apparently wasn’t quite as comfortable as he’d hoped on the journey there.
He has alleged that when the couple got out of their car, Prince Charles said to the Duchess of Cornwall, “Oh my word that was uncomfortable”.
Soon afterwards the Prince of Wales appeared to be gesturing to which side Duchess Camilla should stand as he reportedly said, “Your side”.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
He also reportedly asked one of the officers lining the route to the throne room, "I hope you're well”, to which the officer later supposedly replied, "Well, yes I'm trying."
But though Prince Charles might not have found the journey to the House of Parliament quite that comfortable if he did indeed make that complaint, he soon threw himself into this important engagement. He didn’t sit on the sovereign’s throne but on the consort’s throne, which was once occupied by his late father Prince Philip.
Last year the State Opening of Parliament was the first major public engagement Her Majesty undertook since the mourning period for Prince Philip ended. The Queen was supported by Prince Charles then, though the consort’s throne was removed, and instead she and Duchess Camilla were seated on thrones of state nearby.
The decision for Prince Charles to step in this year is a reflection not only of his support for the Queen but of their own roles as monarch and heir to the throne.
It comes ahead of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 celebrations in June which marks a major moment in the Queen’s Jubilee history and is expected to see the monarch and Prince of Wales appearing at a selection of the major events.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
Think head-to-toe leopard print is too much? Amanda Holden shows how elegant it can be with exquisite three-piece suit
The BGT star proved there's no such thing as too much animal print
By Kerrie Hughes Published
-
Celebrity style inspo: How to elevate your outfit with a statement bag
From embellished clutches to bold printed totes, these stylish stars have some serious arm candy
By Kathryn Lewsey Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William mark Valentine's Day with candid romantic picture - and the caption says it all
The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared a new picture to celebrate Valentine's Day and it's pure romance
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton won't be at the BAFTAs - but we're still dreaming of last year's sensational gown
The Princess of Wales won't be attending the BAFTAs this year and we can't stop thinking about her striking previous outfit
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Remember Kate Middleton's raspberry pink knit and coat combination? We're taking notes for Valentine's Day
The Princess of Wales's Boden jumper from 2021 was all the inspiration you'll ever need for styling bold pink in a wearable way
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton could make special appearance at event she 'loves' alongside Prince William
The Princess of Wales could potentially attend a high-profile event with Prince William and make her first red carpet appearance of 2025
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Carole Middleton has always been Kate's 'rock' as 'unflappable' family matriarch
Carole Middleton is 'very proactive' and has been 'amazing' as a source of support for the Princess of Wales all her life
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton marks World Cancer Day with heart-warming new photo taken by Prince Louis
The Princess of Wales has shared a special post ahead of World Cancer Day 2025 and it features a powerful reminder
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's foodie compromise for Prince William that we bet she'd make for King Charles
The Princess of Wales has developed a way to keep everyone happy when she makes a signature dish and it involves tweaking the method
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's favourite Zara dress is the monochrome style gift that keeps on giving - and we love its versatility
The Princess of Wales brought back her checked Zara dress for her first visit to Wales in 2025 and it looked as stylish as ever
By Emma Shacklock Published