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.

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.

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.

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 greeted members of the public on Easter Sunday, the handshakes and smiles were more than friendly greetings for a monarch making his first significant public outing since word spread of his cancer diagnosis in early February.

The surprise announcement Friday by the Princess of Wales brings with it inevitable shorter-term questions about how the Royal Family will adapt with two senior members facing cancer diagnoses and whether the wild speculation around Catherine will abate as well as longer-term considerations about the future of the monarchy.