Following the release of a recent video featuring Prince William and Kate Middleton, British media took a moment of silence before launching into their critiques.
It seems that King Charles and Queen Camilla were less than thrilled about the three-minute clip, which showcased the couple in various picturesque settings.
Insiders close to the royal family have hinted at their disapproval, and now royal commentators are stepping into the fray.
Royal expert Richard Eden didn’t hold back when discussing the footage.
He described it as awkward, noting that it felt like a poorly executed Hollywood trailer.
Eden pointed out that the video had a certain “Meghan Markle vibe,” which raised eyebrows among royal watchers.
“Many people have told me this is the sort of thing Meghan would love to do,” he remarked during an episode of Palace Confidential.
He emphasized that the royal family should maintain a level of dignity rather than chase after trends.
While Catherine may have intended to share her story through this medium, Eden argued that she is surrounded by advisors who should guide her away from such choices.
He believes that the royal family should rise above the need for constant content creation, suggesting they shouldn’t emulate celebrities like the Kardashians.
His sentiments were echoed in an article he penned for the Daily Mail, where he revealed that friends of the King and Queen found the video to be embarrassing, bordering on indecency.
The video, released by Kensington Palace on Monday to provide an update on Catherine’s health, has sparked a divide in opinion among royal circles.
Eden noted that the reactions from Charles and Camilla’s friends were telling, even if the couple themselves has yet to comment on the unusual film.
The video was shot by Will Waugh, a filmmaker known for his work with brands like Tesco and Uber Eats, which only added to the controversy.
Rebecca English, a spokesperson for Prince William, attempted to frame the video in a more positive light.
She argued that Catherine aimed to showcase genuine moments from their lives, emphasizing themes of authenticity and hope.
Yet, not everyone was convinced.
Daily Mail columnist Jen Moyer took a different stance, questioning the rationale behind releasing such footage in the first place.
Moyer explained that while Buckingham Palace used to communicate important messages via notes pinned to the gates, today’s audience craves spectacle and transparency.
She speculated that the Waleses may have felt pressured to produce fresh content for the online masses.
Thus, they opted for this glossy production that promised much but delivered little, aside from what she humorously referred to as an overabundance of shots of Prince William’s hairy knees.
Some scenes even resembled promotional videos for a hypothetical album of English folk songs featuring Kate, complete with cringeworthy moments where she appeared ready to strum a guitar.
Moyer expressed her disappointment, lamenting that the royal couple felt the need to cater to the “popcorn-eating masses.” She questioned what might come next—a film, a book, or perhaps a play, each grander than the last.
As the future king and queen, William and Kate face the challenge of balancing modern engagement with the traditions of the monarchy.
Moyer argued that this kind of sentimental display could ultimately undermine the institution itself.
She pointed out that there’s nothing wrong with a simple note pinned to the palace gates to convey important messages.
This video marks the second production from the Waleses, following their similarly extravagant coronation video.
That earlier piece captured intimate moments with their children, showcasing their ceremonial departure from the palace.
However, it also led to some awkwardness, as it caused a delay that made King Charles and Queen Camilla wait for them in their carriage.
With all this buzz surrounding the Waleses’ media ventures, one can’t help but wonder what they will produce next.
As they navigate their roles within the royal family, the pressure to entertain and engage with the public continues to grow.
The question remains: how will they balance this modern approach with the expectations of a centuries-old institution?
