Since the release of a video celebrating Princess Kate’s recovery, the royal family has found itself in an unexpected storm of criticism.
Instead of the anticipated applause and admiration from the royalist press, the media’s response has been surprisingly critical.
While King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak publicly expressed their joy over Kate’s return to health, the focus quickly shifted away from the positive news to the accompanying video, which has drawn sharp rebuke.
Columnists from outlets like the Daily Mail have not held back, with writers such as Liz Jones and Stephen Glover penning scathing articles.
They argue that William and Kate’s behavior is unroyal and could threaten the monarchy’s integrity, stripping it of its time-honored traditions.
They even drew comparisons to a notorious 1960s film about the Windsors, which was so damaging that it was ultimately banned, suggesting that the Waleses are making similar missteps.
The Evening Standard took it a step further, likening the video to a poorly made shampoo commercial.
Such biting commentary reveals that the criticism goes beyond just aesthetics; it delves into a deeper issue regarding the absence of King Charles and Queen Camilla from the footage.
Instead, the Middleton family took center stage, a choice that reportedly did not sit well within palace walls.
This decision has sparked perceptions that William and Kate are straying from their royal duties, distancing themselves from the institution they are meant to uphold.
Although it’s clear that Camilla is not related to the Middletons, the exclusion of Charles—who is not only the king but also William’s father—during such a significant moment raises eyebrows.
Many view this as a deliberate snub, hinting at a widening rift between the senior royals and the younger generation.
The absence of King Charles in a moment intended for family unity speaks volumes about the underlying tensions.
Insiders have long speculated about strained dynamics within the royal family, and reports indicate that Charles is increasingly frustrated with his sons and daughters-in-law, who often overshadow him in the public eye.
The recent video appears to be a flashpoint, with the palace allegedly allowing royalist media to voice their discontent more openly.
Within days, the media landscape became saturated with articles reflecting the anger simmering among royal insiders.
This frustration isn’t solely about the video’s content; it symbolizes a perceived challenge to the authority and dignity of the monarchy.
One palace insider, speaking anonymously, remarked that certain scenes in the video were far from royal.
The prominence of the Middletons instead of the king and queen was viewed as a significant misstep.
The video, showcasing candid moments of William and Kate enjoying a day at the beach, has drawn dismay from courtiers and commentators alike.
Many feel that such casual displays are unbecoming of future monarchs.
The backlash was swift and palpable, with Kate, once seen as a beacon of hope for the monarchy, now being unfavorably compared to Meghan Markle.
Critics argue that the emotional tone of the video mirrors Meghan’s penchant for staged displays, raising questions about authenticity.
One courtier lamented that the couple’s actions felt manipulative, suggesting that the time and resources spent on the video could have been better utilized elsewhere, perhaps in support of women battling cancer—something Princess Diana would have done.
The comparison to Diana serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved.
Her legacy looms large in the public’s perception of the monarchy, and any suggestion that Kate’s actions lean towards self-promotion rather than genuine compassion is a significant blow.
The palace’s frustration extends beyond the video itself; it reflects a broader concern that William and Kate are drifting too far from royal traditions.
Charles’s absence in the video was not merely a missed opportunity for family solidarity; it was perceived as a direct affront to his position.
The spotlight on the Middleton family only highlighted the growing divide between them and the senior royals.
Speculation about a power struggle between the Waleses and the kings has persisted, fueled by Prince Harry‘s memoirs that shed light on behind-the-scenes rivalries and strategic leaks.
William and Kate’s modern approach, while appealing to younger audiences, seems increasingly at odds with traditional royal expectations.
Their choice to bypass royalist media in favor of direct social media distribution has clearly ruffled feathers, and the backlash indicates the risks associated with this strategy.
As they continue to redefine what it means to be future monarchs, the question remains: how will this affect their relationships with the public, the press, and, most importantly, the other members of the royal family?
The fallout from this latest video suggests that the road ahead will be anything but smooth.
