In a summer that has seen the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, take extended breaks, there's a growing murmur of concern among the royal household staff. The royal couple, known for their modern approach to monarchy, have been spending quality time with their three children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Their destinations of choice have been the exotic island of Mustique and the historic Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Richard Palmer, a seasoned royal expert, has pointed out that while the couple's popularity remains undiminished and they continue to be a significant asset to the U.K., there have been whispers about the amount of time they've been away from official engagements. "There aren't many families where both the father and mother are able to have 12 or 13 weeks with their children on all of their school breaks," Palmer commented on the Daily Express' "Royal Round Up" podcast. He further added that while there's a lot of goodwill towards the couple, they need to be cautious about the optics of their extended breaks.
The modernization of the monarchy, with a focus on family, has been a hallmark of William and Kate's approach. Palmer had earlier noted the emphasis the Princess of Wales places on her children, possibly influenced by the narratives of Prince William and Prince Harry about their own childhood. They often spoke about their father, Prince Charles, being engrossed in work or away on engagements. This summer's extended break is seen by many as a continuation of this modern approach, prioritizing family over duty.
Jennie Bond, a former BBC royal correspondent, lauded Prince William's commitment to his role in the royal family but also appreciated his balanced approach to work and family. "He seems to be a full-on, hands-on, caring dad," she remarked.
This summer break is particularly poignant for the royal family as it marks their first visit to Balmoral since the passing of Queen Elizabeth. The younger royals, especially, are grappling with the change. Kate shared that the younger ones are now asking questions like, "Do you think we can still play these games when we go to Balmoral?" indicating their concern about the Queen's absence.
In an era where the lines between personal and professional are increasingly blurred, the Duke and Duchess's decision to prioritize family time is both commendable and controversial. As the next generation of royals navigate their roles in a rapidly changing world, the balance between duty and personal life will continue to be a topic of discussion and debate.
