In a recent visit to New York City, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, showcased a markedly different approach to public appearances compared to his brother, Prince Harry, and sister-in-law, Meghan Markle. William's trip to the Big Apple was the first by a royal family member since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's contentious car chase incident, which they described as "catastrophic."
While Meghan and Harry claimed they were pursued aggressively by paparazzi in New York, leading many to question the veracity of their account, William's experience in the city was notably more serene. Christopher Andersen, in a recent interview, highlighted the stark contrast, stating, "It's all a case of class vs. crass." He went on to criticize the Sussexes for their dramatic portrayal of events, suggesting they were attempting to draw parallels with the tragic death of Princess Diana. Andersen described their account of a high-speed chase through Manhattan as "improbable at best."
In contrast, Prince William's visit was characterized by positive interactions and a focus on global issues. During his attendance at the 78th UN Summit, he shared a light-hearted anecdote about jogging in Central Park, saying, "I decided to join the hordes of New Yorkers doing their morning routine. It was wonderful waking up in New York on a sunny morning rather than the rain we had yesterday."
Andersen emphasized that William's approach was more in line with traditional royal conduct, focusing on global issues like climate change rather than personal grievances. He remarked, "A little decorum and self-restraint are things Harry and Meghan could learn from William and Kate, but that's not what the Sussexes are all about."
Duncan Larcombe, another commentator, pointed out that while William was in the U.S. to promote his Earthshot Prize initiative, Harry and Meghan's visit was more self-serving. He noted the distinction between William's official visit, organized by the U.K.'s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the Sussexes' trip, which was primarily to receive an award. Larcombe observed, "They walked away from royal life and royal tours, and yet they seem to be doing their own sort of mini ones that look and feel the same as official visits."
Larcombe further differentiated between the two brothers' approaches to their public roles. While Harry and Meghan have embraced a celebrity lifestyle in California, William's focus remains on promoting causes larger than himself. "William's visit seems to be quite understated in comparison to the glitz and glamour that greeted Harry and Meghan when they went to New York," Larcombe said. "And that's probably a sign of William trying to focus on what's important - it's not about William, it's about the cause."
In conclusion, Prince William's recent visit to New York underscores the growing divide between the two royal brothers and their respective approaches to public life. While the Duke of Cambridge remains committed to his royal duties and global causes, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to court controversy and headlines.
