Prince William and Kate Middleton are making a deliberate choice to prioritize their children over royal duties, a decision that has sparked both criticism and defense in public and royal circles. The couple, who have three young children, have faced scrutiny for their reduced number of public engagements in 2023, but royal author Gareth Russell has come to their defense, explaining that their approach differs significantly from previous generations of royals.
Russell, in an exclusive conversation with GB News, shed light on the royal couple's parenting style. "We can defend the couple in that this is what it looks like when royals prioritize their children and their home life," he stated. He highlighted that while previous generations of royals were often seen as absentee parents due to their heavy public engagement schedules, William and Kate are choosing a different path, one that allows them to spend more day-to-day time with their children.
The implications of this choice are profound, with Russell noting, "There inevitably has to be a trade-off in this. You can either have royals who commit to as many engagements as the Queen Mother or The Queen or Prince Philip did. But the upshot of that is that they won't spend as much time day-to-day with their children." This shift marks a significant change in the royal approach to parenting and public duty.
William and Kate's decision is seen as an effort to provide a stable and normal upbringing for their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, reminiscent of Kate's childhood in Berkshire. A source close to the royal family told The Royal Observer that "those children look pretty happy with life," attributing their well-being to the "stabilizing normality Kate brings."
Critics argue that the couple's reduced public engagements are a sign of neglecting their royal duties. However, supporters like royal commentator Duncan Larcombe praise their approach, suggesting that William and Kate are adopting the "Middleton way" of a strong, close-knit family unit. This shift towards a more traditional, family-oriented lifestyle is seen as a welcome change in The Firm.
As the couple navigates the balance between their public responsibilities and private life, the question remains how their approach will shape the future of the monarchy and their children's roles within it. One thing is clear: William and Kate are determined not to be painted as absentee parents, even if it means rewriting the royal rulebook on public engagement.
