Here is a photo of Prince William attending the FA Cup match in England over the weekend. He’s the president of the British Football Association, so attending the game actually counts as work for William. Will has actually stepped out several times following the birth of his second child – after being largely MIA for the first three months of the year, William seems to be trying to get his public-appearance numbers up, finally. Which brings up an interesting question, raised by one of the Daily Mail’s columnists: why didn’t William attend the State Opening of Parliament?
Few watching the Queen perform her duty at the State Opening of Parliament could fail to have been impressed by her dignity and stoicism. There she was in her 90th year, weighed down by the heavy Imperial State Crown and the burden of duty which she has carried without complaint her entire adult life. Prince Charles and Camilla were there to support the Queen, but one absence was noted: that of Prince William.
The Queen reportedly hoped her grandson would attend, not least because she considers the State Opening of Parliament to be the high point of her constitutional duties. Wouldn’t it, therefore, have been a wonderful tribute to his grandmother for William to have supported her on such an important day? What an emphatic symbol of the permanence of our monarchy, and the security of succession, it would have been to see the Queen backed up by both Charles and William.
Instead, Prince William was still enjoying his six-week paternity leave, helping wife Kate and bonding with their new daughter and young son. Which is all very well, but it’s not as if he can’t break away from Kate and the children for a few hours. After all, he’s off to watch his beloved Aston Villa play Arsenal in the FA Cup final at Wembley — where, as president of the Football Association, he will present the trophy to the winner. And he managed to find time this week to give a down-with-the-kids interview to Gary Lineker. Lineker asked William when he’d take Prince George to his first football match, and he replied: ‘I’ll have to pass that by the missus, see how I can get away with it.’ Oh dear, a new dad complete with estuary English.
The point is that William is a Prince and he should behave like one. He should stop modelling himself on David Beckham and start modelling himself on his grandmother. Above all, he should stop giving the impression that he is the most reluctant of royals, a prickly, pick-and-mix Prince who enjoys the trappings of royalty while shirking its duties.
Prince Charles first attended the State Opening when he was 20. William is nearly 33 and still hasn’t been. To see three generations of monarchs present and future at Westminster this week would have sent a powerful message to the nation — and, crucially, a loving one to his dear grandmother.
Is this too harsh? I don’t think so, although I will allow for the idea that William didn’t attend because Prince Charles didn’t want him to, maybe. But if the Queen wanted William to attend, wouldn’t that supersede? One of the weirdest parts about covering William and Kate’s minimal public appearances is that they actually do get many of the fun assignments: they go to galas and premieres, they get to count football and tennis matches as royal events and their royal tours seem like half-vacations. They don’t seem “interested” in the boring stuff of royal work, the actual statesmanship and diplomacy and legacy-building for future generations. It would be great if William showed an interest. And yes, I do think William comes across as “the most reluctant of royals, a prickly, pick-and-mix Prince who enjoys the trappings of royalty while shirking its duties.” Word.
Photos courtesy of WENN, Getty.
Because he is one hell of a lazy f**k.
No sh*t. I saw this a couple of days ago in the DM, and thought the same thing. But he can damn sure play some polo when he feels like it.
Well, in all fairness, I was earlier in time, willing to give Willy a pass for being rather choosy re- his royal duties, but no more.
I think the UK should set up a system of evaluations on the most senior royals and based on work performance, reduce or increase benefits/perks covered by taxpayers.
At one time, I too was willing to give him a pass; Kate as well after the marriage. Both have turned out be great disappointments and their desire to live and be considered as a “normal” family is just a cover for their lack of work ethic and sense of duty. Others may think he doesn’t want to be King one day, but I don’t. I think he believes he has all the time in the world to prepare for that role and the duties of PoW. But, I don’t think he has the drive or fortitude of character for either position. Everything he needs to be as King and her as his consort should be reflected in their public roles and image now and until the day he is crowned. Otherwise, they’re just living a private life of luxury without having to pay much for it.
No, really, he WAS playing polo – http://www.laineygossip.com/(S(q0oi2yzkj3sbsm55h5bpmoqm))/Prince-Harry-and-Prince-William-at-Audi-Polo-Challenge-in-Ascot/39667
This is just ridiculous.
@Anna, exactly! That’s the event I was referring to above. It seems sports and hobnobbing with celebs is more to his liking.
I have heard from others William is counting the days until he becomes King, for only one reason. And that reason is so he and his brother can finally found out what happened to his mother in Paris. Yes, it was an accident. But I don’t believe it was a straightforward accident. The Paris officials admit screwing up in certain areas- I won’t go into it all, but there are still valid questions. The bodyguards would never let an individual drive drunk or reckless. Something very traumatic happened between the hotel and the tunnel. Remember; the bodyguard was the only passenger to put on his seatbelt. He knew something was wrong and he can’t remember, unfortunately. We may never find out but William will have the means to attempt to get more information someday.
Although I normally don’t comment on BRF stuff because I have nothing to add, I think you bring up an important point, Citresse…
William’s “prickly, pick-and-mix” attitude of disdain for any royal duties that aren’t fun (or those where his grandmother and father show up) seems a passive-aggressive way of showing his ongoing resentment and anger to his mother’s death. It’s sort of like saying a big “F*ck You” to his family, country and the world for Diana’s unsolved murder.
If she were still alive, perhaps he’d still be lazy and avoidant of the Windsors, but I think he’d at least try harder to follow his mother’s example, maybe even take up her causes.
Citresse
The bodyguards shouldn’t have gotten drunk, but it happens without scandal. Even the Secret Service in the states do it too often without conspiracy.
And Diana dismissed her RPOs. This was her own detail.
Maybe someone wanted Diana to stop talking. Especially as she was creating a big scene with her actions then. I think by majority the actions were just unfortunate.
And William has always been less duty driven. If he really wanted to stick it to his family he could abdicate :O
If people knew how wicked and insidious that family was they would feel a lot more compassion for William and not so much contempt. I’m sure we don’t even have an inkling of what it is like to be born into such a wretchedly treacherous family.
When William didn’t even recognise the King of Spain, nor stand to greet him at a event last year, I figured he and Kate were both hopeless and have no idea about much concerning protocols or how to conduct themselves as royals. William basically does as he pleases, he has been on the “Do As He Pleases Road” …for well over a decade. IMO
The image the press has presented of William in the past as supposedly the intelligent, caring ,future Monarch, has no resemblance to the real William. IMO
William is simply not a very considerate person.
What 32 yr old would watch his 80,90yr old grandparents work extremely hard, while he went and hid and relaxed in the Countryside?
IMO Willie boy is simply a jerk. I read a St.Andrews old student website which got taken down when some started talking about William’s not so nice and LAZY behaviour around school and in class. He certainly did not sound like the caring Prince the press has tried to portray.
I believe the press wrote of the William they believe the public wanted to see, but the real William is very different.
Man, the years have not been kind to him that’s for sure. He looks 45+ in that photo!!
The years are not kind to the Windsor males. At one point, I remember Andrew being extremely hot. No more. They seem to sadly take after the Windsor side instead of the Mountbatten side. Here’s hope Harry has the Spencer genes dominant.
LOL – I remember the “Randy Andy” years quite well. That goes back a ways – you are making me feel old!!
Andy is still “randy” but no longer hot. LOL!
Haha! Sad but (probably) true.
Ooof, that was savage in a good way. If you can go to a futbol match then you can go to the opening of the state that pays all your bills. When you’re getting out worked by your 90 year old grandmother…you are officially sad.
well said
Yep!
So true.
that’s some amazing jool-ry right there. If I was Queen, I’d spend hours prancing around in those diamonds in front of a mirror, experimenting with the best light to show them off.
The most amazing jewelry collection there is. Only the Russian and Persian emperors had something similar, and those treasures were lost and scattered. To be able to wear her jewels… It must be some comfort on those days she feels like beheading her heirs a little!
More like amazing drool-ry!!! She definitely has great game when it comes to jewels.
Actually, if I’m not mistaken, some of the Queen’s jewels did belong to the Russian royals at one time but Queen Mary, being the acquisitive magpie she was for glittery bijoux, snapped them up and added to them to the British collection. To be locked up in the British jewel vaults for a day and let loose among all the pretties would be a dream come true.
The bling almost literally hurt my eyes
Who would have thought William would be the layabout prince?
IKR. If his mother was alive, she’s kick his a** for his behavior. And his wife would get an earful too. Such a disappointment. I wish someone would have a little sit-down with him and his wife and tell them the facts of life as the British public sees it and what’s expected of them. And give them an ultimatum. So bad. SMDH
Yeah, things would be very different if she were still alive. I doubt Kate would even be around.
I was thinking the same thing. Diana, for whatever faults she had, did have a strong sense of duty to her country and her very rarified role. She got out there and “wielded that handbag.” Harry seems to have grasped that you can still work very hard in that job and have a good life. William just seems like a slug.
Agreed. I’m not really a Diana freak but always worked, always, always.
Well said, Chrissy. And considering Kate’s background and what her parents have achieved due to hard work, it’s surprising that she doesn’t have more of a work ethic. She’s had everything handed to her without having to lift a finger. You would think she would be more hardworking but it doesn’t seem in her nature. When she does manage to undertake royal duties, the appearances are just that – “appearances” for the cameras and very brief ones at that. She never does or says anything meaningful and seems quite happy to be William’s accessory.
I agree. Whatever flaws Diana had, laziness wasn’t one of them. She realized what a difference she could make and worked tirelessly for worthy causes.
@Murphy–You are so right! I seriously doubt the Middletons would have ever gotten their hooks into William if Diana was alive.
The thing is Kate is extremely hard working when it benefits her so in that sense she did get the Middleton work ethic. The problem is none of the Middletons seem to care about working hard to help anyone but themselves. They do the occasional bit of charity and that’s it.
it’s not like it’s a real monarchy, so he just does what he wants
I’d bet it would become real enough for him if his very real royal perks and income were removed.
true, he wouldn’t know what to do w himself
lol – exactement!!!
No. No. He works. He actually has a job. He’s an air rescue pilot, right? They are as normal as you and I. They can make it. Then, of course, he has a trust-fund. They’d have to economics but they’d make it. Yeah. Right.
Given his rather lackadaisical attitude toward work, it certainly doesn’t bode well for his reign. He seems like a perpetually stroppy teenager, doing what is expected but making no effort to appear gracious about it. He must be an absolute joy to be around.
This article tod it like it is. I hope Prince William SEES it. Do you think anyone has the job of bringing this to his attention??
Heck no. I’m of the opinion he surrounds himself with ‘yes men’ so no one would dare bring this kind of thing to his attention. This way he can continue to live in his bubble where he eats cheese toast every night, beloved by all, and is the king of everything.
William was asked once what superpower he would want and he said invisibility so he could see what the reporters were saying. I think they try very hard to appear above it all but very much read everything. Whether he cares to change or just get gets irritated that someone dare question him is another story.
He or certainly his PR must be reading something, because suddenly the Daily Mail closed the comment section at 18 comments and said we are no longer accepting comments.
The William and Kate articles usually always get over 500 comments going into well over a Thousand or even two thousand at times.
I recall when he and Kate went on a holiday once it was reported that they told Pippa they were laughing reading about what the papers were saying about them in holiday and how the papers all had it wrong at that point. So they do read papers.
If Charles doesn’t cwant him there, it’s a sticky situation, no?
Yes, but if it’s your duty or you’re committed to the event you show. Not asying this all applies, but in past events it has and it’s childish.
To be fair, he was born into this life/role. He didn’t choose it, so in that respect I think he may be torn. I can’t imagine being born with these kind of expectations. Sure, he enjoys the perks – who wouldn’t? But maybe he resents his position a bit as well, and clearly he’s not that close to some members of his family. He may be enjoying a close family life that he didn’t get much of as he was growing up. I don’t pay the royals much mind, other than what I read on this site, but I wish the family nothing but the best.
You’re more easy going then I am. I say suck it up William. Your glass is not half empty. It’s overflowing with opportunity to make the world a better place.
Wm recently got Pres Obama to do a media interview about his Tusk Trust charity. Very very few people have the ability to get the leader of the free world to take time out of their day to do a media interview for any charity. That there is a glass brimming full with amazing opportunity.
@ 33, it’s time to put childish resentments aside. An overgrown man-child doesn’t bode well for the position he will inherit. A lot of us have family positions that we’ve “inherited” or have had to take on because it’s either been thrust upon us or no one else stepped up. He may have been born into a royal family but he cannot escape the human condition. He needs to grow up.
Then he needs to step down if he can’t handle his role and he’s such a precious Prince that he has to go hide in the Country under Carole’s apron strings with each event.
William will hand over the behind the scenes running of the Monarchy to which ever Middleton’s are around when he becomes King anyway. He’ll just go hide away and let Pippa, Kate, maybe James have carte Blanche on things. It’s going to be a mess when he becomes King, he will be The Absent Monarch.
Why do people insist that being a full-time working royal and having a good home life are mutually exclusive? This amazing fiction is spun everywhere, along with the one about who really owns “royal” property.
“The Windsors are very good at working three days a week, five months of the year and making it look as though they work hard.” Mark Bolland, former royal press officer
They could easily do hundreds of engagements a year and work less than 20 hours a week.
Why would Charles protest WK’s attendance at parliament opening but not at other high profile state events such as the Obama visit or Singapore visit? That’s why I doubt Charles didn’t want WK to attend the opening of parliament.
And I’m beginning to think Kate hates the formal state appearances more than Wm does. She was caught on camera being pouty, refused to talk to Wm and even bit his head off at the Singapore visit as well as a few other functions that I can’t recall off the top and I’m too lazy to google it.
I think its hilarious that everyone thinks he’s been spending those 6 weeks of maternity leave with Kate and/or the children.
Exactly
+1,000,000
Not everyone believes he has. Some were saying William hasn’t even been there much, he’s been hanging with his friends in the Countryside , enjoying the weeks off, socialising with his pals, while Carole is keeping Kate company most days.
And was that Jecca in the background of the recent polo photos?
Much as it pains me to to refrain from knives and fifth ribs on anything RF-related, I think this is a bit of a pointless excuse for a dig at William. No particular reason for him to be there. The occasion needs only Her Maj in constitutional terms. And it’s a political occasion, not a national celebration or remembrance or RF-related one. This time round, Her Maj was supported by Philip, Charles and Camilla. We really don’t need any more of them for the reading of a legislative programme. It’s not a jolly. It’s an announcement of the legislation to be presented in a session of Parliament. Nothing to do with William.
Not turning up for Remembrance Day or Trooping the Colour or some other non-political occasion would be worse, I think.
But Sixer, the fact that the Queen wanted him to attend and he blew it off is the real story. Has he ever dismissed the Queen’s wishes before? So publicly? Why now?
I think this was supposed to be a PR exercise in HM’s heirs showing continuity, like the Jubilee Balcony. Anne was there, which made me wonder until this story popped up.
In recent months, it’s been leaked that Anne occasionally takes William’s rejected invitations for various things.
I think this one is coming from inside the house. Especially since the DM and Telegraph felt embolden to take pot shots at him several times. There have been 5 different articles calling out our petulant, mockney prince in as many days between them.
That would be if we credit that ER actually did make it known he should attend, you know?
I mean, I’d love it if there was actually a public row with William being openly refusenik about royal duties. It might actually hasten the back of the lot of them. But in all honesty, I think the sky will likely fall in before that happens. If ER had said William had to go, he would have been there.
There was no real reason for him to be there and so he wasn’t there. I think that’s the actual story.
Having said that, I am inclined to agree with LAK insofar as this: at some point, the grey men, as Lady Slippers used to like to call them, all act to bring sulky, petulant heirlings into line. And I think we might be entering that point of the royal generational cycle now. William’s pushed it about as far as he going to be allowed to. And inside the house action is beginning to kick in. William will be forced to step up or step aside. My prediction is that he will probably step up, like all the sulky, petulant princelings (David aside) before him.
I love reading comments from LAK, Sixer, FLORC, Notasugar, ect but where art thou, LadySlippers? I miss you!
I think there’s some chaos in the palaces as the queen ages, but I also believe that if the Queen wanted William at these events, he would be there. He hasn’t had “paternity leave” as an excuse on past occasions, and he makes the required appearances at the other big events. W&K go to that fancy diplomatic reception thing behind closed doors every autumn, and that doesn’t seem at all like something they would choose voluntarily.
My take on this actually is that the queen’s courtiers (assuming they leaked this, and the DM didn’t just make up her attitude wholesale — which they certainly have been known to do) are throwing shade at Charles, not William. Because there is NO way that Charles wants his heir at the State Opening, he and Camilla only started going regularly again three years ago.
Diana was notorious for upstaging Charles (and the Queen — sigh) at these events, and that’s not an experience Charles wants to relive. He’s putting the focus on his increased constitutional responsibilities, and his status as the heir. Plus, and somewhat against the odds, the polls continue to show people’s ambivalence about Charles as future king. Remind them of what they won’t get by having William (and Kate, someday) there at the State Opening, all done up in fancy court dress? Nope. Not something Charles wants. His focus is on highlighting his role and prepping Camilla to be crowned Queen Consort, and he will use these events for that purpose alone.
the point is that william and kate have been allowed too much leeway – i know that william is working as a pilot etc but kate has had minimal appearances or duties – hardly as compared to the queen and princess anne as well. she has been allowed to not do her job and it is a job – at least the optics of everything look bad – both william and kate sd at least take more interest and do more things – the daily grind which they dont seem to want to do – william is 33 years old and sadly doesnt seem to be wanting to do more than the minimum.
EXACTLY +1000
Prickly pick ‘n mix..sounds like a salty/sweet combo snack..
Just came here to post the fact that I absolutely love the pageantry & history attached to the opening of Parliament. Everything from the heavy and huge Jewel-encrusted crown, to the gold carriage, the taking of hostages, the slamming of the door to signal that the monarch has no power here!!, and to the manifold gazes of envy, lust, greed and even contempt in the eyes of all who watch as Sovereign as glides by. I just love it. I just love it.
I really don’t think that Diana’s boy is a very nice person.
In one way, it surprises me. I thought he would carry forth her work ethic by this time. Then again, he was rumored to be a bit of a brat as a toddler. Maybe he never really grew out of it.
Harry got the Diana work ethic and sense of duty.
All other matters aside, Her Majesty looks beautiful. She transcends time…ageless elegance.
She really has gorgeous skin. I wish whoever did her makeup would blend her foundation line, though.
He’s getting more and more like his Uncle Edward (who is a really nice guy) – shame he doesn’t have his sense of duty.
The damage is done with these 2 – even if they start doing more, their image will forever be tainted by this petulant, disrespectful behaviour. I think he feels he should only start doing ‘proper’ duties when his father becomes King as he has plenty of time to ‘learn’. But Charles is not the person to learn how to be Monarch from – its his Grandmother. She has set the bar for being a Monarch. There is a lot of genuine love and affection for her and Prince Philip – feelings that will diminish when Charles takes the throne. People had hope for him particularly as Diana’s son – but he has proven that’s not the case. Even before Charles got married (and a LOT younger than Willy) he and Anne had higher public profiles than W&K combined. Both were going off around the globe representing their mother.
Harry is a lot like Diana personality wise – shame that he won’t be King.
As for Kate – she follows where he goes. Regardless what the recent stories say she’s not in control of that relationship – Carole is.
@ Betti
“But Charles is not the person to learn how to be Monarch from – its his Grandmother. She has set the bar for being a Monarch. There is a lot of genuine love and affection for her and Prince Philip – feelings that will diminish when Charles takes the throne. ”
Yes, I agree with you. I would think that he would want to watch this ceremony while his grandmother is still doing it. Why is he not curious? Why does he not want there to see this part of history in action? Why does he not want to see how his grandmother handles it and also to show her some respect?
It’s like he doesn’t have much going on in his mind.
Because William does not want the role. I’m convinced he will step down one day.
No matter what Kate and Carole and the press might want, I beLieve William is going to give up the Throne. He can have a Royal Princely life with all of the finer comforts, he can hide away in the Countryside living a quiet royal life.
I don’t believe he will ever be King because I don’t believe he wants it. He’s just taking the long way round, until one day he admits he wants out of the role.
@Pace U. Most people on here agree that the doesn’t want the role. He will become King (Kate and Carole won’t allow him not to) but i fear he will abdicate and remove his family from the line of succession as well, passing the throne onto Harry – which is not a bad thing.
I’m not sure there is any sort or precedence of his refusing the role before he take’s it. I think to do that a new act of attainder would have to be created, which has to have the backing of Parliament as well as the Monarch at that time. TQ would never agree to it as it would be a reminder of what happened to her father – she only became Queen after her Uncle abdicated and we are all glad he did – William is like the Duke of Windsor in many ways, in fact Waity is a lot like Wallis (both hard nosed social climbers).
He needs to grow up. The pictures from China were awful, like he got told to smile and that would be enough. He’s not 15 anymore, the awkwardness doesn’t play anymore. Educate yourself, speak well and respectfully, engage.
You lot as usual are getting yer knickers in a twist again. Constitutionally there is no need for the Duke of Cambridge to accompany his Grandmother to the state opening of Parliament. HM is accompanied by her consort the DoE, her ladies in waiting and the heir and his consort if they should wish to attend, there are no straight rules. The Duke of Cambridge could have sat in his seat in the Lords if he so should have wished as he is a member. It wouldn’t be the first time HM has opened Parliament on her own or even not at all when the Lords Commissioners opened Parliament for her in 1959 and 1963 when she was pregnant with Princes Andrew and Edward
Though William is not required to show up, the fact that he’s never shown up to support his grandmother and honor this ceremony is odd to me.
I think the continued existence of the monarchy is based on the existence of their ceremonial rituals. I would think that anybody with any intellectual curiosity would, at least once in his life, want to watch a ceremony that is key to his own future.
Since 1999, William (and the rest of the RF “peers”) has no right to a seat in the House of Lords.
He’s been too busy going to a soccer game and playing polo (photos on DM) and mingling with celebrities.
I think that he thinks that if he shows up at events like the one mentioned with the Queen and Charles, then he’ll be pressured to take on more Royal roles. He’s probably thinking out-of-sight, out-of-mind.
I don’t know why he’s on a six-weeks paternity leave. I think his ‘bosses’ at the copter service and his co-workers are probably worried that everybody will have to re-arrange their work and personal schedules to accommodate William’s.
He’s not working yet, he’s being paid to train.
Showing up to Opening of Parliament as a monarch or future monarch is an honor and should be treated as such. I am aghast that he has never been; I bet his grandmother is, too.
I just think of Diana and how she was everywhere for her subjects, even post-partum. We all know she ran herself ragged; regardless, she was clearly devoted to her causes.
Look at some of the things she did. She was one of the first “celebrities” to touch patients with AIDS, and ever after the divorce, she went to Africa to demonstrate the effects that landmines were having on survivors. She walked through a minefield; it was merely a demonstration, but a powerful one nevertheless.
Now the Royals are overcompensating with Kate to avoid any Diana-type problems. The Mail was referring primarily to William, and they said what needed to be said with the customary deference require for royal criticism.
Oh, I am so glad to live in a country that has never had a monarch!
A few Celebitchians(ites?) have noted his depression. I believe they are hiding some form of mental illness with Wills. Maybe genetically inherent from Diana. I believe BRF is keeping this under wraps. I believe it’s crippling & that’s why he’s allowed to slide. He can’t handle the pressure unlike resilient Harry. Harry’s never been one to hide his emotions for his mom’s death. Most telling when he lost his pony. He’s just born that way. He’s the family royal gem. I believe his penchant for partying is to cope as an empathic soul
No offense, but the only disease I think William might have is azzholeitis. He’s spoiled, naturally recalcitrant and aimless.
~Every~ DM “Royals” story reads like this. The editorial slant is ultra-conservative, with an historical “these scandalous/selfish/nonconformist young folk are putting the Monarchy in Danger!” They did it to Charles during his bachelor days & in the Mistress Camilla Scandal; they stuck it to Diana frequently until she died… it’s a weird brit phenom, like the occasional “Church [of E] In DANGER!!” cloudbursts.
It’s amusing, though (esp considering the nature of their “work”), to see the outrage directed at this 2nd-in-line couple doing what UK ‘rents & an increasing number of Americans do in the 21st century (if they can afford it, or if the job has maternity/paternity leave): take months, even a year away from the office to raise newborns & bond with their young family.
As the celeb-oriented part of DM content seems mainly to be an aggregator of press releases & RADAR/Star dreck, I bet they get daily “Will’n’K tea” tips from Palace PR staff trying to drive these no-good kids back to the rez.