For a few days, the royal-friendly press has been breathlessly reporting that Prince William “flown to the rescue of a victim of a shooting.” These stories are very much like the stories we continuously heard when William was an RAF pilot too, and I would imagine that the East Anglia Air Service is probably even more willing to play these PR games. Yes, it’s great that William is doing his job, co-piloting an air ambulance. But it is his JOB, you know? The stories always reek of PR plants, I’m just saying. Like William wants a cookie for doing his job.
Speaking of William’s lack of royal work, the Sunday Times reports that William has finally made up his mind about what his foundation should be doing. I guess I didn’t realize before now that his foundation (which is also with Kate and Harry) doesn’t really have one big purpose, mission statement or cause to fund. Apparently, William wants the foundation to work in concert with other charities supporting victims of bullying and mental illness.
Prince William, second in line to the UK’s throne, has begun the groundwork for his main focus as the future king of England. Prince William will soon be expected to scale up his royal duties as his father, Prince Charles, 66, begins helping out his ageing mother Queen Elizabeth II more actively in her royal duties.
In preparation for his future role, Prince William, 33, has asked his aides to help him establish how he can champion the cause of young people who suffer bullying or mental illness, ‘The Sunday Times’ reported. The prince, who began work as an air ambulance helicopter pilot last month, will continue with his royal duties but believes he should focus on helping young people when he leaves the job in about two years’ time.
“He has spent a lot of time over the past couple of years, away from the public eye, visiting young people who are struggling to cope. When he spends time with them, he finds that, partly based on his own experiences, he is able to connect deeply with them,” the newspaper quoted a royal aide as saying. William has expressed particular interest in helping those suffering from depression, breakdowns, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying, and is said to be concerned about the number of young gay men committing suicide.
It is thought he is also keen to help young people struggling with loss and grief. The prince has asked The Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, the charitable vehicle he shares with his wife and brother, to identify charities and campaigns that could benefit from his support.
[From the Sunday Times via Zee News]
It sounds like Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation is about to get an investment from William! While my intent is not to make fun of this cause whatsoever – mental illness, depression and being victimized by bullying are serious subjects – it does seem like William is merely seeking to get press from thinking about maybe doing something at some point, possibly, if he can work up the energy to care about this stuff in between vacations and tennis matches. William spoke to the people at his foundation about maybe finding a purpose or creating a mission statement for the foundation (which has existed for years), and by “purpose” William just means using the foundation to filter money to other charities and organizations doing the heavy lifting on these problems because William really can’t be bothered.
Meanwhile, Express says that there are still a lot of rumors that Kate will get knocked up again and soon. Sources still say that Kate wants a third child – because she comes from a family with three kids – and that she probably wants to add a third child sooner rather than later. People think we’ll probably get another pregnancy announcement next year.
Photos courtesy of WENN, Fame/Flynet.
Youths struggling to cope with only one mansion instead of two? With only 4 vacations a year instead of 8? With $2 million allowances instead of $4 million?
He’s thinking about thinking about thinking about having someone think about thinking about helping youth.
William’s been spending loads of time behind the scenes visiting youth? Without one single tweet, or photo, or peep out of anyone that this happened? Right. Maybe these young people were the staff on Mustique?
Stop talking William, and DO. Jason is really desperate.
I was hoping Harry would take over running the foundation when he left the military. He has always been focused in his charitable work and genuinely seems to find it fulfilling. I think it would a fantastic role for him.
It was originally the Foundation of Princes William and Harry. They added KM on after the wedding. The logical thing to do is to separate it into two, one for W&K and one for Harry and his future wife (if he marries).
Omg @notasugarhere! Hahahahaha! Truly hilarious, although, too bad that it’s all true.
The end of the first article concludes with the standard William punchline, “William can relate cause he lost his mother at 15.” When will this man-child get some therapy? Harry’s charity work is about interests he developed while seeking his own experiences. William’s claims are all driven by what was “done to him.” Newsflash: Harry lost his ma too. William better get it together: the Brits may be able to tolerate a cheater on the throne, but not so sure they’ll want a whinger.
I picked up a book about Diana (Sarah Bradford) and was reminded of all the bullying that Charles and his friends put her though. The book was written in 2004, and not so full of gossip like many of the books first published about her. Charles and his friends insinuated that she was mentally ill during their media war; and any book will tell you that she was often depressed, and was most definitely bullied. Methinks that William is relating to what she had to go through in a life married to Charles. I believe that William was sheltered “to a certain extent”, but now has the whole story to digest in a more mature way, than when he was a child. Carole would be quite aware of the history, and probably very sympathetic, because she is so close to Diana’s age. I do wonder how he relates to Charles, even though royalists insist that all is A-okay, observing the PR Charles has used for Camilla’s crown. I believe that there was a lot of grief in the family, that William is working through on his mother’s behalf: perhaps a mission statement for his foundation is his way. Diana had been tormented, period. I’m well aware that she was not up to dealing with war with a royal camp.
It all went both ways. There was no true victim. And neither party went into that marriage as pure and innocent. If anything Diana had the upper hand on tormenting and bullying. She never let up and was better at it than the BRF.
That said i’ve drifted off topic. It’s not about Charles and Diana and their relationship wars.
Everyone deals with a trauma like that in their own ways. Sometimes it’s an event that gives you a driving goal. Sometimes you dwell on the sympathy and how people can make your life easier because you lost someone. By their words and actions and follow through I think there’s a clear divide.And being brothers they were still not raised the same. 1 had it easier from the moment of conception.
Diana’s issues are the ones that William seems to be addressing: she was definitely a youth, struggling to cope… William was never bullied, but certainly his mother was. Charles didn’t accuse Diana of bullying, but it was a huge factor in the majority of Diana biographies. There was also a wide power differential in the marriage, that commanded the endgame, and which continues, because only Charles and his friends are able to comment at this time. It might be nice to think that Diana is completely out of the picture, but I believe that William is more aware than ever, as to the manipulation which occurred from both parties: certainly it all was for Camilla’s sake and the crown. It is true that Diana felt unable to defend her turf. If one believes that Diana was better at the game, why has Charles and Camilla won? I wonder if Diana’s children believe that all is fair in love and war.
1 side of the story. And there’s never only 1 side. Our lines have been drawn before Wolfie. No need to rehash it. We might never see eye to eye on this and can both state only facts too.
I’ll leave it there since i’m late to this reply anyways.
Perhaps he is chronically depressed himself? That would connect a lot of dots.
Not William, but I think Kate might be dealing with it. There are a few videos of her non-preggo tearing up during appearances when there is no cause for getting emotional. One was her wearing her Stella blue dress appearing at NPG. Another when she made one of her 1st speeches at a hospice where she said she dreaded coming because hospices are such sad places.
iirc, that was part of the speech Deacon wrote for her. It was to showcase that the hospice center was a light, cheerful place not what many people assume about hospices. That doesn’t mean it is what Kate Middleton thinks or feels. It was what Deacon wrote for her to say in praise of the hospice she was visiting.
If she cannot handle visiting hospices, she shouldn’t have selected hospices as one of her FEW charities. She only spent 15 minutes at the hospice in NZ, so she isn’t exactly giving them a lot of her time anyway.
Nota
True. I would have expected followup by now on the Kids Hospice.
And PedHospice tend to be amazing places in my experience. If you need to cry you go off and do it elsewhere. Those kids don’t need to be reminded of anything sad. And your tears are only for you feeling sad. Not for them. If it’s for them you smile and make sure every moment they have left is as best as it can be.
I get this is tough for some to take in and understand. A part of you has to not reflect on their situation personally. Or you feeling sorry for them. It sounds cold, but it’s truly the best way to handle it. There was a sign at room for the family of children there to go and break down at 1 I worked briefly for. Forget the accurate quote, but laugh while they’re still in your lives. Cry when they’re gone.
I’m not shaming Kate for tearing up though. It’s an overall observation.
Gad I remember when Kate was in Australia it was reported here that she said “oh another sob story for me when she visited some place” She also said whilst looking out the window of a car (the dignantry travelling with them, or media person must have reported it) she she just loved australia. The shops look really wonderful and she wanted to come back one day. Snort, snort and these are the people we are expected to believe genuinely want to help.
Now if there was a charity for poor sad retired rich ex yachting people Kate and billy would be so in! Now that would be something they could get onboard with.
Yes, I am sure he can relate as he continues the agonizing struggle to cope with the fork in the road in his life: retreat to a world of private privilege versus a public role and semi-private privilege. Oh dear. But he should be commended because even as he continues to slog through the trenches and low-lows of his life it is good to know that he (and his wife) are continuing with the anonymous charity visits and meetings with institutions and young people.
We’ve heard this song so many times. William is going to work in the future. William is considering how best to help people. William is going to use his own experiences to help others (Mummy!). Translation: William is doing jack squat but wants the good PR from making mature sounding noises. Also, he’s looking for an exit from his job.
His wife sings the same song. She was longing to work when they were dating, but the evil Palace stopped her (lies). She’s the most prepared and ready to hit the ground running and work hard (lies). She’s longing to get back to work after the baby (lies). And yes, I’d bet on a third child. She thinks she’s off the hook for royal work until 2020 at the earliest.
Nota
It was amazing when the palace spoke out that they in no way were holding her back. I thought they’d stay silent like they tend to do, but that really must have ticked them off.
2 things i’m taking away from this.
1. This is just to funnel money and get to claim some level of support to this worthy cause.
2. Party with celebs (gaga?)
Speak out on this. Make some visits. Record some short video messages. Send out some dictated messages. They’ve failed to connect themselves with this or show their commitment. And while they can do private/secret meetings they shouldn’t. Not when your image and goodwill is shrinking from only seen as leeches who vacation and ignore their duties.
It’s not hard. Not if you care enough to want to do it. You will always make time for what you prioritize/find important/worth your time.
It seems as though he’d identified an ending date for his air ambulance job–two years or so from now.
I just don’t believe he cares.
+1 Talk is cheap and actions speak louder than words.
And I had to chuckle at the line “he’s been spending a lot of time with youths,out of the public eye.” Sure, he has..
Made me think of old pervie great uncle dickie mountbatten who we have just found out has been pubically outed as also loving to spend time with youth out of the public eye. Snort snort, I’m dyin.
It’s very clear that we are being prepared for the excuse that will be given when he quits in 6mths-1yr’s time.
Just as we were prepared for his eventual move back into piloting.
Further, it’s amazing that he feels he can connect with youth when some of the youth very publicly said he was disconnected when he visited them last year. The royal reporters reported the initial comments and stood by them until the palace leaned on them so they all retracted their initial comments.
How long did we predict he would last? I think most bets were on a year with two at the very outside. And here he is, a few weeks in and we’re already getting the signposting.
I think he should be kept far away from the children, or he’ll soak up all the charidee cash and government grants, and the people who are actually doing good work will run out of money.
My bet was one year. However, since the signposting has started, i’ve narrowed that down to six months. So we’ll probably get an announcement around christmas or the new year.
That did not cross my mind but it makes a lot of sense.
MinnFinn – we’ve just had the headline closure of a prominent children’s charity here in the UK, due to financial mismanagement. (It’s a charity with whose model I had big problems, so I’m not entirely sorry to see them close, but it has left a large number of vulnerable children adrift, which is awful).
And we now learn that the charity has received over £40 million in government grants since its inception – all at a time when official children’s social services were being cut back under austerity. Nothing I have seen from William makes me think monies given to him would be used any better and what money government does have should be going to qualified social workers first and foremost: not idiot princelings trying to make themselves look good.
Sure he does
Sure he is – he’s as connected to them as he is to his duties to his grandmother.
And yes i’d place money on another pregnancy at the end of the year.
Yes, I was thinking there will be a baby announcement by end of SEP 2015.
No, he doesn’t.
But he does connect very deeply to his father’s bank account. I bet he has an IV into that baby.
IDK how much in donations their foundation gets, but I would imagine it’s a significant amount. So it would make sense to narrow the cause to one field where they can make an impact. Working in conjunction with other charitable organizations who are doing the “heavy lifting” makes sense to me. Why reinvent the wheel? Hopefully when his 2 years as pilot is up, he will focus on this as his job. There are a lot of kids suffering from mental illness so it would be great to have a high profile couple like them to highlight it.
He is only one of three members. He doesn’t get to decide the path of the entire Foundation himself.
The Foundation is very small and not a big money earner. You can find their financial reports online. The majority of what it claims is actually Harry’s personal work for WWTW, Invictus, and Sentebale.
The difference is, William wants to claim credit for the work everyone else does. Harry does the work, and William claims credit for it through this foundation. Very convenient way for William to get good PR without doing anything at all himself.
So, is this the direction he’s going to donate his salary to? Has he been paid in full that salary yet?
So many lies were spun out of this job with changes made as it goes. He needs to dive into something. I really thought he’d take on a air rescue charity. They need so much money to function. William has a passion for the cause or at least flying. And can fundraise better than most I would imagine. He could actually make a difference in a way no one else could.
LAK (above)
Agree. At this rate it’s 4 months imo. And I remember those comments. Disconnected seemed polite.
That has got to be a joke. William is known for doing as few as possible. His air ambulance pilot stunt is designed to help him skip Royal Duties.
The only thing of psychological pain Will can possibly relate to is: how to avoid work in the face of severe pressure: daddy, Queen Granny and the whole british folks.
Someone so Establishment even mentioning something like the amount of gay men committing suicide, or depression or bullying is important though.
Lip service or PR or not- someone like him piping up makes a difference.
The problem is that William doesn’t follow through. He sends out statements about his intentions and never rarely through.
Further, when he does follow through, it’s a damp squib that is self serving rather then helpful to the cause.
Now if you had Harry piping up for the same cause, you’d be sure that within 18mths, we’d have a very loud, front and centre campaign on this issue.
Sadly, William has proven to be and do the opposite.
Finally, it’s so offensive that he would use such a sensitive subject to benefit himself and or to play PR games with.
“Is said to be concerned about” is not the same as publicly speaking out or acting against a bully, as Harry has done. With William it is all PR and no action.
I just don’t get why he just doesn’t step down, HM would make sure he is taken care of , may-be not on the level he is used to but he still wouldn’t have to worry abut the roof over his head! BOTTOM LINE: Twit cannot live without the perks!
Here we go, nothing with his PR is uncalculated. Jason has honed in on finding an affliction that is relevant to William so we can all believe just how genuinely interested he is in the foundation. Fake.
The crafted air ambulence role is just about as fake. Indeed, a reason was found to give willie a reason to shirk his royal duties. Jason is really earning his cash.