Here are some photos of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their 2014 tour of Australia. This was their first and only South Pacific tour as a couple/family, although William has returned to Australia and New Zealand since this tour. This was the tour where they brought Prince George, who wasn’t even one year old, and we got tons of photos of him punching babies and looking like he wanted to play with all of the native Australian animals. Going back to these old photos, it’s really remarkable how much Kate and William’s appearance has changed in just six years, right? William’s looks have, frankly, faded. And I forgot how dark Kate’s hair used to be! Anyway, there are reports that William and Kate will do another tour in Australia:
Kate Middleton and Prince William are set to visit the areas in Australia that have been ravaged by the recent bushfires. The couple is expected to be invited by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Australia media reported Tuesday, following preliminary discussions with the palace. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit the states of New South Wales and Victoria, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Other areas might be added.
William and Kate’s office at Kensington Palace didn’t have a comment — as is protocol until a tour or visit is confirmed and plans are made. Last month, William and Kate joined other members of the royal family, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, in expressing their sadness that the fires “are destroying homes, livelihoods and wildlife across much of Australia.”
Six years ago, the couple visited an area that had been hit by fires when they toured the country (with son Prince George) in April 2014. There is no news yet on whether the couple would take any — or all three — of their children.
William and Kate are said to have made their availability for a possible visit known to their office and the governments of both the U.K. and Australia. And, while sympathetic to the emergency work and rescues under way in Australia, the royals would not want to go there too early and divert energy, resources and attention away from the urgent missions to save people, livestock, wildlife and the countryside.
The bushfires were raging a month ago, but I thought most of the fires had been put out by the widespread rain in mid-January? That’s the way it sounded when they were talking about it during the Australian Open, but maybe I’m wrong, maybe it’s still a situation where first-responders cannot divert attention away from the situation. Considering the Cambridges’ wide-open schedule and their habit of hyping their sh-t months in advance, I wouldn’t think that this tour will happen before April or May anyway.
Also, of course they want another bite at the “Australia loves us” apple, especially considering the reception Harry and Meghan got during their tour in the fall of 2018. It was during that tour that Prince William, Prince Charles and their offices began to freak out at the Sussexes’ global popularity and thus, the smear campaign was born. I hope Oz is ready for the Cambridges’ new vibe, The Kiss Our Feet, We’re All You’ve Got Tour.
Oh, and this was just confirmed yesterday: the Cambridges will go on a three day tour of Ireland next month, from March 3rd through March 5th.
Photos courtesy of Backgrid and Avalon Red.
I read somewhere yesterday that tourism has really taken a hit in Australia since the fires, so the tour is meant to showcase that: 1. It’s safe (air quality, etc) and 2. There’s still tons to see and do, and the country is ready for visitors. It’s a fine idea. I hope they succeed, for Australia’s sake. This tour has potential, but I don’t hold my breath that anyone in Camp Cambridge is capable of knocking it out of the park.
But the article says they plan to visit the places that have been ravaged by the fire. More like a see the damage and console the people kind of visit. That doesn’t sound like they’re going to visit the parts of Australia that weren’t damaged by the fires and are just as ready as they always were to receive tourists.
They will likely do both. Although, they always get slammed for doing anything touristy even though increased tourism is usually at the top of a countries list of things they’d like to get out of the visit.
Does anyone book a trip to *Australia* because they saw Kate and William pose with a koala or walk in an eucalyptus forest?
The royals probably don’t attract anyone to the UK, let alone a foreign country. They probably costs more in security than what they bring in. They do one one or two big weddings once every 30 years but that’s it.
I agree with this. Security costs in addition to travel and all the other associated costs of this vacation/tour. The Australian government should be directing these funds directly to initiatives relating to the fires.
Yes agree. Some people argue that tourist visits palace where the royals live. I mean more people visit paris and that Versailles palace and no royal there for centuries. These are dumb marketing for them to be in power by rr and Tories.
Seriously? The Royal family is a HUGE tourist draw to the UK, and London in particular. You can google the numbers yourself but they’re very important to the UK tourism industry.
The official tourism agency for the UK disagrees with you, deezee. They have put out many reports about what brings in tourism. The royals aren’t it. Nothing modern royal-related cracks the top 20. More people visit LegoLand Windsor than visit anything related to royals.
The UK’s most visited paid tourist attractions would seem to be the museums and art galleries. However, the wedding of William and Kate brought in £1 billion for Brand Britain I.e. the publicity it received worldwide brought Britain to the attention of many more people with subsequent benefits.
Royals visiting places outside of the UK have no effect on tourism.
This. I think it is great that they are going and hopefully, it helps boost tourism and given how subpar their other work has been, a tour in which they can actually do well and shine is not a bad idea.
Tourism has taken a hit to the tune of $1bn so far with an expected $4-6bn expected to be lost throughout the year. That then has a flow-on effect to other industries. Even areas unaffected by fires are experiencing cancellations.
If they can showcase that we are open and safe for tourism to a global audience, it is WELL worth the investment of bringing them out here.
I feel like other countries often get confused about Australia. We are a continent. The whole thing doesn’t light on fire even when fires the size of other countries are on fire. And when it rains, it does not rain everywhere. The rains in some places in January helped reduce some fires but didn’t put them out. The heavy rain some areas are now experiencing has put some really large fires out though. And also caused floods… There are some fires still going in other places.
However, there is PLENTY of beautiful and safe tourism on offer right now!!! Come visit! It is the best support we can get!
It seems disingenuous to actually visit after such a disaster when the host country pays for their tours unless they really think they can bring in more money than they cost.
This will also be about trying to make sure Australia doesn’t leave the Commonwealth after the Queen dies.
If there is a balcony moment to try and reclaim H&M’s Fiji reception I will laugh so hard.
Oof…that would be hilariously cringy!! 😂
Totally. We don’t need it thanks. Any $$ to go to the bushfire relief. Different if they funded their tours but they don’t. If publicity is required I am sure the Hemsworth brothers can wander through .
If it’s the UK asking then the UK foots most of the bill. Everything except local security. It’s still a lot, but it’s a lot less than the UK is going to pay.
They really shouldn’t be going to the ravaged areas right now. Real work needs to be done and those two going there isn’t going to actually help Australians. It’s just a PR move for them to look like they care. They would be far more useful donating actual money. Not expecting to be served in an area straining for resources.
It will be all about what Kate is wearing.
Her eyebrows are so different in these pictures. They’re straight instead of the villainess arch she has going on sometimes now. I’m shocked that these pictures are only from six years ago. Side by side with the photos of her from yesterday, I would have guessed that she was about fifteen years younger in these Australia photos.
It’s amazing how much fresher and healthy she looks here. I realize she’s six years older now, but wow, you can see that she’s had a rough six years.
As for Will, I think this was when any boyish looks he still had were hanging on by a thread.
Its her eyebrows and other things that I cant quite put my finger on. Different makeup, for sure and her skin looks better….but its obvious when you look at these pics and pics from yesterday how much she has changed.
Also, I don’t think William was handsome in these pics, but he is even less so now, LOL.
She’s also about 10-15lbs heavier in these older photos. She looked fantastic after Louis was born. She way too skinny now. Call me a body shamer, I don’t care.
@Originaltessa- yes, she’s about 10-15 lbs heavier but still quite slim (look especially at that yellow “banana” dress) – which goes to show you how thin she is now. I don’t think its body-shaming, its actually getting to be alarming. (and I know people are going to slam me for “concern trolling” but its obvious from these pics that something is going on.)
Yeah, Becks. She’s messing with her future at this point. Osteoporosis, for starters.
I agree Becks1. I don’t think it’s body shaming to look at a public figure over time and be able to see that something significant is going on health wise. I think her weight loss is alarming.
…and the palace is going to ignore her extreme weight loss, just like they did with Diana.
Her eyebrows are different because she has Botox eyebrow lift, which gives you this awful ‘Spock (from star trek)brow” it only suit you if you naturally have arched brows. Hers look better straight.
Maybe you are right: a change of make up here, a lipstick over there…. But for me it looks like the undisguisable look of stress and unhappiness what she’s being using the last years.
I agree she looks much younger here, but I have to admit that having kids in your mid thirties do age you. I am 2 years younger than Kate, and I’m sometimes shocked when I realize how much older I’ve become the last 5-6 years lookwise. I have dark hair and the greys are showing up nowadays, the normally charming wrinkle in my forehead has become deeper etc etc. I spend a lot of my time outdoors (veterinarian). Just to say that some of us age faster…
I agree what you say but you dont have all the resources Kate has . Kate has literally the world at her feet. Kate doesnt care about money or everyday work related or kids or sexual harrassment from our male boss. All she have to do is take care of herself , kids and 3 times a week engagement for one hour . It is not too much. It’s not having kids , I seen many late age woman have kids and look stunning . Kate looks contributed to hard partying in 20s, loveless marraige , so much sun tan and the work she doesnt like. She should have taken Pippa life and be happy as trophy wife. Instead she and her mother pushed for tiara and title and her unhappiness is very obvious. This shows us woman that average joe is very better than title , tiara and rich bastard who doesnt care , just leave for dumb chicks.
Kate looked better right after Louis was born because she had a bit of extra weight in her face. It’s never been the kids, it’s been the excessive weight loss after they are born that ages her.
I totally agree with you all. But if she has three kids, she also has a complete staff to care for all the aspects of a household: nanny to help the kids through the day (and I don’t put my finger at all: Maria Bordallo is the nanny-in-chief; under her, other nannies take care of the kids, the baby, their clothes, their meals, etc… Please, don’t even try to convice me the contrary. At least one helper Maria has. That’s how all the aristocratic houses have been working for centuries), cook, housemaids to clean and do laundry, chauffeur… and on and on. And I’m not even thinking about our worries on money.
That’s everything what we don’t have and makes us age with one kid, never mind two or three.
The result we see now of her aging has nothing to do with our domestic daily battles: it has more to do with what kind of relation she has with her husband.
I think she looks great for having three kids under 6. Having young kids will age the heck out of you. I’ve only had two and it’s taken a toll on my skin, my hairline, my teeth, not to mention my body.
@Millenial – Exactly! She has 3 kids. That is a lot. The nannies didn’t grow and birth those babies. It takes a toll.
I agree. She looks so much better in these photos. I’m wondering if she has strategic fillers as well as Botox. I also agree with other comments that she looks alarmingly thin and “older” even though it’s only been a few years. I would agree we can attribute some of that to having children in her thirties if she didn’t have a nanny/nannies to do the heavy lifting.
They wanted it, now they got it. No competition, but they have to show up and actually do something.
Unfortunately there are still fires and our fire season is not over. We do not need them to come to Australia. If they want to do something useful they can stay in the UK and do some fund raising from there. Our government is wasting enough money without having to pay for this sort of nonsense.
+ 1
“Divert all your attention and resources to entertaining us, please! Please spend lots of time securing crowds of people to clap for us while we shake their hands and alternate between our hyena grinning ‘so pleased to be here!’ face and our somber ‘I am sad for you’ face. Please spend lots of money on our security. It would be especially helpful if you could maybe shut down some roads and make traveling through the area a logistical nightmare for fire fighters and first responders. You know, for OUR safety.”
It sounds like they asked to be invited. The article says that they alerted their offices and Australia to the fact that they would “be available” to come for a tour. That doesn’t sound like Australia was asking for them to come to and console the people or show the world that Australia is safe for tourists.
It’s not like the situation is stable yet; there’s still concern about floods and landslides after fire devastation. They would still be getting in the way!
I sympathize with you, because catering to royals is the last thing that would be helpful here. Maybe the PM thinks they will help his bad PR, but it’s only going to make things worse.
Crazy Cat Lady is correct. There are still fires being fought by our fire services. While we did get some good rain that extinguished most of the fires, other burning areas received little or no rain, such as in the Snowy Mountains area, which is still burning.
It’s true – we are still in bushfire season for several weeks more, and our bushfires actually started burning in August 2019, when it was still Winter. It’s been a nightmare for firefighters and victims.
I’ve heard much debate today about this proposed royal visit, with the arguments mentioned by CCL and Amy Too, and to me, it also sounded as if they asked to be invited. Scrote Morrison could have politely told their people, “Sorry. Not at this time.” His time and energies should be directed to doing his bloody job, especially at a time like this, not swanning around with these two. Apart from needing to show some leadership during this ongoing crisis, he’s got some serious housekeeping to do in his own house.
I agree with you and all my prays for these ordeal to finish soon.
Actually, running a country is not that much different than running a home. And I don’t think anyone would be pleased having guests while someone is facing a big problem in the house. To tell you the truth, I think it’s the worse nightmare: having distinguished guests while you are trying to contain a situation.
Sorry, just a thought.
9-10 days of bored looks and royal biscuit flashing. Sign me up! Lol
I can see the point about this showing that Australia is open for tourism, but this also seems like a poor use of resources and like the Cambridges just want to go to Australia and the South Pacific again. IDK – if Australia is okay with them going, then its not my business, lol.
No thank you
I believe republican sentiment is rising in Australia hence why the royals are getting sent there in order to improve the image of the monarchy. As well as the fires. Raise awareness and perhaps encourage people to send money. So two main reasons.
I wonder if this will be the new normal for the Cambridges? One mini tour around March and another tour around Summer/early Autumn. I think Charles and Camilla work this way
If anything, this wasteful and opportunistic tour should help ensure that Australia leaves the Commonwealth. These two are personality voids and the money should be spend on helping the fire ravaged areas recover, not entertain these entitled fools and their entourage IMO.
Hear, hear!!
Irish person here: their Irish tour couldn’t have been announced at a worse time. We just had a general election on Saturday and things are all over the place. No party got a majority. So, we might not even have a leader to great them. No one cares that they’re coming. They should have left it until a new government is in place and they definitely shouldn’t have announced when all the Irish media is focusing on is the election at the moment.
Maybe they deliberately want to get a visit in before photo ops that would include SF politicians and questions about a UI. But I agree that its weird timing and frankly, I am surprised that they haven’t scheduled anything in Northern Ireland yet with they way things are going. They can always visit once the Boris Bridge is finished, I guess. Not that we’re so keen on them either …
Edit: haha, just saw the news that Kate came to NI today …
Totally coincidental timing, I’m sure 😉
Nah, we were still choking on smoke during the Open, but it’s been better the last fortnight. Our rainwater is cloudy AF from the smoke and dust storms though and it has been a horrific few months.
Anyway, we don’t want or need these asshats doing a grief porn tour, cuddling koalas and pretending they care. They might not be at ScoMo’s level, but we’ve seen who they really are. Unlike our former PM who – as much as I hate him – actively fought fires with his local RFS, ScoMo held off as long as possible before coming in for the photo ops with zero f***s to give for the people he was meeting.
I’ll gag if I see a koala photo op without any appreciation of the actual horror volunteer vet nurses like my friend witnessed for weeks on end trying to save those they could. The world is aware. We don’t need an awareness tour, and we know they are both lacking empathy chips.
Exactly. It seems so opportunistic and a desperate PR move that would benefit Australia not one bit.
i have Australian in friends in Florida. Basd on the view of my friends from Down Under, very few Aussies could not give a “Fat Rat’s Clacker” about the UK Royal Family and are counting down the days until QEII goes to big jewelry box in the sky to push to become a complete Republic. I could be wrong by these are the opinions of my friends.
Whilst appreciating what you are saying, would you like someone to say they were counting down the days until you died, or your mother or grandmother died? You will remember these words.
From what I saw on Twitter yesterday, this announcement did not go over well. At all.
They can donate money instead of a tour.
They can donate money instead of a tour.
————————————————————————————–
I would add to this – instead of directing everybody else to donate, show some generosity yourselves, W&K.
Maybe they do.
nah, they’re much better at asking others to.
I bet Kate wishes she could “fall pregnant” and regretfully stay back but be happy to send Wills off on his own for the tour.
Quit trying to make fetch happen.
KP/Courtiers are panicking about the Sussexs next move and think pre-releasing these plans will help them retain some of the RRs/tabloids to cover their events🤭
I’m so excited about the Sussexs partnerships being reported. Some fans are suggesting that with their BIG endorsements they could EASILY make billions in 3yrs and raise funds for their charities. I could see them having a hq like for Prince’s trust in london.
The courtiers and especially NormalBill must be seething with envy. That fool lost a huge opportunity to show off his precious hierarchy by BULLYING them away!
This is for Bill’s ego. There is no need for them to go there at the moment.
They would do better organizing a fundraiser/telephon right where they are.
Good luck with that. For numerous reasons including a less impressive visit than H&M.
Her face is a precautionary tale of what happens when you start getting fillers a little too early, too much, and too often. I know she’s been on the Botox for a number of years, and I don’t really see a problem with that. But when she started getting fillers it seemed like she didn’t let them settle and just kept getting more and more. I’ve had fillers ones. My doctor is very conservative and said let’s wait six months and revisit. I chose not to get any more. He also said that with fillers you will notice if you eat a very salty meal water will be retained where you receive those fillers. So I think this might contribute as to why her face looks lumpy and bloated sometimes. Water, a good balance diet, healthy weight, happiness and everything in moderation is key for that youthful glow.
I hate to be this person but I’m really shocked by how much Kate has aged in just 6 years. It’s NOT simply having young kids–I’m 41 and have two little ones myself and whatever my many flaws may be, I’ve never aged like that in such a short time. It makes me think that Kate is genuinely unhappy.
Yeah, I seriously doubt it’s the kids. Look back to her appearances in the three months after giving birth to Louis; she looked healthy and lively, especially at the polo event she brought George and Charlotte to. Even when she went back to her pre-pregnancy weight at the end of 2018, she still had a level of confidence and contentment about her. That’s essentially disappeared throughout the past year. She always looked older than her age, but lately she’s been looking like she’s aged a decade. Strain and stress will do that.
I agree about Kate seeming unhappy. Even though I think she played a huge part in bullying her SIL straight out of the country, I have some concern for her. I think her husband and mother are in it for their egos and am. Or sure she has anyone concerned about her health and welfare.
It seems like they could do many different things to highlight the ongoing crisis while remaining in the U.K. They could visit the Australian embassy. They could set up meetings with celebrities from Australia. They could set up some sort of matching donation through social media, saying they will meet the public’s donations up to a certain amount. They could go to a zoo or a wildlife park and interact with Australian animals.
good ideas. I’m surprised they haven’t used social media the way the Sussexes have. It’s funny though–Sussex fans will hold fund drives for charities–the baby shower, tree plantings, etc. Have Cambridge fans ever taken on a project? Or is their “fandom” more about hating the Sussexes than stanning the Cambridges. Where ate their almost 11 million social media followers (oh yeah, I forgot. Most of them are purchased).
Their fandom is about buying the same stuff as Kate so they too can feel like a princess.
So, are the Australian taxpayers going to foot the bill for this? While they’re paying for all the damage the fires caused? I’ll wait for the howls of outrage. And are Normal Bill and Keen Katie going to be ‘green’ and travel via Quantas, in coach?
Hopefully there is some outrage from the Australians. Clearly government money needs to be used to help Australians recover – not fund another vacation for these two. Pretty ballsy of them to inject themselves into Australia when the country is still dealing with this.
Why not have a fundraiser for Australia so they’re bringing something and not just showing up there? Does Kate still do that even with women working at hedge funds?
Well they can’t go to Canada again. Apparently Kate loves Canada and the 2nd time they got invited back was because William made a comment at a public engagement to that effect. He was fishing for an invite and I think this is too.
Canada doesn’t want these two shirkers back thank you very much. As for an Australian visit, are they out of their minds? The country is devastated, air quality still bad, rains and floods now happening – can you imagine the acid rain that’s falling? And these two wankers show up all faux “tut-tut how awful – hand me that koala bear”? If I were Australian I’d be livid. I’m pissy enough already even though I’m half a world away.
Thank you Jaded! I hope they don’t return to Canada anytime soon.
I’m in the fire affected area. Air quality is great now, most of the fires are out. A lot of roads are closed because of the risk of falling branches/trees. I was initially angry about them coming too,” grief porn” as was mentioned by someone else. There is a lot of emotional trauma and financial stress and there’s not many royalists around either. But. I do think the kids might like it. They’ve been through a lot too. They may not be as jaded as us about the royals and the idea of meeting a prince and princess may lift their spirits a bit. I remember seeing the back of Princess Anne’s head as she drove near our school in the 60’s . Funny I know. But I remember it and at the time I was excited.
+a million to all the comments that donating and raising funds would be more beneficial in the near term.
On a superficial note: That bright yellow sheath dress is still my favorite thing that Kate has worn.