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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To find the presence of Wills & Kate at EVERY Olympic game annoying?

117 replies

GlassofRose · 03/08/2012 01:14

I'm all for keeping the Royal family as they uphold tradition and rake in the money for us when the tourists come to ohh and ahh over them, but...

Should William, a modern royal who allegedly has a "job" be at every Olympic game going?

Seriously, How many "full time" search and rescue pilots get the privilege of the same amount of time off, let alone a ticket to any Olympic game of choice...

OP posts:
GreatExpectations2012 · 03/08/2012 15:05

I think it's great that they are there enjoying the games and appear to be having a lovely time too. And why not?

throckenholt · 03/08/2012 15:07

I was pondering this yesterday - are they actively trying to attend at least one of each sport events, or just those that they personally enjoy ?

I think I have seen them at equestrian, swimming, gymnastics, and cycling so far (not that I have been looking out for them).

Mrsjay · 03/08/2012 15:09

they were at the rowing or the canoeing (can't remember) the track and field has started probably they will be at some of that, Its great they are going and enjoying it as great said why not,

headfairy · 03/08/2012 15:13

JumpingThroughHoops I think they should be made to wear the gamesmakers uniforms then :o I can see Kate in a fetching purple and red outfit. The trousers could make even her look frumpy!

ken0eddie0kennedy · 03/08/2012 15:18

I read something the other day that mentioned how the Kate 'n' Will PR machine revs up whenever threads like this start, (I didn't read it on here.)

Cynical old me has read around ten posts on here that make me think, Hmm I wonder.....

SurprisinglyCurvaceousPirate · 03/08/2012 15:22

Grin - cynical but not unlikely!

Loathe the royals myself but I'll give them one thing, they employ bloody good PR people! The sycophantic shite spotted about liz's appearance at the opening ceremony demonstrated that!

AlbertoFrog · 03/08/2012 15:23

They can't win no matter what they do.

As Official Ambassadors it's only right they should attend as many events as they can.

It's a bonus that they're young and attractive and seem to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.

TwoStepsBack · 03/08/2012 15:29

I like seeing them there - especially as they look as they are actually interested and enjoying the games.

I would imagine it is nice for TeamGB to know they are there also.

Original poster
GlassofRose · 03/08/2012 18:53

Bedtime - I didn't idolise Diana... but she didn't have a pretend real job, she was an official bum.

OP posts:
EdithWeston · 03/08/2012 18:56

"I read something the other day that mentioned how the Kate 'n' Will PR machine revs up whenever threads like this start, (I didn't read it on here)."

Oooh! Link?

The only outfit proven to date to rally 'supporters' like that is the Labour party. Do you mean them?

galletti · 03/08/2012 19:01

YABU. He is on leave - probably arranged because of the Games, but still on leave, and they are ambassadors for the Team and for the Country. Its called representing our Country and supporting all our wonderful competitors. Thre would soon be an outcry if the Royals were not being represented.

JustFabulous · 03/08/2012 19:04

So when Harry was fighting in Afghanistan he wasn't doing his job and William not doing his when he rescued a man who had had a heart attack?

YABU.

galletti · 03/08/2012 19:09

OP just reading the first line of your OP - exactly! They uphold tradition and bring in the tourists, so who better to have appearing at the Games supporting OUR team in OUR country. much prefer seeing them there than Osborne and Hunt (although also understand why Hunt should be there - Osborne should have beeter things to do however, like sorting out the triple dip recession!)

sarahtigh · 03/08/2012 19:11

there are loads of ordinary people who take time of for big sporting events , guys who manage to work full time and go to the whole of world cup (football) it is possible to have job and go, I work but still manage to find time to watch most of wimbledon ( tennis is my thing)

I think they probably have VIP dignitaires tickets not public tickets but it would be wrong whatever

  1. if they go how come they get to go when we didn't ?
  2. if they didn't why are not they supporting team GB in London games?
Original poster
GlassofRose · 03/08/2012 21:29

I don't know of anyone who would question why the Royals weren't at the games.

I'm more offended by Rowan Williams invite to the opening ceremony though

OP posts:
Original poster
GlassofRose · 03/08/2012 21:30

Just Fabulous - Yes they may do their job occasionally, but they hardly do the same amount as any of us "commoners" who hole the same positions. Bit like a red letter day for them in my opinion.

OP posts:
Stokes · 03/08/2012 21:43

"What do you mean 'she's not a princess and she never will be'? She's currently a duchess, but if and when her husband becomes prince of Wales she will be princess of Wales. And then she will be queen."

Not to mention the fact that she IS a princess - she's Princess William of Wales.

EdithWeston · 03/08/2012 21:48

GlassoRoses: who are the other (commoner) Olympic Ambassadors? And what have they been doing since the opening of the Games?

WorraLiberty · 03/08/2012 21:55

I love seeing them and Harry there

They are Ambassadors for the Olympics and it's great not just to see them there because that's where they have to be, but they all look genuinely happy to cheer on Team GB.

The two Princes were interviewed by Sue Barker earlier on and you could see how excited and supportive there were of the entire thing.

dapplegrey · 03/08/2012 21:57

The Princes' job as Ambassadors involves more than just watching competitions. They will have to meet loads of people and make polite and appropriate conversation and appear interested in what their interlocutors are saying.
Most people at the Games seem pleased to see them.
I think they are proving excellent Ambassadors.

TandB · 03/08/2012 22:00

You are right, OP. The royal family should have no fun. NO FUN WhATSOEVER.

PavlovtheCat · 03/08/2012 22:05

i get around 8 weeks off pro rata. so maybe he does the same. maybe he is contracted to work x number of weeks and that is reflected in his most likely enormous salary. we don't know what he is contracted to work, it might not be a full time position, given who he is.

I like it, seeing them there. it is good for morale. and that is their role. I am more concerned that she is always in the middle of Wills and Harry. They are there, the threesome rather than the married couple. 'take your own girlfriend Harry'.

Metabilis3 · 04/08/2012 00:14

@stokes I think the dukedom trumps the prince thing unless it's prince of Wales. Otherwise why make people who are princes anyway, dukes? See also the Dukes of York, Clarence, Kent etc (Duke of Kent is a more senior royal than prince michael etc). Although I'm a republican so it's not something I've made a huge study of....

EdithWeston · 04/08/2012 00:26

Because there's a difference between the style 'Prince' accorded because he was the child of the PoW, and having his own titles ie the three that were given to him on occasion of his marriage.

Bedtime1 · 04/08/2012 03:32

Glass of roses - you really do sound like a delight to be around.

Why don't you try watching the Olympics tomorrow, there will be lots to watch maybe even you might be able to crack a smile when we win a medal , even if Will and Kate might grace our tv screen for 10 seconds!