To think most people wouldn't swap lives with a Royal?

[Bumpitybumper]

I think the scrutiny would just be too much and would prefer to keep my anonymity.

Would you swap your life for a life as a major Royal (e.g. Kate Middleton)?

I find the responses on this this thread really interesting as it just shows how our perception of the royal family's lives differs and how we as individuals view the trade off between privilege and responsibility so differently.

I personally think someone wealthy but anonymous (like Pippa Middleton would have been if she wasn't Kate's sister) is the ideal. I guess having people fawning over you could be nice in a way, but I think it would be difficult to sustain the adulation under all the media scrutiny.

I also think the answer to the question depends on the kind of life you are currently living. I would think you would be less willing to trade if you are already living a reasonably privileged lifestyle. Having said that though, Kate and Meghan both had privileged lives before entering the royal family so maybe not....

The lip reading of will and kate’s private conversation after louis’s birth was particularly invasive. horrible breach of privacy.

I wouldn’t like being in the papers but I would love the estates with horses and dogs. I think it would be great to have all those animals and staff to look after them.

I could probably be a boring minor royal who is really friendly with the Queen, but even the ones who are currently low profile (eg.countess of Wessex) have had run ins with the press in the past.

I wouldn't want to be famous, full stop.

I would hate to have to be respectable and well behaved all the time. I would be much more terrified of the judgements of all the cleaners, footmen, security people, etc who actually have to spend time with me than the things made up by the press, which I think would be easier to ignore.

If so many people feel that the hey are leading a trapped life- “a kind of slavery” - then it’s quite sad that there hasn’t been big campaigns to er free them from their terrible privilege.

Definitely not. She has financial security and huge privilege, but I would hate the scrutiny, the tight control over image, the strict rules about causes they can endorse and statements they can make. It wouldn't be for me at all.

I wouldn’t!! I am a nanny and I wouldn’t even want to Nanny for them. Kate Middleton and wills treat their Nannys wonderfully but even the Nanny has to have a driver, a bodyguard etc etc all just for an trip to the library as I’ve seen them the chelsea library and their lovely children but I bet it’s hard work.

Never in a month of Sundays.

I think she has now as I am sure I saw a pic of her attending a party at the Ivy, but I read a few years ago that the queen had never eaten in a restaurant. I can’t imagine living your life not being able to engage in simple pleasures like going out for a meal.

I don't think financial security is much of an exchange for no security from the media and public scrutiny, and no true freedom for the rest of your life.

I'm not sure why anyone would want to be fawned over unless they're very insecure. I would just find it annoying.

It’s a gulided cage

You can’t do what you want life dictated by proracall and always followed by secret service
I know MM was famous but this will be way more than she’s ever experienced

Certainly not. Can't stand them

the Palace propaganda machine does it’s job well

I've ever seen any 'palace propaganda' (which isn't even a thing) indicating that being royal isn't 'fun'. Diana was the only one who lifted the lid on the reality.

In fact, some posters are apparently so susceptible to palace PR that they fall for the image without questioning the reality.

the queen had never eaten in a restaurant

IN PUBLIC! Of course she has eaten in restaurants, the royal family must be who private dining was invented for (or could have been, this is not a real fact).

It's fascinating how the public see the life of the ultra-privileged as a negative and the opposite of freedom. When you think most people have to hold full time jobs, can barely afford 2 holidays a year if any ,and will have to work until their late 60s to survive on a pitiful pension with years of waiting list on the NHS, but we are "free" aren't we

*Absolutely! never worry about money, never worry about your children, the best medical team on call 24/7, no NHS waiting list, your kids have access to the best schools in the country.

You chose where you live and how much you are on the public eye, you have unlimited access to any area you are interested in. There are official engagements, and an army of staff to help you prepare for the few hours you spend here and there.

Sign me in any time!*

Add to that not having to worry about your old age, being safe in the knowledge that you will get the very best care in the most luxurious surroundings right until the end.

If the royals have such shit lives surely the monarchy ought to be abolished on humanitarian grounds?

IN PUBLIC

Ah that’s what I meant. No morning coffee yet. Makes me a bit sad she’s never been for a cheeky wee Indian and sat people watching.

If they live in a gilded cage it's odd how very few of them have ever made a bid for freedom even though the door is always open.

Probably answers the question really albeit in reverse.