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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To find Prince William a bit smug

534 replies

strawberriesandpecans · 08/10/2020 12:42

I'm sure he means well, it's just that he seems to be lecturing everyone on the environment while he travels by helicopter a lot and has a mansion. Also I just find them quite twee and irritating, particularly at the moment when so many people are struggling. AIBU?

OP posts:
LaBellina · 08/10/2020 12:47

I think the whole idea of the Royal Family, as nice as they come across, is a bit outdated.... Ofcourse you're going to look smug lecturing others on these topics whilst you're living a over -the - top, lavish lifestyle. On the other hand, if they stayed in their mansions and never did anything for charity, they would be criticized much more. They can't really win.

Taikoo · 08/10/2020 12:48

Lots of rumors that he had an affair.
He needs to rein it in and be a bit less smug for sure.

EvaporatedHour · 08/10/2020 12:53

I find most people in the public eye, royal or not, smug and annoying the way they try to preach about what we should and shouldn't do all the time.

VainAbigail · 08/10/2020 12:56

@EvaporatedHour

I find most people in the public eye, royal or not, smug and annoying the way they try to preach about what we should and shouldn't do all the time.
Yes, agree. I get this vibe a lot off Matt Hancock now.
pigsDOfly · 08/10/2020 12:56

Be a bit surprising if he wasn't smug really, given the massively privileged life he was born into and lives.

However much he does for charity and whatever those charities are he can't possibly comprehend how other people live because his life is, and always will be, completely removed from normal life.

Original poster
strawberriesandpecans · 08/10/2020 12:58

On the other hand, if they stayed in their mansions and never did anything for charity, they would be criticized much more. They can't really win.

That's true. It is difficult for them I guess.

OP posts:
JustCallMeGriffin · 08/10/2020 13:02

Of course he's smug. Unless we go all French 1790s style he'll always live a life of luxury with zero comprehension of how difficult ordinary people have it.

The self-made wealthy are disconnected from reality...but they might remember what it's like to see your parents worry about affording heating or eating. The born wealthy will never understand because it's never been remotely close to their world.

What he spends on travel to another country for one trip could transform my family's life and yet he preaches to the rest of us about social and environmental responsibilities.

Smug doesn't come close.

keeprocking · 08/10/2020 13:02

How would you want him to behave? He can't pretend that he understands the difficulties others experience because of the accident of his birth and role, even his wife's background doesn't include hardship.
Were he to sit in one of his homes and say nothing about anything he would rightly be criticised, he and his family seem to have handled the pandemic well, they have shown care and compassion, trying to maintain contact with the organisations who they represent. I personally don't find them any more smug than other very rich people and a lot less smug than many!
He clearly cares about the environment, the inevitable question about the use of helicopters is always dragged up but as I was once told by someone involved in providing security for high risk individuals, it can be the most efficient way of travelling. A journey down to London would involve a number of vehicles and the risk of delays etc..

TheKeatingFive · 08/10/2020 13:02

I don’t personally know him, so my opinion is neither here nor there, but my impression is of him is quite unpleasant.

I like Kate though. I hope he’s not too much of an arsehole to her.

TheKeatingFive · 08/10/2020 13:05

Having said that, there’s nothing wrong with Wills that isn’t explained by the ridiculous, anarchic establishment he’s a part of.

Ironmanrocks · 08/10/2020 13:11

Watch 'The Windsors' on Netflix and that will soften your judgement! I like them all much more now I see them through this programme!!! 😂

CSIblonde · 08/10/2020 13:11

He has no charisma & always seems slightly awkward & like he's there on sufferance . Also his concern for animals etc when he still goes shooting birds etc is erm, interesting.

whatswithtodaytoday · 08/10/2020 13:13

I think it would be difficult for him but to be smug, given his immensely privileged background. I do think he tries to be relevant and does care, but ultimately he will never understand the reality of most people's lives.

Janegrey333 · 08/10/2020 13:14

I really rate him. I approve of his sense of duty and his adorable family. He has a lot to be “smug” about!

omega3 · 08/10/2020 13:15

Also his concern for animals etc when he still goes shooting birds etc is erm, interesting.

If you're not vegetarian or vegan, I don't think you have a leg to stand on.

katy1213 · 08/10/2020 13:15

Royalty should be seen and not heard.

WhatWouldYouDoWhatWouldJesusDo · 08/10/2020 13:15

I'd be smug as well if I made my money titting about tasting beer and pies.

Let's face it they can bang on about the pressure they're under all they like........and it isn't a life I'd choose. But it's still a pretty charmed life compared to me who's ended up with RSI in my wrist from constantly doing online surveys on my phone trying to raise money for my gas bill !

cheezy · 08/10/2020 13:16

I always get the impression that he hates his role and resents the work it involves.

LadyWithTheNeonSparklers · 08/10/2020 13:16

@EvaporatedHour

I find most people in the public eye, royal or not, smug and annoying the way they try to preach about what we should and shouldn't do all the time.
This.

Seems to be so many people doing it at the minute as well and the majoirty living more lavishly than I ever can hope for and yet still finger wagging at everyone else.

Original poster
strawberriesandpecans · 08/10/2020 13:16

Yes to be fair I should say his behaviour rather than him personally since I don't know him. He might be a lovely person. I just felt a bit Hmm about the lecture on the environment when he/his household is having a far greater impact on the environment than I will ever have. Perhaps he could forego one of his two homes and then he will have less reason to travel by helicopter and lower heating bills Wink

OP posts:
TheKeatingFive · 08/10/2020 13:17

I think the fawning over the kids is weird. They are perfectly average kids. As sweet/adorable/cute/charming as millions of others.

sst1234 · 08/10/2020 13:17

He’s just doing what he needs to, it’s his job. I guess royal protocol means totals must be seen to have a ‘purpose’. It’s the vacuous, self indulgent, celebrities who are self styled environmentalists that annoy me the most. Flying trans Atlantic to attend climate protests.

AnneLovesGilbert · 08/10/2020 13:18

@omega3

Also his concern for animals etc when he still goes shooting birds etc is erm, interesting.

If you're not vegetarian or vegan, I don't think you have a leg to stand on.

Why isn’t he? I’d take his concerns for the environment far more seriously if he was. I’m sure I read Attenborough has changed his diet. It’s not hard.
northstars · 08/10/2020 13:23

Agree, OP... I was also unimpressed when he gave that speech telling people to have fewer children, while Kate was pregnant for the third time.

HandfulofDust · 08/10/2020 13:24

I find him completely anodine but that's his job to be completely uncontroversial. I do find the idea of the royal family antiquated now. We take a group of people give them loads of money and status but in return expect to have some kind of ownership of their lives. Even if they choose to leave they'll need protection for life and will be forever hounded and bullied by the press.

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