To find Prince William a bit smug

[strawberriesandpecans]

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?

The entire monarchy is ridiculous and they’re all smug. I find it hilarious that people sit on the internet and try to claim that William is better than Harry because of X or Y. They’re all held up as being better than because of who their were born to. It’s anathema to modern values.

I don’t believe it will last in its current form much beyond Elizabeth. There are many “royals” in Europe who keep their traditional titles but have no responsibility or formal position in the government. Let’s move on.

I've only recently become a republican. It was watching the footage of Harry soliciting the head of Disney for work on behalf of his wife when they were at a charity event that turned me right off. I know he's left now but it made me think they are all just ultimately in it for themselves. And if an ex servicemen like H can't understand the concept of "service" , then what hope is there for the rest of them?

Even the Queen and her silences are all about protecting the Institution at any cost. Is that because she believes the people of Britain are better off with a monarchy than without one? Maybe the Queen genuinely thinks that, but I think the RF in general are keen to protect their own assets and privileges. Honestly isn't it incredibly patronising that they think they know what is best for the people and the people themselves don't get to choose?

I like watching a wedding as much as the next person but now they are full of celebs they are no different to any other high profile event. The whole thing has become an anachronism in this day and age. Worst of all though it embeds a notion of privilege in to our society and legitimises it. One rule for them and one for us. Rather than the RF being a unifying force it has added to the division within the UK, between the haves and the have nots.

And sorry, I know the Queen is very dutiful and resilient and I don't like to speak badly of any ninety four (?) year old, and I know she would probably far rather be retired now enjoying her dogs and horses than being Monarch and all that entails, but I do think she needs to take some responsibility for not having slimmed things down ages ago. She never initiates change, she is always dragged kicking and screaming to it.

Harry was being a go getter, networking.
Creating their own money.

Harry was being a go getter, networking.
Creating their own money.

Yes I thought you were meant to do that sort of thing in your own time! Not when you are on official royal duties. It's called a conflict of interest.

Even the most hard-working of them doesn't have to walk to the bus-stop each morning, whatever the weather, in order to do their hard work. And then do the reverse in the evening. They have never got soaked in the rain (except when taking part in one of their sports).

Yes I thought you were meant to do that sort of thing in your own time! Not when you are on official royal duties. It's called a conflict of interest.

Loads of them do that though.

Loads of them do that though.

Are you saying that makes it better Chillicheesebuns ?

No but it's hypocritical that Harry gets it in the neck for really minor things, when other royals do the same but far worse, and face little or no criticism for it.

William being praised for his "obvious passion" for the environment while Harry's lambasted for "preaching" is an obvious example. William uses private jets a hundred times more than Harry, but it's only Harry who's a hypocrite for taking private jets.

Princes Charles, Andrew and Harry have turned me into a republican.

If you accept monarchy you have no say re the individuals.....makes no difference what they are like, that is the whole point.

I know many of them are hypocritical...but they probably feel so secure in their positions they really don't care how they are seen. It is such an unnatural life, surrounded by sycophants, their every whim catered for, that it is no wonder they are so remote from ordinary people.

I am opposed to monarchy because it has no place in the modern age and it underpins so much of what is worst about this country - gross inequality, unearned wealth, snobbery. Although I don't have anything personally against the RF themselves, it is no surprise that monarchy could corrupt those at the centre of it.

No but it's hypocritical that Harry gets it in the neck for really minor things, when other royals do the same but far worse, and face little or no criticism for it.

I was merely saying that it was Harry's actions that turned me off the whole shebang. I'm not saying any of them are better than the other. If you read my post, I criticized the Queen too.

I wonder if the Queen has ever had anyone disagree with her. She never went to school, so she hasn't had to negotiate the ups and downs of school life. The only person she is likely to have argued with is Princess Margaret.

Why would you start a thread just to say nasty things about someone you’ve never met OP? The internet would be a MUCH better place without people like you.

Have actually met Prince William. It was at a private event where as far as I could tell he was expected to work his way through a very full room saying something charming to each person individually, while his minders hovered behind his back and said “Sir!” if he attempted to say more than one thing to someone and have an actual conversation. The main thing he said was “Sorry, sorry.” He was not at all smug and I came away very glad I don’t live his life.

I think most of us wouldn't choose to live a royal life Skysblue - once you look behind the obvious, it would be a real trial.

I think most of us wouldn't choose to live a royal life

Hmm, yes - wondering if I'll still have a job and a roof over my head in a couple of months due to Covid19 versus owning multiple properties and having enough money to meet my every need and whim.

What a difficult choice.

expected to work his way through a very full room saying something charming to each person individually

What an ordeal. 🤬
Every day teachers do this with rooms full of young people. Nurses do it with their patients daily. None of these groups have the rewards royalty have - nor get chauffeured to and from their encounters or get to choose who they talk to!

It really is a nonsense to call this 'work'.

@Pelleas

I think most of us wouldn't choose to live a royal life

Hmm, yes - wondering if I'll still have a job and a roof over my head in a couple of months due to Covid19 versus owning multiple properties and having enough money to meet my every need and whim.

What a difficult choice.

The whole life - not just aspects of!

Why would you start a thread just to say nasty things about someone you’ve never met OP? The internet would be a MUCH better place without people like you.

The thread has moved on a bit from the original op. The majority of
posters haven't said anything derogatory about PW personally; I'm sure he has p!entry of good points. Although if it comes to light he has been serially unfaithful then I reckon the hypocrisy of him playing happy families won't go down too well. That aside, I think we are allowed to debate whether a monarchy is still relevant in the 21st century.

They are out of time. We have people sleeping on the street and they lead a life of luxury. It pisses me off.

They are out of time. We have people sleeping on the street and they lead a life of luxury. It pisses me off.

William is the patron of homeless charity Centrepoint. I believe he is also linked to homeless charity The Passage. I agree with your comment, but doesn’t knowing this just twist the knife?

If the resources directed to pampering to the extravagant lifestyles and whims of the royals were directed to the homeless, that might make an impression, much more than a person with too many houses being a 'patron' ever would.

If the resources directed to pampering to the extravagant lifestyles and whims of the royals were directed to the homeless, that might make an impression, much more than a person with too many houses being a 'patron' ever would. Are you Orla Guerin?

am opposed to monarchy because it has no place in the modern age and it underpins so much of what is worst about this country - gross inequality,

Livingtothefull there are plenty of countries without monarchies which have gross inequality and unearned wealth.

I’m if the opinion that you simply cannot put your name to a cause, be it homelessness or mental health issues when you live in such massive splendour.

Just my opinion.

derxa

Why do you ask?