To be annoyed by the Duchess of Cambridge's claim that home schooling is 'exhausting'

[Livingtothefull]

www.edp24.co.uk/news/kate-middleton-video-call-parents-homeschooling-challenges-pandemic-7080128

I accept that lockdown has had an impact on everyone to some extent, however privileged. But I can't help being irritated by this. Even if we accept that she is doing the home schooling herself without any help, I don't think there is any comparison between her situation and that of many other people. I am not saying lockdown isn't difficult for her.....but it is a million times harder if you are say a single parent, struggling with home schooling and a minimum wage job which you may lose any time, worried sick about your and DC future if this happens. And doing it in a poky flat instead of a vast country estate.

And I know she may be trying to show empathy with the rest of us. But TBH I would have much more respect for the royals if they would just acknowledge their privilege rather than claim common ground which just isn't there.

Because its pathetic and sad. Women get enough judgement from society, let alone other women criticising, policing their feelings and judging. If a man said it, would men be up in arms? Unlikely. It's sad.

Boris was lambasted for saying he was worried about his salary being too low?
I'm not criticising her because she's a women. I'm criticising her because it was a PR misstep & defeating the very aim of what they try to do to stay relevant.
I find the sycophantic tone many take towards the RF really odd.

It's also weird to call women bitches whilst simultaneously claiming women are judged too harshly.

@heLacksnotluster

Do you know that or are you just making bitter assumptions?

I would presume that you know all the ins and outs of her entire life to make comments like that. Do you?

For all the fans, look at this thread & some of the responses because they are proving my point that it was a PR misstep.

The RF have a very difficult line to tow in order to stay relevant & exist in this current climate. They can't upset the plebs too much.

I would presume that you know all the ins and outs of her entire life to make comments like that. Do you?

Do you know the ins and outs?

The task was that she had to write one word on a piece of paper. She chose exhausting. She's not wrong, it IS bloody exhausting for everyone I know.

What is it with privileged people not being welcome to talk about how life can be? I think Kate is very good- she is honest and caring.

@Covidcorvid

Maybe they’re not wanting to use a tutor because you know....risk of covid, etc. Maybe Kate wants to do the homeschooling herself. Maybe they have minimal household staff because of covid, so maybe she’s doing a lot more herself. 🤷‍♀️

Bollocks

@MoiraNotRuby

The task was that she had to write one word on a piece of paper. She chose exhausting. She's not wrong, it IS bloody exhausting for everyone I know.

What is it with privileged people not being welcome to talk about how life can be? I think Kate is very good- she is honest and caring.

When you’re used to doing fuck all the minimum of tasks will make you feel “exhausted “

I think Kate is very good

That's great news! Stop the thread Moira has spoken. 😆

@Fridget

She was asked to hold up a sign with one word describing parenting during lockdown. What did you want her to say? Easy?

I agree. If that was the context, then to be fair to her what else could she say.

How does it work as Ive never met the Royals. Do they have no knowledge of what tasks they will be set & just turn up or is a strategy discussed prior?

Am getting tired of this bitchy competitive lockdown nonsense. If you're not poor, have 32 kidd and live in a shoe then you're not suffering. No we aren't all in the same boat but we're all on the same sea.

I’m surprised they aren’t classified as essential critical workers and thus their kids should be in school.

Everyone I’ve spoken to who is homeschooling is struggling. Everyone. Most are exhausted. Most still have cleaners & supportive husbands but they are still exhausted.

I’m struggling & I’m not even homeschooling!

But why should the single parent in OPs example be allowed to express that they find it hard. Because there's going to be others who have it much much worse.

I think it was an error on someone’s part (her’s? Her PA’s?) to put her in that situation. I think she was trying to be relatable but with one word it’s near-impossible. I’m sure she knows that her situation isn’t at all normal and that George et al will be fine even if they don’t learn about trigraphs and Egyptians.

@Didkdt

Her children are at a school running a full timetable by Zoom The school extras pastoral SEN and clubs are running The Cambridge children have at least one nanny. They have a housekeeper and household staff The Duke and Duchess have relocated their home office to Sandringham so not at home at Amner Hall Can someone leap in when we get to the point where her life is blending in with most of ours

You seem to keep track of her life on a level close to stalker

@marbellamarc Usually their diary is set a long while in advance. I don’t know much about the Cambridges but I wouldn’t have swapped with the Queen for anything. Her diary was packed, boring and exhausting.

well that makes sense because of logistics & security but surely they know what will happen. She knew
to have the pen & paper to hand.

I like the Queen & thinks she works very hard. The RF will struggle without her.

I’m surprised how many people are saying YABU. You aren’t. She is BVVU. She may be finding life a little more tiring than usual, but to term it ‘exhausting’ and to liken it to a ‘normal’ family’s struggle is utterly tone deaf. Also, her children don’t NEED an education, as they don’t need to find a job. However, she might feel they’ll turn out like Andrew if they aren’t educated properly, so that would be a worry

Really tone-deaf comment. A seconds reflection or self knowledge is the least we should expect, they need to remember they ultimately rule by consent and rely on their popularity for the country to tolerate the ridiculous charade of an inherited monarchy. She just needed to acknowledge how privileged they are compared to their 'subjects'.

It’s not Dof Cs fault. As others have pointed out what could she say? She’s trying to be relatable but obviously just isn’t. All this highlights is how defunct the RF are as an institution in today’s society, especially in COVID times. No events for them to open, no ribbons to cut. I see them doing the bare minimum for charity. Respect the queen but the rest can go now thanks.

These comments are so weird. You can't criticise others by doing the exact same thing. Well you can but it makes your point moot.

You seem to keep track of her life on a level close to stalker

Are you also stalking to know that it is not the truth?

😆

they need to remember they ultimately rule by consent and rely on their popularity for the country to tolerate the ridiculous charade of an inherited monarchy.

Exactly!