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The royal family

Prince William's Absence (Part Two)

1000 replies

MaggieFS · 28/02/2024 09:42

Following on from this glorious thread

William just pulled out of event due to personal reasons http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/theroyall_family/5017144-william-just-pulled-out-of-event-due-to-personal-reasons

OP posts:
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15
StartupRepair · 29/02/2024 07:07

William has been trained since childhood to show up as expected at events. Doing a reading is not very taxing or exposing. That's why I think it was something time critical that he felt he had to do himself, which is most likely a minor accident or meltdown of one of the DC.

Iwantmyoldnameback · 29/02/2024 07:14

For Christ sake he lost his grandparents when they were both in their late nineties did he (and indeed some of the public) think the Queen was going to live forever? Yes his father has cancer but he's not being asked to do much about that, a lot of people in that position will be trying to fit in visiting, chasing up appointments and arranging travel he has none of this. We have no clue as to how sick his wife is but he isn't "juggling" anything, he has a nanny and very hands on in laws, plus all the help he requires in the house. And the freedom to move to another of his houses when it suits them.
And if he had gone to the memorial service then Andrew would not have been front and centre he would. Regarding Camilla if he hates her he should stop being so two faced about it, his alleged acceptance of her has helped with her image very much.
This post is all based on Catherine having a serious but not terminal illness of course.

Inkanta · 29/02/2024 07:21

Queen had an amazing work ethic and was born into her role but over the years proved she’d also earned it

Yes and to be honest the only personality who thrived in that role.

I don't think many do thrive. Charles doesn't and at least he can retreat to his Sandringham life now where he was reasonably content. William won't thrive in it and I don't think George will.

I thought Kate might have been quite enjoyed her role but not so sure now. Very stressful place I imagine.

MadameBrigitte · 29/02/2024 07:26

Anyone else agree that the RF have become almost a laughing stock recently? I'm not referring to the King's illness but all the stuff to do with W&K. Even the British media are starting to question things, although I think they know far more than what they're letting on.

CrispsandCheeseSandwich · 29/02/2024 07:27

Yes his father has cancer but he's not being asked to do much about that, a lot of people in that position will be trying to fit in visiting, chasing up appointments and arranging travel he has none of this.

I think it's a bit insane to suggest that someone who isn't arranging appointments for their parent is less bothered by the fact they have cancer.

Iwantmyoldnameback · 29/02/2024 07:33

CrispsandCheeseSandwich · 29/02/2024 07:27

Yes his father has cancer but he's not being asked to do much about that, a lot of people in that position will be trying to fit in visiting, chasing up appointments and arranging travel he has none of this.

I think it's a bit insane to suggest that someone who isn't arranging appointments for their parent is less bothered by the fact they have cancer.

I'm not saying he's not bothered but it's not going to add to his stress levels in the same way it would a "normal" person. Many of us with sick relatives have held down full time jobs at the same time, while juggling visiting and attending appointments. And we don't get driven there door to door.

Angrycat2768 · 29/02/2024 07:35

Iwantmyoldnameback · 29/02/2024 07:14

For Christ sake he lost his grandparents when they were both in their late nineties did he (and indeed some of the public) think the Queen was going to live forever? Yes his father has cancer but he's not being asked to do much about that, a lot of people in that position will be trying to fit in visiting, chasing up appointments and arranging travel he has none of this. We have no clue as to how sick his wife is but he isn't "juggling" anything, he has a nanny and very hands on in laws, plus all the help he requires in the house. And the freedom to move to another of his houses when it suits them.
And if he had gone to the memorial service then Andrew would not have been front and centre he would. Regarding Camilla if he hates her he should stop being so two faced about it, his alleged acceptance of her has helped with her image very much.
This post is all based on Catherine having a serious but not terminal illness of course.

I think part of the problem is that neither William or Kate put in the hard yards before this, so they already have a reputation for being lazy and not wanting to do much, then now he has done nothing but go to a couple of jollies in 3 months. They don't have a lack of privacy all the time. They could just stay off social media or get their staff to summarise the important stuff they need to know for them. They have months off for holidays a year, when we don't know where they are and they are not disturbed, and deals with the press that rightly keep the children completely protected unless they decide to wheel them out. They have holidayed all over the world and we don't get to know about it until they release a Christmas card or photo, or they turn up suspiciously tanned from a month in Sandringham.
Being King is not nearly as onerous as being a Head of State with actual responsibility. And in many cases, they have weeks or months to prepare for that role. The only benefit of having an hereditary Monarchy is continuity, stability and the fact that the person who is destined to be Monarch more or less can be prepared for that role from birth. If William can't cope with that minimal responsibility, despite knowing that he would be doing it from birth, then maybe he should be the one to end the Monarchy and give the country a few decades to think of an alternative. The Queen was a young woman, grieving for her father, who didnt expect to be Queen until she was an older child, with two tiny children and a reluctant husband. He is a middle aged man with a compliant wife, a living father, grandparents that lived until they were nearly 100 years old.

Angrycat2768 · 29/02/2024 07:38

CrispsandCheeseSandwich · 29/02/2024 07:27

Yes his father has cancer but he's not being asked to do much about that, a lot of people in that position will be trying to fit in visiting, chasing up appointments and arranging travel he has none of this.

I think it's a bit insane to suggest that someone who isn't arranging appointments for their parent is less bothered by the fact they have cancer.

Other people are concerned but still have to do a their job, and fit in all the things mentioned above, taking it out of their annual leave. They have to work through their concern. Most peoples 'work' does not involve doing a reading 10 minutes from the house, or going to fancy dinners.

naicehamandeggs · 29/02/2024 07:40

I think another superinjunction needed to be put in place and the judge turned tricky so a personal appearance in chambers was needed. It was absolutely imperative that it was in place before the decision on Harry's security was released 'cos - toys/pram.

Ramalangadingdong · 29/02/2024 07:41

I don't know what's going on, but it's a sorry state when you see images of Sarah Ferguson and Andrew looking absolutely delighted to suddenly find themselves and their kids effectively acting up as Senior Royals. As a Republican I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Newchapterbeckons · 29/02/2024 07:41

How do they expect to retain public support like this?

Inkanta · 29/02/2024 07:46

The Queen appeared to relish every moment in her role and would relish even dressing up for the occasion - a different coloured suit every day. One of the reasons I enjoyed her as Queen was because she thoroughly enjoyed it.

Newchapterbeckons · 29/02/2024 07:46

I expect when the 9am shift arrives we will be told how unreasonable we are to expect the royal family to either be transparent about the issues or step up and continue to work like the rest of us.

Everyone I know bar one person has had to work with cancer.

Everyone I know with poor mental health/ major or minor operations have had to crack on and pay the bills and care for the kids.

So anything short of a full blown life and death emergency is simply not going to be good enough.

Especially now when so many of us are suffering. The Ivory tower is not acceptable in 2024.

CurlewKate · 29/02/2024 07:48

I do wonder sometimes, when people talk about W needing wise counsel, and stepping up to the onerous role of King exactly what's so onerous about it? What decisions does the monarch have to make? What's so difficult about being the Monarch?

Newchapterbeckons · 29/02/2024 07:50

Yesterday I was worried it must be something so awful to justify Williams poor show, reading this thread I am now wondering if it’s just pure indulgence.

There is no place for indulgence in today’s world.

This feels like a pivotal moment for the royal family - with the discipline of the Queen and Prince Philip gone are we about to see just how weak and work shy the rest of them are?

Ramalangadingdong · 29/02/2024 07:53

Newchapterbeckons · 29/02/2024 07:50

Yesterday I was worried it must be something so awful to justify Williams poor show, reading this thread I am now wondering if it’s just pure indulgence.

There is no place for indulgence in today’s world.

This feels like a pivotal moment for the royal family - with the discipline of the Queen and Prince Philip gone are we about to see just how weak and work shy the rest of them are?

Yes, despite the privileges it confers on them, perhaps they - like many of us - are starting to see the absurdity of it all. A bit like suddenly realising that the group you thought was incredible is actually a cult.

Westwindworries · 29/02/2024 07:54

I wonder if PW had pulled out, but Andrew and Fergie hadn't been grinning and enjoying being in the role of senior royals, would there be so much speculation?

crumblingschools · 29/02/2024 07:55

@CurlewKate your life is not your own anymore, I would hate page after page on social media of people speculating whether I had issues with my bowels

spriots · 29/02/2024 07:55

I think part of the problem is that neither William or Kate put in the hard yards before this, so they already have a reputation for being lazy and not wanting to do much, then now he has done nothing but go to a couple of jollies in 3 months.

I think that's exactly right.

TBH I wonder if they haven't stated the reason for Kate's surgery because it isn't that serious and they don't want it to be obvious that they're taking loads more time off than they need to.

It's their previous reputation that makes me wonder that - if it was Princess Anne, it wouldn't even occur to me

Bunnycat101 · 29/02/2024 07:58

I’m amazed there haven’t been leaks via the children at school. If the kids are at school as normal they’ll be talking to their friends who in turn will be saying something to parents.

Newchapterbeckons · 29/02/2024 07:59

Ramalangadingdong · 29/02/2024 07:53

Yes, despite the privileges it confers on them, perhaps they - like many of us - are starting to see the absurdity of it all. A bit like suddenly realising that the group you thought was incredible is actually a cult.

They are free to leave. William is looking no better than his grifter brother at this point. Both looking for an A list lifestyle without lifting a finger.

Nofilteritwonthelp · 29/02/2024 08:00

crumblingschools · 29/02/2024 07:55

@CurlewKate your life is not your own anymore, I would hate page after page on social media of people speculating whether I had issues with my bowels

I guess it's evened out by the constant fawning over her 'lovely hair' or smile

PinkTonic · 29/02/2024 08:01

Roussette · 28/02/2024 18:44

I don't want to know her private medical details. That's her business

A message thanking everyone for the good wishes is not private medical details

Have you sent good wishes then @Roussette ? Unless they felt personally snubbed I’m not clear why anyone would be so personally invested in a thank you message.
Unless of course one’s raison d’etre is finding and amplifying anti royal sentiment on the internet, however trivial.

FrancisSeaton · 29/02/2024 08:03

Newchapterbeckons · 29/02/2024 07:50

Yesterday I was worried it must be something so awful to justify Williams poor show, reading this thread I am now wondering if it’s just pure indulgence.

There is no place for indulgence in today’s world.

This feels like a pivotal moment for the royal family - with the discipline of the Queen and Prince Philip gone are we about to see just how weak and work shy the rest of them are?

Yep
Feckless and immoral in many cases as well
It's all going to go to shit

Newchapterbeckons · 29/02/2024 08:06

Nofilteritwonthelp · 29/02/2024 08:00

I guess it's evened out by the constant fawning over her 'lovely hair' or smile

And the tens of millions in the bank.

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