People should be free to comment on people regardless of their sex. Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I cannot criticise or express my comments on other women. I should be free to do so. A movement that doesn't embrace discrepancy or opposition is more like a tyranny. I think feminism gets stronger by allowing intelligent criticism of society, of both men and women in it, than by silencing it.
It's not about the gender of the person making the statement. It's more about a person who has brain and used it, making a comment about someone who "maybe" has got brain but has no intention of using it because she's now too royal and upper class not to have to.
I think Hilary Mantel's comments are absolutely spot on. In her speech, she was critical not only of Kate, but the royal establishment and the dysfunctional relationship the British public has with it.
I agree with Mantel that Kate is a lady who shows not talent, no personality, no intelligence, nothing apart from wearing clothes and fulfilling some old female stereotype that is obviously the easy option for a comfortable, conflict free life. But that's what the establishment, conservative Britain wants. The blander the Royals, the better.
After all, look what happened to Diana when her character, sensitivity and intelligence shone through. All the royals were quick to criticise and ostracise her.
The real shame about Kate is that society, especially "conservative society" expects women to be more like her than Mantel. After all, Mantel might incite thinking and conflict. We can all rest assured that Kate won't.