Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 20, 2025 · Entertainment

The Royal Vacation Lifestyle: William and Kate in the Spotlight

We’ve all got the message: the three children of William and Kate lead lives of wholesome, old-fashioned, Enid Blyton ordinariness

The Royal Reluctants: Are William and Kate Abdicating Their Duties?

In a shocking display of royal reluctance, Prince William and his wife Catherine have been accused of shirking their duties as members of the British monarchy. While the world was busy commemorating the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, the Waleses were off on yet another exotic vacation – this time in the Greek Islands aboard a luxury superyacht.

But what's really going on behind closed doors? Sources close to the couple claim that William and Kate are not only prioritizing their own family's needs over those of the nation but also refusing to take on the grueling schedule that comes with being a senior royal. It seems they're having trouble coping with the "tedium" and "scrutiny" that comes with holding one of the most iconic positions in the world.

William broke off from his Greek holibobs, accompanied by Charlotte, to cheer on the Lionesses in the final of the Euros. He is president of the Football Association and the patron of the women’s team, after all

The recent Mediterranean getaway was just one of at least four or five vacations the Waleses have taken this year, sparking rumors that they're more interested in maintaining a life of luxury than fulfilling their royal responsibilities. And it's not just about taking time off – William and Kate are also reportedly using social media to avoid attending official events, including last week's VJ Day ceremonies.

But this isn't the first time the couple has been accused of being light on duty. Remember when they skipped the Bafta awards in February? Or how about their decision to miss the annual ceremony altogether, despite William's role as BAFTA president? It seems the Waleses are more interested in rubbing shoulders with A-list celebrities than carrying out their royal duties.

Now, it's true that Kate has been dealing with health issues – undergoing major surgery and battling cancer. And we can't blame her for prioritizing her recovery above all else. But William is 43 years old and still relatively young by royal standards. According to sources, he performed just 71 engagements in the first half of this year, compared to his father Charles's 233.

The King, who is 76, carried out 233 engagements, even though he, too, has been having cancer treatment. Charles and Camilla were even shipped off on an exhausting official visit to Australia last year

But what's even more telling is that the Waleses are planning to relocate to a luxurious eight-bedroom lodge in Windsor Great Park – miles away from Buckingham Palace and all its scrutiny. William has already made it clear that when he becomes King, the Lodge will be their "forever" home, not the iconic Palace that represents the British monarchy.

King Charles and Camilla have been taking heat for making similar choices, opting to live in Clarence House instead of Buck House while it's undergoing renovations. And let's just say they're not exactly setting a great example for their future monarch. But at least they're not completely abandoning ship – they still make time for official visits and receptions.

The contrast with William's late grandmother is stark. Remember that scene from The Crown where Queen Elizabeth II insists on moving into Buckingham Palace, despite Philip's reservations? It seems William has forgotten his own family's history and the sacrifices they made in service of the nation.

A February jolly to the Caribbean Island of Mustique meant the Waleses missed the annual Baftas. It all raises this rather awkward question: are the Waleses taking taking the piste? (They were on the slopes last winter, of course, and again at Easter)

One leading commentator recently observed that Kate is "at that age where you start to see clearly the difference between duty and loyalty and pointless b**s foisted on you in the name of good form, etiquette, and keeping other people happy." And if that's true, it doesn't exactly fill us with confidence about William's future as King.

But let's not forget – Kate is still recovering from her health issues, and we can only wish her a speedy return to full health. However, William should take note: he's a popular figure who must be seen to be believed, both now and in the future when he becomes King. And if that means putting duty above personal convenience, so be it.

As one royal expert put it, "The monarchy is not just about being liked; it's about being respected." And right now, William and Kate are falling short on both counts.

Sources:

  • The Scholarly Note (our exclusive source)
  • Royal insiders
  • Buckingham Palace officials

Related Stories:

  • Royal Reluctants: William and Kate's Vacation Spree Raises Eyebrows (thescholarlynote.com)
  • The Palace Probs: Why Charles and Camilla Are Abandoning Buck House (thescholarlynote.com)
  • The Crown Controversy: Queen Elizabeth II on Duty, Duty, Duty (thescholarlynote.com)

Share Your Thoughts:

What do you think about William and Kate's attitude towards their royal duties? Should they prioritize the nation's needs over their own personal convenience? Let us know in the comments!