Nicolai Haugsted
Prince William and Princess Kate have reportedly found a simple way to rise above the royal family’s ongoing controversies.
The British royal family has rarely been short of headlines, but recent months have brought another wave of uncomfortable attention to Buckingham Palace.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to Britain has revived questions about their relationship with the monarchy, while Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s ongoing legal difficulties have created further complications for King Charles.
Yet amid the speculation and family tensions, two senior royals appear determined to offer the public something rather different.
Prince William and Princess Catherine have been making a series of public appearances that feature considerably more laughter than controversy.
According to royal commentators, their approach may be doing more to shape the monarchy’s public image than any carefully worded statement could achieve.
A different approach to royal controversy
Russell Myers, royal editor at the Mirror, believes the Prince and Princess of Wales have found an effective way to handle the controversies surrounding their relatives.
Speaking on the newspaper’s Pod Save the King podcast, Myers suggested that William and Catherine are deliberately keeping their attention on public engagements rather than becoming involved in disputes concerning Harry, Meghan or Andrew.
“What William and Catherine are doing is not only putting their best foot forward, but actually enjoying the job. It doesn’t need to be so heavy all the time,” he explained.
According to Myers, the couple have little interest in publicly addressing the difficulties facing other members of the family.
“They’re not going to speak about Harry and Meghan, they’re not going to speak about Andrew’s court case, they just want to get on with life and have a bit of fun along the way.”
His comments suggest that the couple’s relaxed public appearances could offer a useful contrast to the more serious headlines surrounding the monarchy.
However, the idea that William and Catherine are following a deliberate strategy remains the commentator’s interpretation rather than a publicly confirmed plan.
Letting their appearances do the talking
Jennifer Newton, the Mirror’s deputy royal editor, offered a similar assessment during the podcast.
She argued that William and Catherine’s recent engagements demonstrate how the couple can maintain a positive public presence without commenting on controversies that do not directly involve them.
“And is this not the best way to say something without saying anything at all? Just getting on with it and having fun. They don’t have to put out any statements when these appearances do all the talking.”
Recent visits by both royals have provided examples of the lighter approach highlighted by the commentators.
William, in particular, found himself revisiting an amusing childhood memory during a trip to Wales.
William’s rather questionable business career
During a visit to Skenfrith in Monmouthshire, the Prince of Wales met residents affected by repeated flooding.
The engagement focused on local flood defences and the experiences of people whose homes have suffered damage.
But a conversation with Rod and Helen Wyatt unexpectedly reminded William of a much earlier encounter.
Mr Wyatt explained that he had met the future king when William was still a young boy.
“First time I met you, you were this high,” he said, indicating the child’s height with his hand.
He then reminded William of a purchase he had made from him years earlier.
“In Glanusk Estate – you sold me a CD from a bric-a-brac stall.”
William immediately recognised the memory.
“Dodgy car boot sale, yes, I remember that,” he replied with a laugh.
Mr Wyatt then asked whether William was still involved in the business.
“Still doing that?”
The prince responded with another joke.
“No, I don’t sell… it’s dried up a bit that one, perhaps I should reopen it.”
The exchange offered an entertaining interruption to an otherwise serious discussion about flooding.
Kate reveals the family’s kitchen arrangements
Princess Catherine has also been enjoying some lighthearted conversations during her recent engagements.
During a visit to Pulborough in West Sussex, she surprised elderly residents by joining them aboard a community minibus.
The princess was helping mark the 50th anniversary of West Sussex Minibus, a volunteer service that provides transport for older people in the area.
She accompanied passengers to a weekly lunch club at Pulborough Village Hall, where she chatted with guests and enjoyed some crisps.
Conversation eventually turned to household chores, prompting Catherine to reveal an unexpectedly ordinary detail about life with Prince William.
“I love washing up [doing the dishes]. I really do,” she admitted.
Asked whether her husband helps, Catherine explained that the couple share responsibilities.
“He does the drying. We are a good double act. And we get the children involved.”
The revelation provided a glimpse of the domestic routine shared by the future king and queen and their three children.
Royal duties continue despite family tensions
The relaxed appearances come as other members of the royal family remain under scrutiny.
Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain has attracted renewed attention to their relationship with William and Catherine, particularly following years of public disagreements.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, meanwhile, remains involved in legal proceedings connected to police searches of his properties.
The former prince successfully challenged the legality of search warrants, although the criminal investigation into suspected misconduct in public office remains ongoing. He has denied wrongdoing.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have also resumed their public engagements following their summer break.
