Duchess of Cambridge: What Now for Catherine? Future Duties, Roles, Responsibilities

[Osipi]

AFAIK the State Apts. at KP required nearly 12 million for renovation so they could be reopened to the public.

Yeps. If these buildings aren't taken care of and maintained, its asking for trouble. They're not the pyramids that will withstand eons of weathering, they're going to be a pile of rubble if not maintained and I'm sure tourists aren't going to pay to come and read a sign that says "Site of Kensington Palace until it crumbled to the ground after years of neglect in 2027".

 

[TLLK]

Thanks Osipi. BTW forgot to add that over the decades the State Apts. would have to be modernized with indoor plumbing, electricity, surveillance/security equipment, lighting for exhibits, audio for exhibits,indoor sprinkler systems, meet current safety and disability access etc..etc...so that the public would be able to view the exhibits. These buildings have had to undergo many interior renovations for the inhabitants and for the open to the public spaces.

 

[Osipi]

Thanks Osipi. BTW forgot to add that over the decades the State Apts. would have to be modernized with indoor plumbing, electricity, surveillance/security equipment, lighting for exhibits, audio for exhibits,indoor sprinkler systems, meet current safety and disability access etc..etc...so that the public would be able to view the exhibits. These buildings have had to undergo many interior renovations for the inhabitants and for the open to the public spaces.

Those are the facts. Its the irresponsible media that keeps putting the slant on things and making innuendos that the tax payers is funding the spacious, luxuriant rooms right down to the Peter Rabbit themed room of their personal living space which if anyone with eyes in their head would know by reading that the interior stuff was all funded privately.

Then again, repairs and renovations that are needed and for the most part, boring, don't sell too many papers.

 

[Lady Nimue]

Makes one wonder what condition Buckingham Palace is in.

 

[katemiddy]

I think that those that believe that Kate should be doing more than she is and actually see her doing them forget that its not up to Kate to pick and choose how much or how little she does. Each and every event, appearance or photo-op in the capacity of representing the Firm goes through channels and then is rubber stamped by the Queen herself. I suppose that Kate could take a page out of someone else's book and decide "Hmmm.. they want to see more of me. Who in the media can I attach to and let them know where I'm going so the public sees me working and more stories are written about me?" Nope.. bad bad idea.

It gets me too to still see in print that 4.5 million were spent on W&C's Apt 1A renovations. Lets put it this way. If the taxpayer had put that 4.5 million exclusively into the renovation and furnishing of a lavish, posh apartment, it would have been a big waste of money and moans and groans from all when the entire structure of KP eventually crumbled into dust. They then would be aghast at how little care was given to one of their primary historic properties.
Go figure.

I agree with you , I feel the media is to blame with the way these essential repairs are portrayed to the general public , the media made it seem like 4.5 mil was used for just interior DECORATION (cushions , furniture arranging and buying ) whereas in reality it was the cost of repairs , interior design (completely different from decorating), majors refurbishments and interior architecture details to make the space liveable for a family
I visited KP during August , last year and the whole wing on one side was under construction , it was apt1A , that side looked horrendous from the outside and was covered up with a large board with the pic of the palace .. I think a lot of work needed to be done .

Part of the reason i am glad the royal family is still around is that these castles wont become private property like in other parts of Europe . I have heard countless times of Interior designers/Architects with the $$$ buying and renovating these palaces/castles and opening them up to the public for their own gain , imo its better this way , im sure the TP would have to contribute for the renovations as it's part of their national heritage .
It is very hard to manage these stately homes.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyl...lvoir-Castle-A-thoroughly-modern-duchess.html

http://www.devizesheritage.org.uk/devizes_castle_sold.html

 

[Alison H]

I wonder if Carole and Michael Middleton ever remark, just between themselves, about how they, people who worked their socks off to build up a successful business, paid for Kate and Pippa to go to top independent schools, supported them through university, and neither of them've ever had a proper job! I really like the Duchess of Cambridge, but I think it's time she took on more duties.

 

[Lee27]

Of course the Cambridges could have just bought a mansion in the city. No telling how much that would cost.

 

[muriel]

Of course the Cambridges could have just bought a mansion in the city. No telling how much that would cost.

Why should they, when there is space available within the royal palaces?

 

[Polly]

I agree with Osipi.

Given that the Cambridges are now called the world's most popular family and have an almost rock-star impact on much of the globe some still apparently believe that it's up to Catherine alone to decide when, where and how she'll appear in public and at what functions. Not so, I suggest.

Apart from any other consideration (and there are a few), does anyone really believe that she'd be permitted to upstage the Duchess of Cornwall? Think about it.

The Palace knows what it's doing - hence, idle chit-chat about Catherine's 'doing more' is singularly inappropriate and quite unfair to her.

 

[camelot23ca]

I wonder if Carole and Michael Middleton ever remark, just between themselves, about how they, people who worked their socks off to build up a successful business, paid for Kate and Pippa to go to top independent schools, supported them through university, and neither of them've ever had a proper job! I really like the Duchess of Cambridge, but I think it's time she took on more duties.

If the Middletons' primary goal for their children was that they grow up to have full time careers that actually paid the bills they would have been better off sending them to the local comprehensive and making them work during the summers and after school to help pay their way through university.

Instead, if my memory serves, they sent Kate to Downe House, then Marlborough then St. Andrews. I imagine Pippa and James received similarly expensive educations.

I'm not knocking that choice - all three of the children no doubt received a fantastic education and I'd probably do the same if I were in their position. My only point is parents know what they're getting when they send children to these sorts of elite schools, and it's not necessarily a peer group that expects to have to work 60 hour weeks to support themselves.

 

[Princess of Durham]

Exactly! And that is true no matter where you live.

 

[Dman]

It's going to be interesting to see what roles and duties Catherine will take on.
I think some announcements should be coming for her now.

 

[cepe]

Frist of all, Pippa had asports scholarship to Marlborough so her parents didnt pay full fees.

Parents want to best education for their children and I think that is right about the Middletons; what their children choose to do I think is down to them, and the Middletons would support them.

My background is similar. my parents were "working class" but I received a private education through a scholarship.

that sdidnt determine my grades; my exam results; my tertiary education. That was down to me. Private education does not mean results or even contacts.

 

[royal-blue]

I think Kate would benefit massively from an actual job/role she could do, even just 2 or 3 days a week on a permanent basis. It would give her a sense of purpose and not be seen as just a housewife and mother. There are countless organisations and charities she could choose from.

 

[Dman]

I think Kate would benefit massively from an actual job/role she could do, even just 2 or 3 days a week on a permanent basis. It would give her a sense of purpose and not be seen as just a housewife and mother. There are countless organisations and charities she could choose from.

I think there are roles that's coming up for her. The big role she's been given to date is her upcoming solo trip to Malta on Her Majesty's behalf. I think some colonelcy roles will be coming up for her as well. I would think some announcements will be around the corner.

 

[cepe]

there is real purpose in being a wife and mother. It is a real job, especially when there is pressure on the family from massive media interest.

Many women, across the world, find that this is a rewarding and necessary role, and to denigrate Catherine for doing this, is to do that to all

 

[royal-blue]

there is real purpose in being a wife and mother. It is a real job, especially when there is pressure on the family from massive media interest.

Many women, across the world, find that this is a rewarding and necessary role, and to denigrate Catherine for doing this, is to do that to all

I am sure that the vast majority of both mothers and fathers would love to send more time with their young children, however for the majority this is not an option. Catherine can find time for both a public and private life if she wants.

 

[soapstar]

Well she actually is finding time for both a public and private life. She hasn't stopped doing royal duties.

 

[XeniaCasaraghi]

I wonder if Carole and Michael Middleton ever remark, just between themselves, about how they, people who worked their socks off to build up a successful business, paid for Kate and Pippa to go to top independent schools, supported them through university, and neither of them've ever had a proper job! I really like the Duchess of Cambridge, but I think it's time she took on more duties.

I admit I wonder that as well. I feel Pippa has had proper jobs and James is clearly the most ambitious of the trio. But Kate just comes off as the one who does nothing but lived of her parents hard work. I wonder how she didn't end up with their work ethic; self made millionaires with a daughter who has never really worked.

 

[annette2002]

I am sure that the vast majority of both mothers and fathers would love to send more time with their young children, however for the majority this is not an option.Catherine can find time for both a public and private life if she wants.

But she does find time for both a public and private life . Catherine is not the majority of mothers she has the option to spend more time with her child, what is wrong with that? I would like to meet the mother who would choose to spend less time with their children if they had that option. She does do a lot of public engagement , not enough for some of you . But I bet it is enough for the firm. She will probably do about 100 engagements this year. I bet if she was doing over 200 , there would be complaints she is neglecting her child. I like this couple a lot , because they are doing what is right for them and not what is right for the public and media who is very fickle. One moment building you up then breaking you down. This couple seem to have a good head on their shoulder. Good for them

 

[Mermaid1962]

The last woman in Catherine's position was the future Queen Mary.

In many ways it is a competition. If people are saying Kate doesn't do enough well who is she being compared to?

There is no precedent for her position so what yardstick is used to say she doesn't do enough?

.

 

[Rudolph]

Correct except when Mary of Teck was in the same position as Kate, her title was the Duchess of York and Queen Victoria was still on the throne.

 

[Skippyboo]

Duchess of Cambridge: What now for Catherine? Future Duties, Roles, Responsib...

During late reign of Victoria, George and Mary spent their time at York Cottage at Sandringham. They really didn't do the amount of engagements that the royals do now. Neither did Bertie and Alix.

The start of the modern monarchy of visits to places and charities starts in the reign of George V as a way to separate the royals from the aristocracy and connect with the people directly during the rise of socialism post WWI.

So there really hasn't been a modern equivalent of heir's heir wife.

Sent from my iPhone using The Royals Community

 

[Rudolph]

I agree and that's why I'm willing to allow William and Kate to put their own stamp on what their roles should be at this time.

 

[Grandma828]

I don't believe that there is a written code of necessary activities for William and Catherine. The only thing they need to do is provide an heir, which they have done. Above that they are allowed to design their lives around their own interests. Even Charles had no temp plate for POW. He figured things out as he went along. It shall be a lot of fun watching things as they happen. I have been following the royals since Princess Elizabeth fell in love with Philip. No one could have imagined everything that has gone on.

 

[casualfan]

I think Kate would benefit massively from an actual job/role she could do, even just 2 or 3 days a week on a permanent basis. It would give her a sense of purpose and not be seen as just a housewife and mother. There are countless organisations and charities she could choose from.

Wow, just wow. Please tell me that you're not suggesting that Catherine doesn't have an adequate purpose right now? Please tell me that you're not suggesting that her being a wife and mother is not enough? Even if it's just (obviously) for the time being, as we know that more duties will come later.

I'm trying not to have a knee jerk reaction right now, but (on the positive side) my reflexes are working swimmingly.

 

[Dman]

I admit I wonder that as well. I feel Pippa has had proper jobs and James is clearly the most ambitious of the trio. But Kate just comes off as the one who does nothing but lived of her parents hard work. I wonder how she didn't end up with their work ethic; self made millionaires with a daughter who has never really worked.

She did work. She worked several jobs. One of her main jobs she had to leave because the media harassed her too much.

 

[katemiddy]

Is york cottage still in use ? Its very beautiful and would be perfect for harry and his future family .

 

[Iluvbertie]

York Cottage is currently the home of the Sandringham Estate Office and other parts are rented out to people for various reasons.

 

[katemiddy]

It will be very amusing to see how things will progress after harry gets engaged and brings a wife in the "firm" , so far W&K have got one apartment a country estate *Anmer and William has his own property , a Scottish cottage or something . All(except his Scottish home) places were in use and the tenants were asked to vacate/relocate for them, lets see if harry is given the same privilege .