What now for William & Catherine: Future Duties, Roles and Responsibilities


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Yeah as soon as I read that I just rolled my eyes and clicked the X


LaRae
 
Even with her pregnancies and HG, Kate has done hundreds of official engagements and went on very high profile tours.

3 months after her marriage she and William were standing on Parliament Hill in front of 500,000 people for Canada Day celebrations.

It wasn't until 2013-ish and 7-8 years of marriage before Camilla went abroad 'solo' for the first time and it wasn't nearly as high profile a visit as Kate's.
 
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With the speculation the Cambridges will relocate to Kensington Palace later this year, how would any transition to full time royal duties actually happen? Would they just start suddenly cutting more ribbons and suchlike?
 
I think there would be an announcement by the Queen/Firm?


LaRae
 
I think there would be an announcement by the Queen/Firm?


LaRae


I wouldn't expect a specific announcement about their moving as they currently travel between their 2 homes now and I would expect that to continue - just probably weekdays in the city, weekends at Anmer. However, I would expect some sort of announcement is regarding the status of William's contract/ work and the follow up will be the Cambridges will be taking on more responsibilities in London, etc.
 
Not about them moving...about them taking on full time duties.


LaRae
 
There isn't a 'cut-off' number that differentiates 'part-time' royals from 'full-time' royals. That's more for the press.

The BRF doesn't make much fuss about this sort of thing.
 
I think the only way we'll really know that they've "transitioned" to full time working royals is by watching the events via the court circular. We've already been seeing quite a bit of an increase lately.

There'll be no announcements but something that is just done. We'll see more patronages being taken on, more investitures and perhaps (for Dman) more honorary military positions. The Cambridges will be out and about and in the media more and the fashionistas will be very, very happy. Perhaps William will get himself some suits that aren't blue too. :D
 
There will be an announcement from KP on the end of William's contract with the air ambulance and an announcement of the Cambridge's royal duties future.

They've made announcements about all of this before, so I think we should expect some announcements about the end of the contract.
 
The Cambridges has already stepped up and William had (according to Iluvbertie) almost as many engagements as the full-time working Sophie.

And If they start working full-time, it would be great. But they don't need to do so as long as HM The Queen lives.
 
I think the only way we'll really know that they've "transitioned" to full time working royals is by watching the events via the court circular. We've already been seeing quite a bit of an increase lately.

There'll be no announcements but something that is just done. We'll see more patronages being taken on, more investitures and perhaps (for Dman) more honorary military positions. The Cambridges will be out and about and in the media more and the fashionistas will be very, very happy. Perhaps William will get himself some suits that aren't blue too. :D
I agree. I think they will release a statement on Williams work and give comments such as "spending more of their time in London", "continue to expand their work portfolio" and then statements on where the kids will go to school.
 
I wouldn't be surprised if some of what's added to William's schedule are items that don't put him any farther forward in the public eye. He already took an agriculture course in 2014 to help prepare him for taking over the duchy of Cornwall, but there's probably still any number of "continuing education" (for lack of a better term) exercises that would be advisable for him, both to prepare for his immediate next role as Prince of Wales/Duke of Cornwall and for his ultimate position as monarch. Whether he continues with more university-run programs, focuses on private tutoring, or increases time spent working alongside his father and grandmother in their offices, I expect the time he's been allowed to focus on his own personal career will be replaced in part with gaining a better understanding the day-to-day complexities of being at the very center of the "family business."
 
When William announced that he was going to leave RAF Valley, the media were briefed that he was going to spend time based in various ministries to gain greater understanding of government. I think the FO/C office was mentioned in particular.
That could still happen but it wont go down well now with the media.

Taking on more is not a simple as people generally think.

Currently, regardless of the actual number of charities the Queen has, she doesn't do much. Nearly all her work is the work of the Sovereign. To lighten her load, she needs to delegate more to Prince of Wales. He, in turn, could then pass on some of his work to William.

I think that it's possible that some of the Duke of Kent's more demanding charities - CWGC or RNLI could be passed on.

I'm still waiting to find out the allocation of the remainder of HMQ's 25 charities. That would also be a good indication.

So "what" is an issue and so is cost. Charles can afford to pay out more, but at the cost of money going from charities (media will complain about this).

The only certainties I consider happening are:
1. Move back to KP by September

2. Catherine will not undertake a greater workload than William

3. The media will complain whatever they do as will people who don't like them.

4. The causes they take up will pay off. The PM today made a public statement on promoting/supporting childrens mental health and specifically mentioned the Heads Together campaign.
 
I think the only way we'll really know that they've "transitioned" to full time working royals is by watching the events via the court circular. We've already been seeing quite a bit of an increase lately.

There'll be no announcements but something that is just done. We'll see more patronages being taken on, more investitures and perhaps (for Dman) more honorary military positions. The Cambridges will be out and about and in the media more and the fashionistas will be very, very happy. Perhaps William will get himself some suits that aren't blue too. :D

Any expansion of William's suit collection should be accompanied by an official announcement.:D

So "what" is an issue and so is cost. Charles can afford to pay out more, but at the cost of money going from charities (media will complain about this).

Thank you for mentioning this cepe. It is a fact that Charles is paying for the Cambridges and Harry to do their royal duties in addition to himself and Camilla. Budgets do determine what can be accomplished by any organization and the "Firm" has to keep their accounts in order as well.
 
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The reality is there isn't that much if any added cost. They already have a full staff. Living in London they can do plenty of events ditch out travel custody. Their security is not privately paid. And Kate has an abundant wardrobe, she doesn't need to shop. Very few appearances include a speech or anything their staff needs to spend extra time on. For William to attend more Bafta events or Kate at her gallery or other London patronages, would be easy enough.
 
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Well I'd be very unhappy if all they did was events in London. And so would the rest of the country. Too many events are based there at the moment.

The Monarch (remember "seen to be believed") isn't getting out across the country then it is incumbent on the other senior royals to do that. That is key to their success.

A Tour of Wales would be good, the North and North-East need visiting. Some of the more deprived areas that need a boost. There's lots to be done

EDIT: The work you describe is generally what they have been doing, It needs to change
 
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This isn't really about the number of engagements. Critics and certain members of the tabloid press will always criticise.

William did almost 200 engagements last year in addition to holding down a job as an air ambulance pilot. Not to mention 2 wee ones at home.

So if William did 300 or 400 engagements a year, the criticism would disappear?? Of course not. People would just find something else to bang on about. George's shorts, Catherine's clutch or Mike and Carole hanging out with the Queen.

Many of the people who demand William do more are often the same people who defend Harry for his sparse diary.
 
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I'm not concerned so much with the numbers as with senior royals being seen (as HMQ isn't). William and Catherine can help that happen.
 
:previous:

Well I'd be very unhappy if all they did was events in London. And so would the rest of the country. Too many events are based there at the moment.

The Monarch (remember "seen to be believed") isn't getting out across the country then it is incumbent on the other senior royals to do that. That is key to their success.

A Tour of Wales would be good, the North and North-East need visiting. Some of the more deprived areas that need a boost. There's lots to be done

EDIT: The work you describe is generally what they have been doing, It needs to change

What kind of work do you think they are going to do? Build houses. Walk dogs, serve in soup kitchens? Not going to happen. Royals attend events, give the odd speech and cut ribbons.

As for the defense he has a job and two kids. It's an insult to working parents to claim this man is too busy to do more. He works less hours flying in a month then most people work in a week. Was said to be Twenty hourS. He had nannies, housekeepers, and gardeners. This is not a man who works 40 hours a week, goes home mows the lawn, takes out the garbage and puts the kids to bed,. They had two yours this year, which is why their number is higher. During those tours they do 25 or so events. That leaves Bout 150 events in 365 days. Events that are perhaps two hours in length.

Yes Harry doesn't do a huge amount. But how is that a defense to William. Two wrongs don't make a right. William is the future king, of course people expect more of him.

And no is, not suggesting all events should be in London. Simply they can easily increase numbers by adding more local events whicH cost little to nothing. As you said, it is important they be Seen.
 
What kind of work do you think they are going to do? Build houses. Walk dogs, serve in soup kitchens? Not going to happen. Royals attend events, give the odd speech and cut ribbons.

As for the defense he has a job and two kids. It's an insult to working parents to claim this man is too busy to do more. He works less hours flying in a month then most people work in a week. Was said to be Twenty hourS. He had nannies, housekeepers, and gardeners. This is not a man who works 40 hours a week, goes home mows the lawn, takes out the garbage and puts the kids to bed,. They had two yours this year, which is why their number is higher. During those tours they do 25 or so events. That leaves Bout 150 events in 365 days. Events that are perhaps two hours in length.

Yes Harry doesn't do a huge amount. But how is that a defense to William. Two wrongs don't make a right. William is the future king, of course people expect more of him.

And no is, not suggesting all events should be in London. Simply they can easily increase numbers by adding more local events whicH cost little to nothing. As you said, it is important they be Seen.

If this post is directed at me

1. I have no idea what this post is about except for the last sentence.

2. I think you've got confused with a lot of other posters.
 
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I'm not concerned so much with the numbers as with senior royals being seen (as HMQ isn't). William and Catherine can help that happen.


I agree Cepe.

A lot is made about what William's numbers are, when that's not so much the issue. The issue is more about his visibility. He could do a thousand meetings behind closed doors with his charities, get CC recognition for half of it, and people would criticize him.

The monarchy needs to be seen to be believed. In order to maintain interest in the monarchy, it has to be seen as providing some good. And like it or not, no one wants to be paying for a largely ceremonial head of state that isn't seen.

That's why the ribbon cutting is so important. That's why the tours to cities and towns outside of London are so important. That's why doing tours of various industries is so important. Because the monarchy has to be seen.

I think it's great that William and Kate are getting engaged with charities that really matter to them. Stuff like Heads Together and Tusk are hugely important. But let's stop acting like they're the first ones to get involved closely with charities that mean a lot to them - Charles, Anne, the DoE... they've all done this. Andrew and Edward have done similar. I'd bet they Camilla and Sophie have also done similar but to lesser extents, and I wouldn't be surprised if the Queen's cousins have too.

What William and Kate need to do is find a way to engage with charities that they feel deeply about, while also doing more of touring the country and cutting ribbons type of engagements. Because the fact is that the British taxpayer isn't going to want to pay for their ceremonial head of state to just save the elephants in Africa and hob nob with celebrities at the BAFTAs. Not if that head of state isn't also engaging with the British taxpayers themselves.
 
I'd like to know what more people expect William to be doing at this point? What events are not being covered? Do some of ya'll think that all he does is roll out of bed and go to these events? There is a lot of behind the scenes work being done.

Just because he's not punching 40 hours on a time card at his job per week (and really what an insult to pilots everywhere, it's not like a regular 8 to 5 job) doesn't mean he's sitting around watching football and drinking beer.


LaRae
 
The issue of having a 90 year old head of state and her almost 70 year old heir is once again coming to the surface.

Look at opinion polls, William is one of the most popular royals with a very high approval number.

Now polls may not be the be all and end all, but William and Catherine are right up there.

As far as the need to be 'seen', this is 2017, not 1917. William and Catherine are two of the most 'seen' royals in the world.

If the British Monarchy is in trouble, it has nothing at all to do with William and Catherine. People should maybe look closer to the throne for answers.
 
I would like to see going forward more away days like they did in Manchester and mini tours like the one they did to Cornwall. William can't really take the Queen's duties other than doing investitures which he already is doing. Charles's would have to step in to help the Queen.

William can help his father out by doing some of the Duke of Cornwall events or take over some of his father's Welsh charity patronages.

More military roles could be given to William and Kate. William only has one Army one, one Raf and 2 Navy. Kate only has the Air Cadets.

There should also more involvement of the Cambridges with the incoming State Visits and more trips representing the U.K. in continental Europe like William's day trip to Germany and Kate's to the Netherlands.

Other than security, the taxpayers aren't paying for the Cambridges activities. It's the Duchy of Cornwall that will fund them until William becomes King. The press office will need to supplemented with more people to cover William, Kate and Harry doing events on the same day at different locations.
 
I would like to see going forward more away days like they did in Manchester and mini tours like the one they did to Cornwall. William can't really take the Queen's duties other than doing investitures which he already is doing. Charles's would have to step in to help the Queen.

William can help his father out by doing some of the Duke of Cornwall events or take over some of his father's Welsh charity patronages.

More military roles could be given to William and Kate. William only has one Army one, one Raf and 2 Navy. Kate only has the Air Cadets.

There should also more involvement of the Cambridges with the incoming State Visits and more trips representing the U.K. in continental Europe like William's day trip to Germany and Kate's to the Netherlands.

Other than security, the taxpayers aren't paying for the Cambridges activities. It's the Duchy of Cornwall that will fund them until William becomes King. The press office will need to supplemented with more people to cover William, Kate and Harry doing events on the same day at different locations.

Skippyboo, very good comment and I agree. Would love to see the Cambridge's more involved too. I would also like to see the Cambridge's doing more regional tours, I would like to see them taking on more honorary military roles and I would like to see them take part in more of the incoming state visits. It would be a valuable experience for them to get involved continental events.

Now, perhaps with it looking more likely the Cambridge's will finally make the transition to concentrating to royal duties, we'll see them doing more of this.
 
There's not much more they can do with incoming State Visits as the royals don't do that much - they receive them (usually done by Charles and Camilla), who then escort them to Horseguards to be introduced to the Queen and Philip and then a carriage ride (those who met them initially and the Queen and Philip). Then there is the State Dinner and the Queen's saying farewell.

Outside of the State Dinner then only things more that William and Kate could do is what is currently being done by Charles and Camilla or The Queen and Philip.

Which pair of Charles and Camilla and the Queen and Philip do you want William and Kate to replace on State Visits?

Regional tours cost money - so who is going to pay for it? Charles - who allegedly says he doesn't have the extra money - presumably.

What more military roles? Who is going to be forced out of their current military roles?

What continental events? The BRF do not do the continental royal events and haven't done so for nearly 100 years - why add more costs?

It is fine to say 'I want to see them do more but you have to identify who you want to see replaced at the same time'.
 
There's not much more they can do with incoming State Visits as the royals don't do that much - they receive them (usually done by Charles and Camilla), who then escort them to Horseguards to be introduced to the Queen and Philip and then a carriage ride (those who met them initially and the Queen and Philip). Then there is the State Dinner and the Queen's saying farewell.

Outside of the State Dinner then only things more that William and Kate could do is what is currently being done by Charles and Camilla or The Queen and Philip.

Which pair of Charles and Camilla and the Queen and Philip do you want William and Kate to replace on State Visits?

Regional tours cost money - so who is going to pay for it? Charles - who allegedly says he doesn't have the extra money - presumably.

What more military roles? Who is going to be forced out of their current military roles?

What continental events? The BRF do not do the continental royal events and haven't done so for nearly 100 years - why add more costs?

It is fine to say 'I want to see them do more but you have to identify who you want to see replaced at the same time'.

Outside of those who nearing retirement, they don't have to replace anyone. They should be included more. There's room for that to happen.

The Cambridge's and Charles and Camilla can alternate on State Visit escorts or both couples can be involved at the same time. That's how is used to happen.

Yes, they can do more regional tours and joint regional tours with Charles and Camilla and with The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

William and Catherine could be sent to some of these continental events, instead of sending the Wessex's.
 
The Wessex's actually know these continental royals so why send in newbies who have had nothing to do with the Continentals at all? Why force the end of friendships to try and engage the Cambridges? The heirs or monarchs on the continent are much closer in age to the Wessex's with similarly aged children and have made many friendships and connections over many years.

Everything you have suggested will cost more money - where is it to come from?

They have cut back the numbers of people at many events to cut costs e.g. all members of the family used to attend the State Opening of Parliament and then it was cut down to just HM and Philip. It has only been quite recently that Charles and Camilla have started attending.

Charles' people have made it clear that they don't have more - so either Charles and Camilla have to cut-back their involvement or we have to settle for the status quo - engagements for the Cambridges largely in London and in the palaces while the heir apparent and his wife and the current monarch and her husband do the regional tours.

The Sovereign Grant doesn't cover anyone other than The Queen and Philip. William and Kate's costs have to come from the Duchy of Cornwall.
 
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So I've been reading this entire thread and there are few things I don't get.
So there seem to be a financial reason as to why the 3 younger royals can't become full-time royal. So when William's contract will be done this year, both he and his wife will work more? Unless a tragedy happens by then, the number of working royal will still be the same, so I don't understand the "there is not enough money now".

And also about the "raising kids" time that was given to the Cambridges, will the same treatment given to Harry and his future wife? I'm assuming that Harry will probably be a full-time royal by then.
 
The Wessex's actually know these continental royals so why send in newbies who have had nothing to do with the Continentals at all? Why force the end of friendships to try and engage the Cambridges? The heirs or monarchs on the continent are much closer in age to the Wessex's with similarly aged children and have made many friendships and connections over many years.


But the Wessexes don't generate the same sense of excitement and have little press coverage.

(Really it almost seems, for some events, the RF is saying send them, everybody else has better things to do!)

I'm not saying this is the case, exactly, but sometimes it gives that appearance.

I think the reason the public is pushing for the Cambridges to become more involved is simply because they want to see more of them.
 
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