Reading through this thread on Kate and William: who determines that clubbing and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and going is the activity of a 'normal' twenty-something?
As heir to the English throne, one's life will always be far from 'normal'. You are future King of England because you have a tradition, a mystique to maintain, a sense of DUTY. This is why you are born with God-given rights to wear the crown and sit on the throne.
If you want to be 'normal', ie a commoner, then abdicate! There are many other people in the Royal family who would gladly take your place and do your job better.
Royalty can still be progressive and modern while maintaining tradition without constantly drinking and clubbing.
It comes across as hedonistic and insulting to see constant pictures of the heirs to one of the most important monarchies in the world drinking, bingeing, drunk, with little regard for serious duty and effort. Now I read that Harry has been seen sniffing vodka!
Poverty is real. If the poor who once looked to royalty for inspiration and charity (one of Diana's many legacies and gifts) see hedonism and dedadence, then any charity work becomes hypocritical and shallow.
Kate Middleton would have more appeal and could capitalise her status as a commoner and future Queen of England by being a role model: accomplished in whatever professional field she is engaged in, or completely devoted to philanthropic work. Sadly, a pretty face and good hair only lasts so long. Kate is already looking old and tired, despite the tonnes of make-up, at 25. How will she look in 10 years?
Prince William over the last year strikes me a puny - weak, inarticulate, indecisive. I would love to see him build some solid life projects and interests.
Let's hope that William and Kate are just going through an immature phase and can grow and mature together with real life projects and interests to make a postiive contribution to royalty and to humanity.