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

[Honeybees]

Originally Posted by bertie5252003

I think the drovers dog could upstage Camilla IMO only of course so great challenge there.
But frankly I think time to get back to work for Kate .. I agree they will have limited family life as time goes on yadda yadda but she married who she married and that life of privilege comes with responsibility. Yes she loves her children and so on but she has a responsibility outside that arena and most be seen at least to have commitment which IMO she does not appear to have at this stage. She has more commitment to her privacy and that I am afraid she can only have a snap shot of that they are not like the rest of us!!! no matter how that is said or printed it has hairs on it that old chestnut!!!! ... lets face it she sat about waiting to have him marry her ... yes she did... she has what she waited for ...... now the maternity leave [give me strength] is over IMO. Back to work is all what I think.

Dear Bertie, I may not agree with everything you have written but I respect your difference of opinion. I also believe that after a long standing relationship the DOC may have had some idea what being married to PW might entail.

[ladongas]

There's some talk up thread about 'upstaging'. It's obvious that the Cambridges attract more attention that the PoW and the DoC. Does anyone really believe that Charles doesn't mind this, particularly on behalf of his wife ? (I doubt Camilla really cares.) I'm sure that HM consults with him about assignments for 'the kids'- and probably honors his wishes. He has only a few years to raise Camilla's popularity and status in the eyes of his future subjects.

[MichelleQ2]

Originally Posted by ladongas

There's some talk up thread about 'upstaging'. It's obvious that the Cambridges attract more attention that the PoW and the DoC. Does anyone really believe that Charles doesn't mind this, particularly on behalf of his wife ? (I doubt Camilla really cares.) I'm sure that HM consults with him about assignments for 'the kids'- and probably honors his wishes. He has only a few years to raise Camilla's popularity and status in the eyes of his future subjects.

I completely agree this is a factor - not the only one - but definitely a concern in scheduling tours and high profile involvement so as to not conflict

[Dman]

Charles isn't worried about the Cambridge's upstaging him and Camilla. Obviously, he's the Prince of Wales and principle player in the "Firm," but he knows his son and wife also have a role to play as senior royals and he respects that.

I'm just saying that it's time for Catherine to take her place on the stage as the Third lady in the Land. With The Queen giving Catherine the responsible role of representing her on a tour of Malta (a tour she couldn't make due to illness with carrying Charlotte), I think even The Queen knows it's time for Catherine to step up her game.

[Muhler]

When you glance the comments of Daily Mail (yes, I know!) you'd be forgiven for thinking Catherine is universally loathed in Britain.

In as far as she appears on the news on this side of the North Sea, which isn't that often, there is no mentioning of her workload - or lack of it.
So my question goes to the British members: What is the word on the street in regards to Catherine's workload?
Are people critical? Indifferent? Pleased with her workload? Or saying okay, but she could step up a bit?

[Honeybees]

Originally Posted by cepe

there is no official list. The Government grant money to the Queen and she has to work within it. If the Government ask royals to go abroad on their behalf then they contribute towards the specific costs.

the Queen pays for other royals from the Duchy of Lancaster, except PoW, Camilla, Cambs and Harry who are funded through Duchy of Cornwall.

there is a thread on this Foru, that explains it. This is off topic for this thread so apologies to all.

No of engagements has never been a criteria for funding.

The above website, the official website for the British Monarchy offers official and as far as I am aware the updated information on the finances of The Royal Family, how they pertain to the government etc. for anyone who is interested. There are I believe also several documents available from HMSO if one would care to go more indepth.

[Jacknch]

Originally Posted by Dman

Charles isn't worried about the Cambridge's upstaging him and Camilla. Obviously, he's the Prince of Wales and principle player in the "Firm," but he knows his son and wife also have a role to play as senior royals and he respects that.

I'm just saying that it's time for Catherine to take her place on the stage as the Third lady in the Land. With The Queen giving Catherine the responsible role of representing her on a tour of Malta (a tour she couldn't make due to illness with carrying Charlotte), I think even The Queen knows it's time for Catherine to step up her game.

I can see what you're saying, but it is worth remembering that until William increases the public the duties he carries out, I don't think we will see much more of Catherine than we currently do.

It is not a question of the Queen knowing it is time for Catherine to "step up her game" it is a question of the Queen deciding if and when. This is not a decision for Catherine to make for herself. If anything, it is for William to "step up" his public duties (assuming the Queen will ever insist he does), which will automatically increase Catherine's public visibility.

[Dman]

Originally Posted by Jacknch

I can see what you're saying, but it is worth remembering that until William increases the public the duties he carries out, I don't think we will see much more of Catherine than we currently do.

It is not a question of the Queen knowing it is time for Catherine to "step up her game" it is a question of the Queen deciding if and when. This is not a decision for Catherine to make for herself. If anything, it is for William to "step up" his public duties (assuming the Queen will ever insist he does), which will automatically increase Catherine's public visibility.

Yeah, I understand where you coming from. Hopefully her senior role is on it's way to increasing. I've noticed that Catherine has gained a great of confidence on the royal stage. She needs to work on her speeches a bit more and inject some of her personality into it. It only comes with practice, but she can't get much practice if she's not giving any speeches about the causes she's passionate about. Her video messages are good though.

[Daria_S]

Originally Posted by Pranter

Yes exactly Daria...we are going to be subjected to the stories about how the DoC is trying to undermine and/or upstage Camilla (whatever her title will be at the time) in all manner of ways....and that William is trying to overstep his bounds with Charles ..blah blah blah.


LaRae

Indeed. It's all sad but true. Kinda like a soap opera if you think about it. I'm surprised no soap writer/director thought of going to the DM to get plot lines, but I may be wrong, because I don't watch that stuff...

Originally Posted by Dman

Catherine won't be accused of stealing the spotlight from anyone. She's the most senior member of the royal family, after to Her Majesty The Queen and Duchess of Cornwall. It's her place to play important roles within the "Firm."

I would bet that she would be accused of being upstaged, if only by the scum at DM, but since good deal of the public reads that drivel, it'll sell, and be regarded as something credible.

Originally Posted by ladongas

There's some talk up thread about 'upstaging'. It's obvious that the Cambridges attract more attention that the PoW and the DoC. Does anyone really believe that Charles doesn't mind this, particularly on behalf of his wife ? (I doubt Camilla really cares.) I'm sure that HM consults with him about assignments for 'the kids'- and probably honors his wishes. He has only a few years to raise Camilla's popularity and status in the eyes of his future subjects.

I have no issues with Charles, but old insecurities take a long time to disappear, not to mention that he does appear to enjoy the attention. After watching 'The Royal Paintbox', I realized just how much he likes to be center-stage. He may not (and more than likely isn't) be jealous of his son, and daughter-in-law, but he may very well be concerned with the kind of popularity and attention they receive. Yes, he doesn't have a lot of time to schmooze the masses, and age is certainly not in his favor (majority wants to see the young, and glamorous Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, or as press loves to call them 'Prince William, and Kate Middleton), so the only thing he can control is the amount of exposure. Yes, I'm sure he discusses these concerns with his mother, and since he is financing his sons' and daughter-in-law's appearances, it's not too far-fetched to believe that he has a say in how much Catherine does. So, maybe all those who want more Catherine should take up writing to Her Majesty, and the Prince of Wales with their concerns. I'm sure both parties would be just tickled pink.

Originally Posted by Dman

Charles isn't worried about the Cambridge's upstaging him and Camilla. Obviously, he's the Prince of Wales and principle player in the "Firm," but he knows his son and wife also have a role to play as senior royals and he respects that.

I'm just saying that it's time for Catherine to take her place on the stage as the Third lady in the Land. With The Queen giving Catherine the responsible role of representing her on a tour of Malta (a tour she couldn't make due to illness with carrying Charlotte), I think even The Queen knows it's time for Catherine to step up her game.

Originally Posted by Jacknch

I can see what you're saying, but it is worth remembering that until William increases the public the duties he carries out, I don't think we will see much more of Catherine than we currently do.



It is not a question of the Queen knowing it is time for Catherine to "step up her game" it is a question of the Queen deciding if and when. This is not a decision for Catherine to make for herself. If anything, it is for William to "step up" his public duties (assuming the Queen will ever insist he does), which will automatically increase Catherine's public visibility.

I didn't think of that, but it makes sense. Catherine will follow William's lead in this, as she has been doing.

Originally Posted by Dman

Yeah, I understand where you coming from. Hopefully her senior role is on it's way to increasing. I've noticed that Catherine has gained a great of confidence on the royal stage. She needs to work on her speeches a bit more and inject some of her personality into it. It only comes with practice, but she can't get much practice if she's not giving any speeches about the causes she's passionate about. Her video messages are good though.

Her speeches are fine, and how much more personality should she inject into them? Perhaps you would be happy if she did them as musical numbers, with a little dance routine? And she shows her passion by visiting her charities, whether privately, or publicly, and that is more valuable, and from the heart than some pretty words.



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[Rudolph]

Originally Posted by Muhler

When you glance the comments of Daily Mail (yes, I know!) you'd be forgiven for thinking Catherine is universally loathed in Britain.

In as far as she appears on the news on this side of the North Sea, which isn't that often, there is no mentioning of her workload - or lack of it.
So my question goes to the British members: What is the word on the street in regards to Catherine's workload?
Are people critical? Indifferent? Pleased with her workload? Or saying okay, but she could step up a bit?

I hear good things. My nieces and nephews live in England and my children were raised there and they love 'Princess Kate'

In every poll taken since Kate married into the BRF shows the four most popular royals to be the Queen, William, Harry and Catherine in various order.

The comments section of the DM is an echo chamber. The Mail Online is the largest newspaper website in the world and its format encourages the negativity. Not just articles about Kate but pretty much any story.

The big reason for the discrepancy of YouGov and Ipsos Mori polls and DM comments is polls conducted on the BRF only ask Britons. The person trolling Kate in Florida has no say on Kate's popularity in Britain.

These YouGov polls from 2014 are typical Modern Britain: little islanders who love the Queen and Richard Branson - Spectator Blogs

The public was asked to choose which prominent people they think reflect Britain today. Members of the Royal Family occupy four of the top five positions — the Queen, Prince William, Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge — while fifth spot is occupied by Richard Branson. Charles and Camilla didn't make the list and I'm not having a dig at C&C just giving some perspective on Catherine's so called lack of popularity.

[wyevale]

From what i observe, people who have an opinion seem to respect the decisions taken by NEW Parents to devote as much time to bringing up their young family as possible, and are sympathetic, particularly given that they understand that Prince Williams early life was ruined by press intrusion, and its ultimately fatal effect on his Mother.

[Winnie]

Originally Posted by Dman

Catherine won't be accused of stealing the spotlight from anyone. She's the most senior member of the royal family, after to Her Majesty The Queen and Duchess of Cornwall. It's her place to play important roles within the "Firm."

Catherine's place is exactly where and when the Queen says it is. You really don't think that any of the above does much without the approval and recognition of the Queen. Quite unlikely. Even William commented that you don't mess with Granny. Everyone knows their place and abides by it. Of course the media will try and invent trouble within the ranks as it seems to be their jobs lately. They make up stories right and left now.

[Princess of Durham]

Not to disparage Charles .... however, his insecurities are long standing and deep. He obviously loves the attention when he gets it. I would find it difficult to believe that he is not uncomfortable with polls showing the DOC and DOC more popular that he and his wife. They are young, attractive and William is Diana's son, enough said. There may be those who do not like Diana and I admit though I liked her, she was a bit of an attention grabber .... through no fault of her own. And of course there were her obvious attempts at getting attention. I just don't see Charles being comfortable with being less popular than his son and daughter in law. I'm sure he loves his son but I have known women who loved their daughters, yet were jealous of them. As to Camilla .... Charles should concern himself with his own popularity, there is only so much he can do for Camilla. It's up to her ... and the populace. JMO, of course.

[Muhler]

Thanks, Rodolph and Wyevale

[Osipi]

Originally Posted by Princess of Durham

Not to disparage Charles .... however, his insecurities are long standing and deep. He obviously loves the attention when he gets it. I would find it difficult to believe that he is not uncomfortable with polls showing the DOC and DOC more popular that he and his wife. They are young, attractive and William is Diana's son, enough said. There may be those who do not like Diana and I admit though I liked her, she was a bit of an attention grabber .... through no fault of her own. And of course there were her obvious attempts at getting attention. I just don't see Charles being comfortable with being less popular than his son and daughter in law. I'm sure he loves his son but I have known women who loved their daughters, yet were jealous of them. As to Camilla .... Charles should concern himself with his own popularity, there is only so much he can do for Camilla. It's up to her ... and the populace. JMO, of course.

I'm sure there are qualities about people that each and every one of us admire and wish we could be more like them. Charles, I think, has always been a introverted, deep thinking type of person but I don't think he's ever been jealous of different traits. Diana was an extrovert and perhaps took it a bit to far and that could have peeved Charles. With Camilla behind him, things seem to roll off his back much, much more and he's happy and relaxed and comfortable in his own skin. I'm sure he's sat up and taken notice at the ease William and Kate work together as a team no matter where they go and I would bet my last slice of bacon that he's also taken notice of how much Camilla has brought that kind of at-one-ment into their own lives.

Its all good.

[Osipi]

Originally Posted by Dman

Charles isn't worried about the Cambridge's upstaging him and Camilla. Obviously, he's the Prince of Wales and principle player in the "Firm," but he knows his son and wife also have a role to play as senior royals and he respects that.

I'm just saying that it's time for Catherine to take her place on the stage as the Third lady in the Land. With The Queen giving Catherine the responsible role of representing her on a tour of Malta (a tour she couldn't make due to illness with carrying Charlotte), I think even The Queen knows it's time for Catherine to step up her game.

I think what you have presented for Kate is exactly what will happen with time. That's just the thing. Most people go forward in life knowing that after a few decades have passed, it'll be time to wind down and enjoy retirement. With Will and Kate, its opposite. As they go forward in life, more and more responsibility and duties will fall on their shoulders and there's no need to plan for a retirement because there isn't going to be one.

The Queen is most certainly one that is aware of how this all works and how it affects a life and the people around her. She knows what lies in store ahead for those that will be pushed into bigger and more demanding roles as time passes so I'm not surprised one little bit that she's more than happy to have her grandson and his wife have their own private time or "early retirement" if you will now.

HM, The Queen is a very wise and astute woman.

[Zonk]

This thread is now closed.

There is a new combined thread for both the Duke and Duchess and the thread can be found here http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums/f269/what-now-for-william-and-catherine-future-duties-roles-and-responsibilities-39371.html#post1831719 .

Thanks to all for posting!