General News for the Wales Family 3: March - August 2025

[ladongas]

And perhaps William is determined to give his kids the kind of family life he didn’t have…after all, he’ll ultimately be working long after most people have retired.

 

[sarahbell86]

And perhaps William is determined to give his kids the kind of family life he didn’t have…after all, he’ll ultimately be working long after most people have retired.

Fair enough, but this is also not a normal family. When my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I dropped everything in order to be her primary caregiver. But I had that privilege, because I'm no one.

There must be a sense of duty when you're the heir to the throne. And it seems to me, having watched the BRF for well over twenty years, that William is unable (or unwilling) to balance a heavy royal workload and a happy family life - it always seems to be one or the other. And that's not sustainable when you have an ill king and a small working royal family.

 

[taogg]

The Prince of Wales has granted permission to build 16 new homes for vulnerable young people on a site in London owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, it is reported today:

Prince William to build 16 new homes for youngsters in London

The heir to the throne has given permission for a site owned by his Duchy of Cornwall estate to be developed into affordable homes.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Well done to William! To me, that’s far more meaningful than just being an experienced plaque unveiler. No offence to his late grandfather - I admired him a lot too.

 

[taogg]

And that's not sustainable when you have an ill king and a small working royal family.

I agree it’s not sustainable, and I doubt the monarchy ever anticipated a situation where both the King and the Princess of Wales would be seriously ill, while the Prince of Wales temporarily stepped back.


I’m not questioning whether there was enough “manpower” to carry out royal duties, after all, the government continues to function without the monarchy, and constitutionally, only the King holds formal "power". The rest of the royal family are, technically, just “spares.” Yes, there are Counsellors of State to ensure continuity. But still, when 3 out of the 4 central figures in the Firm are absent, it feels undeniably unsettling.

 

[jesam]

And perhaps William is determined to give his kids the kind of family life he didn’t have…after all, he’ll ultimately be working long after most people have retired.

He made the right decision — family came first, and he had the financial freedom to make that choice. Anyone who criticized it had their priorities in the wrong place.

He wasn’t turning his back on duty — he was supporting his wife and children during an incredibly difficult time. That wasn’t a failure of responsibility; it was a display of compassion and perspective.

He stepped up where it mattered most — and that’s exactly what most people would have done if they’d had the option.

 

[Somebody]

If a country can do with a monarch in her nineties who can no longer do foreign visits, is very limited in what she can do in country and retreats to the country side for weeks at a time, I am sure they can handle a few months of limited activity of the heir.

 

[Bubbly]

I find this discussion quite fascinating tbh. If I wouldn't be a royal watcher, I would think that William never shows up for work after reading some of the comments. But I do see him regularly and he did show up last year for various engagements. I think there would be a greater problem, if he wouldn't care about the duchy, because this is his responsibility atm. However, he seems to be involved there.

 

[taogg]

I find this discussion quite fascinating tbh. If I wouldn't be a royal watcher, I would think that William never shows up for work after reading some of the comments. But I do see him regularly and he did show up last year for various engagements. I think there would be a greater problem, if he wouldn't care about the duchy, because this is his responsibility atm. However, he seems to be involved there.

I remember someone (not on this forum, maybe in a news thread) asking why the King of Denmark never seems to attend anything. The reply was gold: “He’s probably there — it’s just that everyone’s too busy watching the ladies and their fashion to notice him.”

Maybe William should start wearing skirts and dresses if he wants to be seen more often.

 

[Maryrose]

If a country can do with a monarch in her nineties who can no longer do foreign visits, is very limited in what she can do in country and retreats to the country side for weeks at a time, I am sure they can handle a few months of limited activity of the heir.

I understand your point about her being in her 90s and not doing nearly what she had in the past but for me the difference is she had worked quite hard with full schedules decades before she slowed down. William and Kate had time when they were first married, time when the children were born and of course stepping back more when Kate was ill.I think they want to head in a different direction with causes they want to support which is great. I also think you can't just put in appearances at big events like Wimbledon, the BAFTAs and sports events. They seem to be heading in the right direction focusing on the issues important to them and maybe because other royals seem to be doing more that this is why people are asking about their work and vacation habits.

 

[hereditarytitles]

I might be in a minority with my opinion, but still dare to say what my impression is.

The days when William's grandmother was queen are long gone. Conditions were completely different back then. Subsequent generations must understand this and act accordingly. Charles understood this, and in my opinion, it would have been better if he had taken office much earlier. He would have had much more time to put a modern stamp on the monarchy. But, unfortunately, he wasn't granted that. William, as the next generation, certainly knows very well that one has to prioritize completely different issues and demonstrate social commitment in order to remain relevant and popular. The days when kings and queens were admired simply because they were king/queen, even though they generally played no political role, are gone.

It's wonderful that the old ceremonies still exist, especially in Great Britain, that traditions are maintained, and history and palaces are cherished and preserved.

But the relevance has changed, and that's why I believe both Charles and William, in particular, are very aware of this.

How fortunate that William is the firstborn. [.....]

 

[sarahbell86]

Of course new ideas of how monarchy should function must be embraced, but I always come back to "I have to be seen to be believed." Choosing one or two causes to be passionate about and primarily working behind-the-scenes could potentially spell disaster for a monarchy that depends on their popularity with the people.

 

[muriel]

I agree it’s not sustainable, and I doubt the monarchy ever anticipated a situation where both the King and the Princess of Wales would be seriously ill, while the Prince of Wales temporarily stepped back.


I’m not questioning whether there was enough “manpower” to carry out royal duties, after all, the government continues to function without the monarchy, and constitutionally, only the King holds formal "power". The rest of the royal family are, technically, just “spares.” Yes, there are Counsellors of State to ensure continuity. But still, when 3 out of the 4 central figures in the Firm are absent, it feels undeniably unsettling.

I should flag that, following the discovery of cancer, the King did not cease to carry out his constitutional responsibilities. He continued to speak with the PM on a regular basis, and conduct affairs of state. So to that extent, the constitutional work of the RF did not cease. What reduced greatly were the public and charitable engagements, which are very much in the category of nice to do, but not essential to the functioning of the state.

 

[jesam]

Of course new ideas of how monarchy should function must be embraced, but I always come back to "I have to be seen to be believed." Choosing one or two causes to be passionate about and primarily working behind-the-scenes could potentially spell disaster for a monarchy that depends on their popularity with the people.

That saying from the late Queen — “I have to be seen to be believed” — came from a very different time. Back then, visibility meant physically showing up. But that mindset applied primarily to the monarch herself, not necessarily to every working royal.

Now, with social media and a 24/7 news cycle, being “seen” takes many forms. Public engagement doesn’t always have to mean constant appearances — substance, impact, and meaningful work behind the scenes are just as visible and valuable in today’s world. The monarchy must evolve with the times, and that includes how they show up.

William and Catherine consistently rank as the most popular members of the Royal Family, which clearly shows that the public supports their approach. Their quieter, more focused style of engagement hasn’t hurt their standing — if anything, it’s strengthened it. The public seems to appreciate the balance they’ve struck between duty and family, and that kind of trust is key to the monarchy’s long-term relevance.

 

[Countessmeout]

The only difference between William and Camilla in that situation was the existence of three young children.

Who are in school and full time nanny. Not William was suddenly raising them alone.

Camilla may not have small kids but the fact she is nearly decade past when most retire is a factor

 

[tommy100]

I agree, times change and ways of working must move on.
But I will say the fact HLM had visited nearly every part of the UK did make an impact, everyone had a story about her coming to their area, seeing her etc. That was a huge part of her popularity and what made her special - she was everyone's Queen. Yes social media can do some of that, but W&C won't replicate it using social media alone. Going out and about around the UK is important, especially to avoid any appearance of being too London centric.

 

[Alison H]

There needs to be a balance. I agree that working for the Duchy of Cornwall is probably of more value than opening a new community centre in Much-Raining-in-the-Marsh (that's not a real place name ), but it means a lot to people to see the senior royals in person.

 

[jesam]

Who are in school and full time nanny. Not William was suddenly raising them alone.

Camilla may not have small kids but the fact she is nearly decade past when most retire is a factor

Can’t you really understand why he reduced his engagements to be with his wife while she was undergoing chemotherapy? Anyone in that situation would do the same if they could. He wasn’t just cutting back for the kids — he was there for his wife when she needed him most.

 

[ladongas]

I agree, times change and ways of working must move on.
But I will say the fact HLM had visited nearly every part of the UK did make an impact, everyone had a story about her coming to their area, seeing her etc. That was a huge part of her popularity and what made her special - she was everyone's Queen. Yes social media can do some of that, but W&C won't replicate it using social media alone. Going out and about around the UK is important, especially to avoid any appearance of being too London centric.

Yes, the late Queen was on constant public display from the time she was in her early 20’s— and for better or worse, she was constantly away from her small children. Chances are that she - and her children- would have happily benefitted from a less arduous schedule. IMO…

 

[KristehH]

I am reminded of the parable of the old man, the boy, and the donkey. You can't please everybody, so you just have to do what you think is best.

 

[tommy100]

I agree, everyone sees it differently and for everyone who says they are doing enough there will be one who says they should do more.

Re the lateQueen, yes that is true she missed seeing her children grow up and that obviously had an impact. But William could do more without the same impact. He could do more in school hours or fave the odd day away from the kids while Catherine and Nanny look after them. They’ve had a very stable home life so far which is thanks to W&C and I certainly think that has been a good thing, part of their “job” IMO is to try and raise normal, well rounded children as heirs and future working royals. But the children are now all in school full time. For example, William could do the Windsor investitures without the children having to miss Dad, its only up the path to the Castle . I’m not saying he has to go off and do Commonwealth tours by yacht for months on end as HLM did.

Anyway as we said, there will never be agreement on this as its so personal and each person sees it differently.

 

[Bubbly]

For example, William could do the Windsor investitures without the children having to miss Dad, its only up the path to the Castle .

Again, am I the only one who sees him doing things? I counted five investitures on the Court Circular for this year alone.

 

[Asteria12]

I remember the late Queen copping criticism over the years because her constant workload meant she wasn't there enough for her children "who grew up emotionally stunted and couldn't make their marriages work etc etc." As others have pointed out, there will always be someone who says they don't do enough and those who say they do. However, the fact is that this is what the younger generations value more highly than the "royals must be seen" generations. He's trying to straddle both while being a man of his own generation.

Personally, I appreciate William trying to find a better balance between his work and private life. I think it will eventually show in the attitudes of his kids and future royals. Time will tell.

 

[VictoriaB]

Again, am I the only one who sees him doing things? I counted five investitures on the Court Circular for this year alone.

I don’t think anyone is saying that William does nothing, they’re saying they feel he could/should be doing more.

If you take a look at ILuvBerties thread on Royal Engagements, the comparison between what William does and what others do is stark.

Weekly Update to 27th July, 2025 ​

MISSING DAYS from the CC on the British Monarch Website:

NIL

Milestones achieved this week: NIL

Approaching a milestone: NIL

Total Engagements with Individual Percentage of Total

HM The King – 427 (418 – up 9 – 23.8%)
HM The Queen – 189 (181 – up 8 – 10.5%)
HRH The Prince of Wales – 130 (128 – up 2 – 7.2%)
HRH The Princess of Wales – 40 (40 – no change – 2.2%)
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh – 209 (202 – up 7 – 11.6%)
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh – 140 (139 – up 1 – 7.8%)
HRH The Princess Royal – 317 (304 – up 13 – 17.6%)
Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence – 57 (56 – up 1 – 3.2%)
HRH The Duke of Gloucester 147 (141 – up 6 – 8.2%)
HRH The Duchess of Gloucester – 74 (73 – up 1 – 4.1%)
HRH The Duke of Kent – 60 (60 – no change – 3.3%)

The League Table

HM The King – 427
HRH The Princess Royal – 317
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh – 209
HM The Queen – 189
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh – 140
HRH The Duke of Gloucester – 147
HRH The Prince of Wales – 130
HRH The Duchess of Gloucester – 74
HRH The Duke of Kent – 60
Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence – 57
HRH The Princess of Wales – 40

Year to Date Total – 1797 (1749 – up 48)

 

[jesam]

I don’t think anyone is saying that William does nothing, they’re saying they feel he could/should be doing more.

If you take a look at ILuvBerties thread on Royal Engagements, the comparison between what William does and what others do is stark.

Yes, comparisons on threads like ILuvBertie’s make for interesting reading, but they don’t always tell the full story — especially when royal roles, family responsibilities, and personal circumstances differ so widely.

Charles once missed his grandson’s first birthday to attend an royal event — so clearly, royal duty has always come with trade-offs. But times are changing.

William is trying to find a healthier, more modern balance between public duty and private life — especially during a time when his wife has been seriously ill and he’s raising three young children. That shouldn’t be dismissed.

And if we’re measuring by public opinion, he seems to be getting it right — he consistently ranks at the top of royal popularity polls. That speaks volumes about how the public views his approach.

 

[Asteria12]

So, for those of you saying he should be doing more, can you give some examples of what else he should do? Genuine question.

ETA: I worded that poorly, apologies!

 

[Bubbly]

If you take a look at ILuvBerties thread on Royal Engagements, the comparison between what William does and what others do is stark.

Most of them probably do traditional royal engagements and don't have their own foundation, nor a duchy to manage. William said that he is going to do things differently, turns out he visits the duchy more often than we thought. Still he also does investitures, he participates in traditional engagements like Garter Day, he visits the military and other parts of the UK. Taken into account that he wants to spend time with his kids, I don't think his numbers are too bad.

 

[Hallo girl]

Another thing to put in the pot for discussion, Charles had 70 years as heir, granted the first 20 or so would be school and university, but he then had 50 years to ' learn the ropes' so to speak. Time with his mother and advisors to prepare him for that time that would come one day. Then came the gradual slowing down of the Queen , Charles stepped in . William does not have 50 years, regardless of the Kings health at the moment , it is not going to be 50 years to prepare. This is the apprenticeship, he needs to be prepared, as does Catherine although to a lesser extent.
Could it be possible that there is stuff going on behind the scenes that will never appear in the CC.
He will need to step up from day 1, we saw what happened when Elizabeth died, it is right out there.
What he needs now is a healthy wife, contended and happy children that then allows him to concentrate on what he needs to do.
Remember at the engagement interview Catherine said she had a lot to learn, well I think we are now in the next stage of the learning process. Just my thoughts on the subject, not agreeing or disagreeing with other views.

 

[VictoriaB]

Most of them probably do traditional royal engagements and don't have their own foundation, nor a duchy to manage. William said that he is going to do things differently, turns out he visits the duchy more often than we thought. Still he also does investitures, he participates in traditional engagements like Garter Day, he visits the military and other parts of the UK. Taken into account that he wants to spend time with his kids, I don't think his numbers are too bad.

In 2019, granted, the King did not have a young family but in all other respects he had the same responsibilities as William. I have chosen 2019 because it was the last full year pre Covid and the King succeeding.

William at the end of July 2025 has performed 130 duties. At the same stage in 2019 the then Prince Charles had performed 356. The then 90+ year old Queen had performed 183.

I appreciate William is extremely popular but I would have more faith in the figures if the poll asked why people had their opinion and secondly, what they knew about the work other members of the family were carrying out.

Weekly Update to 18th July, 2019

Milestones achieved this week: Andrew reached his double century this week and Anne reached her triple century.

Approaching a milestone: Harry is approaching his century (92). Birgitte is still on her way to her half-century (49).

Total Engagements with Individual Percentage of Total

HM The Queen – 183 (177 – up 6 – 8.1%)
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh – 3 (3 – no change – 0.1%)
HRH The Prince of Wales – 356 (347 – up 9 – 15.7%)
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall – 175 (167 – up 8 – 7.7%)
HRH The Duke of Cambridge – 126 (125 – up 1 – 5.6%)
HRH The Duchess of Cambridge – 65 (63 – up 2 – 2.9%)
HRH The Duke of Sussex – 92 (90 – up 2 – 4.1%)
HRH The Duchess of Sussex – 38 (36 – up 2 – 1.7%)
HRH The Duke of York – 213 (199 – up 14 – 9.4%)
HRH Princess Beatrice of York – 2 (2 – no change – 0.1%)
HRH Princess Eugenie, Mrs Jack Brooksbank – 5 (5 – no change – 0.2%)
Mr Jack Brooksbank – 1 (1 – no change – 0.04%)
HRH The Earl of Wessex – 182 (182 – no change – 8.0%)
HRH The Countess of Wessex – 136 (136 – no change – 6.0%)
HRH The Princess Royal – 313 (297 – up 16 – 13.8%)
Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence – 20 (20 – no change – 0.9%)
HRH The Duke of Gloucester – 109 (109 – no change – 4.8%)
HRH The Duchess of Gloucester – 49 (48 – up 1 – 2.2%)
HRH The Duke of Kent – 143 (136 – up 7 – 6.3%)
HRH Prince Michael of Kent – 6 (6 – no change – 0.3%)
HRH Princess Michael of Kent – 3 (3 – no change – 0.1%
HRH Princess Alexandra – 50 (50 – no change – 2.2%)

The League Table

Colour coding here is now by generation and family e.g. The Queen's generation are purple and dark blue.

Charles' generation are red and orange.

The Wales' branch of the family is green while the rest of that generation are yellow.

HRH The Prince of Wales – 356
HRH The Princess Royal – 313
HRH The Duke of York – 213
HM The Queen – 183
HRH The Earl of Wessex – 182
HRH The Duchess of Cornwall – 175
HRH The Duke of Kent – 143
HRH The Countess of Wessex – 136
HRH The Duke of Cambridge – 126
HRH The Duke of Gloucester – 109
HRH The Duke of Sussex – 92
HRH The Duchess of Cambridge – 65
HRH Princess Alexandra – 50
HRH The Duchess of Gloucester – 49
HRH The Duchess of Sussex – 38
Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence – 20
HRH Prince Michael of Kent – 6
HRH Princess Eugenie, Mrs Jack Brooksbank – 5
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh – 3
HRH Princess Michael of Kent – 3
HRH Princess Beatrice of York – 2
Mr Jack Brooksbank – 1

 

[Hallo girl]

In 2019, granted, the King did not have a young family but in all other respects he had the same responsibilities as William. I have chosen 2019 because it was the last full year pre Covid and the King succeeding.

William at the end of July 2025 has performed 130 duties. At the same stage in 2019 the then Prince Charles had performed 356. The then 90+ year old Queen had performed 183.

I appreciate William is extremely popular but I would have more faith in the figures if the poll asked why people had their opinion and secondly, what they knew about the work other members of the family were carrying out.

This is just my opinion and not based on any polls or anything of the like but I do believe a great deal of people admire William for saying, although he didn't actually say it. My wife is seriously ill, I have young children who need to be supported and helped through this period of watching their mother go through gruelling treatment, she will not always be as hands on as she would like. I want to be with my wife as much as I can. In the past other family members have been criticised for putting duty first. William is his own man, I think he is showing he will be a good King, when the time comes, but let us hope it is a few years away.

 

[EvaH]

To me this discussion is interesting because King WA, King Felipe, King Phillipe are at most 10 years older than William and when their had kids, they worked more than William. Prince Albert had a wife battling depression severe enough she received inpatient treatment with twins at home. All of those probably do a lot behind the scenes as well but we don't need that argument to factor in because they do plenty in public.

[.....]
Let's not make it seems like people applaud the Wales for not doing as much as many working parents in the UK
[.....]

There are MANY wealthy individuals who do more. Doctors, Lawyers, Finance folks - picking those as they tend to come from a wealthy background. Granted she is American but Jennifer Gates is a paediatrician resident, working 80h/week, mother of 2 while she could stay home all day.

I am a Brit and I love the Wales. Their public (since that's all we can see/judge) workshy attitude has always grated on millennials while it's going down well with Gen Z who never bought into that lean in business.