The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will begin their five-day royal tour of Pakistan tomorrow. The tour runs from October 14th through… October 18th. I mean, on one side, good for them for spending five days dedicated to one of Great Britain’s import diplomatic partners. But we’ve seen these kinds of tours from the Cambridges before, and the hype is always bigger than what they actually DO. This tour is already being hyped as “complex” because of the security, logistics, soft diplomacy and charitable issues they’ll be working on. Ten bucks says most of the tour simply involves parties at the British embassy and a few touristy photo-ops. I hope I’m wrong. Anyway, People Magazine had not one but TWO advance-hype pieces about the tour. Here’s part of one article:
“What happens in Pakistan matters on the streets of the U.K. It is one of the most important relationships that the U.K. has,” says a senior source.
Kate — who has developed a greater “regal” character as she prepares to be queen one day, several sources tell PEOPLE — will also be under the spotlight even more during the tour. The couple’s spokesman says they “will visit programs which empower young people and organizations that help ensure they have the best possible start in life.” Supporting children is a cause very much close to Kate’s heart. The royal’s interest in childhood development is right in line with officials’ hopes too, as access to quality education — particularly to girls and young women — is one of the U.K.’s top priorities in Pakistan.
William and Kate have also asked to meet a wide variety of people during their visit — from children to business people to “inspiring conservationists” and sports stars — as they cross the country (and cover 620 miles in the process!) next week. The week’s events will focus on showcasing Pakistan as “a dynamic, aspirational and forward-looking nation,” their spokesman says. “The Duke and Duchess are looking forward to spending time meeting young Pakistanis, and hearing more about their aspirations for the future.”
Ah, after more than eight years of duchessing and multiple tours under her belt already, it’s only recently that Kate has developed a “regal” character. I guess that means trying to avoid flashing like she did in India and Canada. Speaking of flashing and the Embiggening, People’s second story was all about the clothes Kate will wear. Because, you know, the trip is all about the issues!
In just a few days, Kate Middleton and Prince William will begin their royal tour in Pakistan, but what will Kate, who is already an expert in the art of diplomatic dressing, be packing for such a culturally important trip? “I think this is a tour where the impact of her choices has the potential to be very significant,” Susan Kelley, editor and founder of fashion blog WhatKateWore.com, tells PEOPLE. “Textile manufacturing is an enormous part of Pakistan’s economy, so if Kate were to wear something manufactured locally, I think there would be a huge impact at a level not previously seen on tour before.”
“I think we will probably see at least one traditional shalwar kameez — the top and loose trousers look — from Kate on this trip,” says Kelley, who launched her blog that follows Kate’s fashion back in 2011. “Diana wore that look multiple times in Pakistan and I think she has on occasion looked to Diana for inspiration, while being careful not to copy her. I think we will see her branching out more and taking more risks — she has become so much more confident in her role, she’s willing to take more risks, wear new designers and she even wore a blouse backwards and it worked!”
While on tour in India and Bhutan in 2016, Kate stuck to several of her favorite British designers — Jenny Packham, Alexander McQueen, Temperley London and Emilia Wickstead — and while we will likely see a repeat of some of those names, there’s a high chance that Kate will also wear at least a few local labels. “There are some really tremendous designers either in Pakistan or with Pakistani roots. There’s one called Hassan Sheheryar Yasin (known as HSY) Asim Jofa, Osman, who is British-based but also has Pakistani roots and there’s a tremendous history of Pakistan fabrics with vibrant colors and patterns. I think we’ll see the color green incorporated [to represent the green flag of Pakistan], and I think we may see jasmine, the national flower, used somehow in her clothing choices,” predicts Kelley.
One thing we can be sure of, Kate’s wardrobe will be a powerful tool of communication, just like it has been for generations of royals before her. “Kate does diplomatic dressing very well and she doesn’t do a lot of public speaking, so I think she will use her clothing to send messages. It will be classic Kate: modest but modern with a newfound confidence.”
I feel like we’re hoping for too much if we expect Kate to wear anything from a Pakistani designer. She’ll be more likely to wear a British designer’s take on Pakistani fashion. But yeah she’ll probably wear green. My guess is that even though Meghan got good reviews (not here!) for her more frugal African tour wardrobe, Kate will not want to copy that too obviously. I predict a few mass-market pieces thrown in, but let’s be real: we’re absolutely going to see Kate in a bespoke Alexander McQueen coatdress in green.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, WENN.
They are managing your expectations now. I.e don’t expect them to be as social or interactive as the Sussexes
Feels like they’re laying out a “road map” for them to follow, like little bread crumbs lol. Just to make sure they will remember to connect all the dots.
I don’t remember them being at *all* interested in “empowering girls”, or “girls’ educational needs” before Meghan, do you?
Nope, not at all. They showed no interest in mental health work until Harry had already been doing it for several years either.
ITA we’re going to see Kate in a LOT of bespoke McQueen’s with some high street, such as Zara jeggings, thrown in (she does it on every tour). With these tours its worth noting that the UK taxpayer and the host country share the tab so both the UK and Pakistani taxpayers will be footing the bill for their jolly trip which am sure will have some ‘private time’ included (and her bespoke wardrobe). I’m not mentioning William’s clothes as he pretty much wears the same outfits every time he’s in public.
And yeah I predict that she will flash Pakistan at least once during the trip. Its part of her ‘regal’ character.
She will probably throw in these new wide-legged “trousers” that she’s been wearing all the time lately (they are not trousers, they are too short for that, they are palazzo pants or gouchos or something like that but not trousers.)
The Duchy funds her clothes for trips, not Pakistan. Host countries pay for some costs if they are a realm, but a CW country that isn’t a realm only pays for normal diplomatic security.
Nope its the UK tax payer who pays for her bespoke McQueen outfits for tours and personal use. Charles and the other royals claim all such expenses (both for personal and ‘work’ use) as tax deductible in his yearly tax returns. Its been reported on many times over the years. Why do you think he refused to publicise his personal tax returns and why he also refuses to tell people how the Duchy of Cornwall is run. Its a massive tax dodge.
This has been discussed on here before many times.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/935295/Prince-Charles-tax-avoidance-royal-news-royal-family-duchy-of-cornwall-queen-mother-latest
DG-
Yeah, but if she flashes and her knickers are green will it be considered a thoughtful well prepared gesture of appreciation towards the country’s rich history and heritage?
Lol. You know she doesn’t wear knickers.
Sorry is there something I’m missing? Do we think she “flashes” people on purpose or something? Because that would require a weird amount of premeditation on her part. Maybe sometimes it’s just windy?
No, she’s very thirsty and deliberately chooses dresses that will fly up without weighting the hems so everyone can see her royal cheeks.
She deliberately chooses to wear loose/floaty dresses or skirts that even with the smallest amount of wind will fly up around her ears. GF has only recently started using hem weights.
During the Bhutan trip she wore a wrap around skirt – only it wasn’t a real wrap around skirt but one that only wrapped half way around so whenever she walked she was flashing her legs and upper thigh to everyone. Bhutan is a very conservative country and there are many photo’s of her walking around with one hand holding onto the skirt to stop it flying around. If she really had considered her choice of clothing she would have made sure the skirt wrapped around her twice as is how those skirts are customarily worn in that country. You just need to look at the Queen of Bhutan to see how it should have been worn.
It happened a few times – years ago.
Rich-
She has had so many incidents of wardrobe malfunction that I stopped counting.
Given that these engagements are her work, and that she has so many resources (thousands spent, tailors, stylists) at her disposal you can draw the conclusion that:
1. She’s doing this on purpose
2. She dosen’t give a shit. She does not take the time or make the effort to be prepared on the most basic level.
Either option is bad.
Like is being said above only recently did she start making adjustments to her wardrobe so it stopped happening.
I can only say that if Meghan had carried on in this way she would have been dragged so hard for it. So yes, double standard here ( wearing jeans to Wimbledon comes to mind).
The flashing used to happen soooo often it was surprising if it didn’t happen.She could not have ever predicted exact weather conditions (windy)but sometimes things can be anticipated -like to not wear a thin floaty dress by where
a helicopter will be landing or taking off thus blowing everything around.
I can’t say it was intended,because of course I don’t know… but certainly some things can be easily anticipated.It came off IMO as maybe not so intentional but poor planning and or disregard.
Mistakes are mistakes,malfunctions happen,but if it happens once I think I’d try really hard to plan on dressing so as to avoid a repeat,one that the whole world sees…
Yeah, but all the times she wasn’t wearing underwear!!
@rich, came here to say the same. What a bizarre comment. You would think that women would stand behind other women when they have a wardrobe malfunction. But people love to hate.
you said ONE wardrobe malfunction. If I were wearing a low cut top at my job and I forgot and bent, and my students had an eyeful, a-la- Diana, gosh, of course I would be d*mn sure to be more careful in my outfits, and be aware if I could be giving a free show. This is her job and it was not only in her private life, but in big official situations where there are many people willing to avise her, as there are ways to avoid or minimize these situations.
She does not get a big pass. Letizia’s skirt once had her skirt go up her face, but at least was wearing something more covering, and I don’t think it has happened again. How does she manage?
I think there were pics somewhere that showed almost all Kate’s privates in NZ. No need to, she needs to look a bit more professional at her job.
Once is an accident. Twice is coincidence. Three (dozen)+ times is a habit.
@My3cents, yes it is a double standard, when it comes to the two duchesses. People were carrying on, because a hint of Meghan’s slip was showing, but now they are making excuses for Kate’s flashing.
Also, the flashing happen last year at Eugenie’s wedding, so that is no years ago.
Yeah but I’d always choose underwear (am I really saying this)I am currently trying to build an appropriate foundation garment wardrobe…it’s expensive to start,but wow it does wonders.(Thanks breast cancer,ugh..)So to the underwear comment;IKR,but every person has a choice so Kate…
Did they release an itinerary of where they would be doing? I can’t help but think the timing is bad. Things are still tense with India.
It must be a security nightmare. They should stay in Great Britain.
I think they’re keeping the itinerary under wraps because of security. That region is heating up again, and old Trump isn’t helping things by giving Turkey a free pass to slaughter the Kurds in Syria.
I was wondering which day would be their private time; maybe because it’s such a short trip, they’ll only have a half day. That they ever schedule private time on these public-paid trips is beyond the pale.
Regal is one of those words that has no meaning except that it is usually code for white when used by a segment of population.
It could mean having good posture? But yes, mainly managing to be white.
@Agenbiter
But… she doesn’t have good posture
Yes, so it’s clearly that she manages to be white
Loll exactly
Interesting. This comment says a lot about you. I’ve been described as regal and every time I compliment the girls I know as looking regal, people are always flattered. And no, we are not white. I’ve also never complimented a white woman as looking regal because I know we do it better. Regal has everything to do with ones bearing & confidence and of course subtle glamour with our outfits. Beautiful polished hairstyles, paired with exquisite pieces of jewellery and lovely Eastern gowns = far more regal than what the House of Windsor can come up with. Queen Rania is beautifully regal, someone like Queen Maxima, is slightly over the top. I can’t think of anyone else at the moment. I’ve yet to see the Duchess of Sussex in that crowning moment – we’ll see if she brings it soon. Pre marriage, her Malta picture with the head covering, is regal. It’s not just about the jewels & clothes, it’s something else that I can’t really describe – an aura , if you will.
@Guest I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree because I think there have been many times that Meghan has appeared regal.
And Nic919 clearly said “when used by a segment of the population.” Which we all know is referring to white people, the press, and in this case the British press specifically plus People magazine which is basically a joke).
It says a lot about you that you so easily dismiss the racism inherent in certain groups and outlets highlighting Kate as “regal”, which is what Nic919 was clearly speaking about.
@Guest By your description, Kate is nowhere near ‘regal’.
Kate has never exhibited any regal attributes so the fact that certain members of the press do describe her that way simply because she’s white proves my entire point.
And what my comment says about me is that I value women who have confidence in themselves and help the less fortunate. That’s never been Kate. I would ascribe regal to Michelle Obama though because she is a woman who has been a great example to others throughout her life and has done so with grace, intelligence and dignity. She does not need a PR team and sycophantic media to prop up her qualities because they are obvious to everyone.
That’s exactly the point, @Guest. Kate has none of these things…so why is she being described as regal?? She has no confidence or bearing, doesn’t have good posture (as others have noted), doesn’t have that “it” aura that other people you describe have (Rania, Maxima, and other royals), she doesn’t subtle glamor or even beautiful polished hairstyles. I think the fact that Kate lacks all markers or “regal” yet still gets labeled “regal” is why people are saying that it has to be because she’s white.
The exact quote was: ‘Regal is one of those words that has no meaning except that it is usually code for white when used by a segment of population.’
I was going to comment that this isn’t true and don’t take that word away from ladies of color. Guest’s comment is so much better.
None of the points you guys are arguing to Guest are in the original comment.
“Kate does diplomatic dressing very well and she doesn’t do a lot of public speaking, so I think she will use her clothing to send messages. It will be classic Kate: modest but modern with a newfound confidence.”
I am all for fashion as an art and a means of expression – love it! But are we supposed to understand that she will be doing work by dressing and not speaking and that’s okay?
Diplomatic dressing is not a real thing. It is an attempt to give Kate more substance when she has proven time and again that she does not have any. Wearing a Pakistani designer is nice but it shouldn’t be the only contribution made. Real diplomats talk about issues not where they got their shoes.
@NIC919, agree 100%
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Kate does “small talk”. Even after all these years, she hasn’t really taken up any “issue” with *any* passion. She shows up (usually late, we’re told) for a 45 min. Meet-n-greet, gets flowers, shakes hands, and leaves. Even her speeches: nothing is “from the heart”, with passion. It’s a prepared couple of minutes of talk, which she has to read, verbatim, looking down for every second word. I doubt she even bothers to read it through beforehand (or if she does, it’s a glance in the car on the way over).
I *do* like Kate, but she’d been WAY better suited for a life like Pippa’s.
@Nic919 and Jan90067 Agreed to both of you. She has no real substance to speak of and she definitely would’ve been better suited to a life like Pippa’s. And I think Pippa would have been a far better choice to be a consort. She seems to have a passion for her charities and would likely be a better public speaker. But I digress…
I agree that Pippa is better suited to public life, she has done several things over the years for charities – in fact she and James (husband and brother) have done various sporting events in aid of different charities. Pippa always had more hustle than Kate and its one of the few things I respect Pips for.
Katie Keen has never aspired to be nothing more than arm candy for a wealthy, titled man who can give her the lazy life of privilege she think’s she’s entitled to.
I think diplomatic dressing can be a thing, but for Meghan (and the Queen) it’s just one small factor in her work, while with Kate it’s literally all she does so it’s always blown out of proportion like this.
And ITA with everyone saying Pippa would have been much better suited to this role than Kate is.
No one really talks about Camilla doing diplomatic dressing to the extent they do with Kate because Camilla manages to focus on issues and she even does engagements on her own during the tours.
“who has developed a greater “regal” character as she prepares to be queen one day,“
“One day”
Charles is 70. The Queen and Phillip are 93 and 98.
“One day” could easily be 20 years from now. I mean when she becomes queen she will likely have lots of *gasp* wrinkles! She could be a grandmother. Will they still be gushing over her fashion? These two are going to have to become a lot more interesting. Charles might skate by but the world is changing.
I have zero expectations for this tour.
Me too. I’ve come to the sad realization that Kate plays it safe (boring) and clothes wear her not the other way around as it should be.
When Kate wears high street she’s fine – for me the problem are when she wears designer clothes, esp bespoke. GF cannot wear designer for the life of her.
When you look at her beloved McQueen coatdresses on the models or others they look great but on her they look like the kind of thing Carole would wear and look great in.
I have much better expectations for the official State Visit to India by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. Happening the same time, 14-18 October. They’ve already landed and are getting to work on their five days worth of engagements.
Some reporting Willem-Alexander was co-pilot for part of their flight.
Yeah, boring. They’re going to a country full of child labor sweatshops (“the textile industry”) that’s aggressively pursuing nuclear weapons, that provided refuge for OSAMA BIN LADEN, and we’re gonna pay attention to boring Kate’s boring clothes.
Yeah its ironic that someone who claims to be all about children is going to a country well known for child labour. Same goes for the women’s thing that their PR was rambling on about last week – a country where women has no real rights and are being abused and murdered every day. Am sure the abused women and children of Pakistan are thrilled that they have someone like Katie Keen coming to fight for them.
Its a bit like sending Melania to Eastern Europe to talk about trafficking women to wealthy men in the West.
How is sending Meghan to SA any different?
@Bookworm: Meghan is educated, well-informed, and articulate. She does her homework and she relates well to people. There is absolutely no comparison.
If you recall, while in India, Kate was told about mutilated children and her response was, and I quote, “Gosh, how interesting.” Compare that to Meghan’s actions in SA.
She met a 7-year-old child who explained his family had blinded him purposely because people have more pity for a blind child beggar and he would make more money for his family that way. Kate’s reply was “gosh, that’s interesting”
How can she possibly be so lacking in empathy and so uninformed, how? Not to mention her casual cruelty. I wonder if she ever thinks of that boy?
@Lorelai: Meghan is a professionally trained actress.
@Bookworm, what does being an actress have to do with being educated, well-informed, and articulate? Plenty of actors are awful reading cue-cards at award shows or even just being themselves in interviews (re: being “articulate”). Also…nothing is stopping Kate from doing her pre-engagement/tour homework, or even having some compassion when speaking off the cuff (re: the “gosh, that’s so interesting” comment). Kate has a degree, just like Meghan, but I’m glad you can agree that regardless of the whys, Kate – even with 8+ years of on the job training! – is not educated, well-informed, or articulate.
@Bookworm. At least Meghan is trained in SOMETHING. What training does Kate have, except in hanging on to a man until he gives up (or no better options present themselves) and marries her?
I’ll wait.
@Bookworm: that has nothing to do with it. Meghan’s not reading from a script when she’s doing her engagements; what we see is HER.
One doesn’t need to be a professionally trained actress to behave better in public than Kate does.
Even more than that this is a country that treats women terribly and freedom of speech doesn’t really exist. Innocent people are condemned to death or forced into hiding if it is suspected that they have committed some religious transgression.
It has been billed as a ‘tricky’ tour a way of letting people know in advance that the Cambridge’s won’t be doing anything interesting. The headlines will be more about Kate’s clothing and how beautiful she is rather than any impact they will make.
Such an ignorant comment. I don’t need to even guess where you’re from…. Prince Harry should have a talk with you about unconscious – you know what.
Honestly I dont follow the Cambridges so I didnt know about Kate’s flashing moment in India.
Yikes
She used to wear all these little flitty flirty skirts that would blow upwards in the wind. Her style is awful
That’s just one of several flashing incidents she’s had over the years.
At a war memorial of all places too.
Getting off the plane in Calgary when she arrived for her honeymoon. Welcome to Canada. Where was she when some horribly embarrassed soldier was trying to hold her dress down for her? I believe it was at an airport too, I think.
Another one: when getting off the plane, in Australia, trying to navigate the stairs down, in stilettoes, while holding (baby) George, with her coat dress flapping open to mid thigh.
Getting off the heli, the time she flashed her whole bum https://www.2oceansvibe.com/2014/05/27/outcry-as-kate-middletons-bare-bottom-goes-viral-photo/
Let’s not forget the polka dot (too short) dress, when pregnant, at a wedding.
Going to the children’s event, in that (again) short blue skirt, on a windy day…skirt blew up just after stepping out of the car.
Here are some pics on The Fail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2641053/Please-learn-covered-Kate-As-Duchess-embarrassed-wardrobe-malfunction-AMANDA-PLATELL-running-sympathy.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2205368/Kate-Middleton-Closer-photos-Duchess-heads-home-scandal-dress-caught-wind.html
Kate just loves attention, she can play “modest” all she wants to me she’ll never change. She wants to stand out, hates blending in. She is an exhibitionist in every sense of the word. hahaha.
I’m sure that Kate will serve some real princess fashion on this tour& at the end of the day that’s what most people seem to want from royals. Tiaras& great gowns.
Yup. And despite, reportedly, firing her head PA she has a herd of other PAs to make sure her hair is perfectly coiffed and her clothes are pressed, fitted, and complement the setting.
Kate figured it out early. As long as she looks good and has cute kids people will happily take care of her, defend her, and shower her with praise. There’s no reason to waste time doing anything. It’s completely unnecessary because the majority don’t care anyway.
All Kate needs to do is look nice. Her physical appearance by Will’s side is her second most important royal duty. It’s funny people expect more.
I am not really very interested in these two nor the tour.
You guys she doesn’t flash any more ok?! She’s a changed Duchess! 😂
Yup , she quit The Real Housewives of Buckingham Palace.
So her wardrobe choices are the focal point of the tour? Wow, people magazine I guess that’s par for the course with that publication. 🙄
So after 8 years Kate is now figuring out how to duchesses, confident and will let her clothes do all the talking? How embarrassing! Has she ever given a speech on a royal tour?
Ugh. Watching the Cambridges is like watching paint dry. Boring and zero charisma or enthusiasm. Not the leadership I would expect. The duchess’ greatest achievements are looking pretty and birthing three spawn so I predict the focus of this tour is how gorgeous her hair is styled and how regal her clothing are and nothing to do with the purpose of the trip. How disappointing for a woman in her position in 2019.
Yep. The only labor Kate has done is three occasions in the Lindo wing.
I am anti-royalty in general, but Will & Kate are also some of the most boring people on the planet. I only click on these articles to read the snark.
This is such a joke. So Kate’s contribution to the Pakistan tour is to provide a five day fashion show? No speeches? No separate visits? There will be a compare and contrast between Meghan and Kate, with Kate’s lack of engagement being excused for her position as future queen. I expect more from the wife of the future head of state.
I foresee the kids being used as an excuse for Kate’s lack of engagement and engagements. Those kids are nothing more than a PR tool and shield for the tour.
The UK press can’t release their actual itinerary in advance for security reasons so we don’t really know. I would be surprised if they separated because both governments would have to focus on two protecting two separate locations on top of clearing the ones they’re headed to next.
I saw on Twitter that they’ve released most of it and it’s…sparse. Predictably.
Hi Kaiser! I’ve been kicked off twitter 😂😂😂 for 7 days, but should be back up by Wednesday. It’s unfortunate timing with the tour and all. This tour should be fun. But I’m dying to see the documentary with PC and PW. And the SA tour video 👀☕️
Omg, Cat! What did you do??
When Melania unveiled her WH tennis court right as the Turkish army started dropping bombs…I called her every name in the book! That’s what Twitter is for! Screaming into the void. But, It landed me a 7 day suspension. I really can’t have those people mixing tennis with their atrocities. But, it’s been hard (on me) with the Asian swing and Linz, and now a royal tour. I can see twitter 😂😂😂just can’t comment or “like“ anything. Jack really protects those people in the WH 🙄🙄🙄🙄
Ah, I understand! Tweet @ me when your suspension is over!
Seriously, I read “real character” and thought she’s in trouble…regal character? No problem – just smile, wave and wear expensive jewelry.
It’s really sad when the only achievement someone can come up with in 2 separate articles about Kate is that she wore a blouse backwards once, “and it worked!”—wowww that’s future queen material right there! A master in “diplomatic dressing!!” /s
Honestly now I hope she wears all her clothes backwards on this tour, it would at least make it entertaining.
Or when they pretend she did that deliberately, instead of her not paying attention to how she dressed that morning. The sleeves and shoulders were obviously pulling because she wore it wrong. How do you not notice that when you put it on and move?
It is so funny to me that they try to pretend she wore that blouse backwards on purpose. I mean at the end of the day it more or less looked fine and I wouldn’t have known it was on incorrectly if it hadn’t been pointed out, but that is just SO not something Kate would be edgy enough to try.
Yeah, that would have felt off, likely a bit choking at the neck.
So now we have the snark beginning beforehand!🙄
Not really snark, we just know what to expect from her after eight years of watching her in action, or should I say inaction?
@Spooky
Yeah maybe if she wasn’t so lazy and coasted on her white privilege for the past 8 years as an official duchess, our expectations wouldn’t be so low from the beginning.
LOL. Snark? No, it’s simply justified cynicism about a woman who’s done nothing after 8 years of being in one of the most privileged positions and families in the world. There is no reason to expect that she’ll do an about-face on this tour. At the end of each year we’re told the next one will be “Kate’s year” of finally stepping up…and she never does.
It wouldn’t be a day without the opportunity to pile on KM around here. Same commenters- same rude bullying comments.
Well can you rebut at least one thing anyone said that was snarky about Kate? No? It’s because it’s the truth and the truth hurts to hear.
@Beachy
It’s almost like people think they are on a website to bitch about celebrities…
@Melly 😎
Nah, it’s the same ten or so folks that have been repeating the same stuff for a decade.
I’m here for the fashion and tiaras (which we’ve been woefully deprived of lately).
Apparently the BRF is fine with this chick and I haven’t seen any Brits taking to the streets protesting her very existence so it appears the only expectations she is failing to meet are around here.
I’m sure RD, RG, tumblr and the rest of the collective, racist Meghan hate sites welcome you. You’re so pressed about one site that has always seen W&K without rose-lensed glasses that you cannot resist coming here to complain? Amusing.
Oh FFS it IS entirely possible to support and follow both without being a hater. There are no DoS “haters” on this site (thankfully) yes, they exist and we all know why… but they aren’t here ( again thankful) but just stop with equating anyone pro or neutral WK to a hater.
It is really beneath all this site promotes to be.
Pfffft. I doubt I’m even going to pay attention to this tour.
A top priority is access to education for girls and women? Since when?
Why do I have a feeling she and he will make pretty speeches about causes that obviously harry and Meghan have been working on and get praised as the great white saviors of the brf.
I get why people are reading it that way, but that’s not actually what the article and the original press release are saying.
“The royal’s interest in childhood development is right in line with officials’ hopes too, as access to quality education — particularly to girls and young women — is one of the U.K.’s top priorities in Pakistan.” = Kate’s interest in early childhood development dovetails with the work the *UK Foreign Office* is doing to improve access to education, especially for girls, in this region.
AKA They’re supporting and highlighting the FO’s work, which, imo, is what they should be doing everywhere they go.
I love how the American press conflate Kate with Queen Elizabeth. Being consort is hardly the same and Kate has clearly established how little effort she will put into the role. William and Kate will continue to gaslight the public via the media that they are worthy as long as the public falls for it. 🙄
I don’t feel any particular way about this tour. I think that the focus on Kate is overrated and all about clothes. This tour should be more about William, how he’ll present himself and represent the crown with countries whose best interests don’t always match the UKs and it’s western allies. How will he handle himself as a future head of state? I’m surprised there isn’t a more political take on the coverage with what’s happening in Kashmir, as well as Pakistan’s involvement in Afghanistan in the UK press. Don’t know the UKs relationship with the country but hope the Cambridge’s acknowledge the Pakistani immigrant and diaspora contribution to Britain, especially with Johnsons government and home secretary talking about closing borders Trump style. US relationship with Pakistan is pretty dysfunctional, Obama didn’t trust them and stopped sharing intelligence w/ them, Trump cut off aid and cozies up to India, and there are US drone strikes which have killed many civilians, so I wonder what the reception will be, since U.K. will be so dependent on US after Brexit. I just feel like the Cambridge’s don’t have the gravitas or knowledge to have much impact here, besides photo ops and tight security. Don’t envy them for this tour. Bet they’ll be shipping their cars out as well, if they have any sense and you won’t see petty headlines about it in the tabloids. Maybe William’s little stint at MI6 has him fully briefed so his platitudes hit all the right notes. At least Kate will look regal and have her hair contained under her headscarf. We’ll have fun talking the fashion and awkward moments on this site but the UK Press, even tabloids, should be looking at William, not praising ”regal” Kate to take swipes at Meghan , which will be their main angle.
I really have nothing to add except you make some really great points.
Yup, me too. This comment really says it all. They absolutely don’t have the gravitas for this type of tour right now.
Yes, William should be carefully scrutinized on this tour but he won’t. His recent little jaunt to the pub to raise awareness of mental health rang extremely superficial and poorly thought out.
I really think the work both William and Harry do for mental health rings a bit inauthentic.
I guess at least you can say about their mental health campaign is that at least they are mentioning it in a culture that is reluctant to even acknowledge it, or mocks it as weakness, especially for men. They are trying to take the stigma away. They do seem a bit out of depth when addressing the more serious deeper issues but at least they’re putting it out there and showing there is help available.
I agree with L4. The little skit with Ed Sheeran wasn’t very serious, some thought it came across as a joke. Idk, none of them have any real world experience on this subject matter, so it can come across as insincere. The NHS is failing its patients with ineffective & inadequate MH care and putting out these types of adverts cannot ring true when you know people are out there really suffering & a few kind words isn’t going to help. At the end of the day the Royal family can only raise awareness, they can’t get involved with public policy. At least the campaigns help with ending the stigma attached to MH.
Thanks for bringing up the US drone strikes. It’s always interesting to see how many people from the US forget how many atrocities their government has inflicted on the innocent civilians in Pakistan & Afghanistan. And the other countries in the East? The less said about that I guess is better for their conscience. As for the Pakistani diaspora in the U.K, I know a lot of Pakistanis are looking forward to this. And they are certainly welcoming in Pakistan. The ambassador has referenced Pakistani diaspora & British relations as an important part. The visit last week was a good start.
But Kate will be Queen!!
Meghan was criticized for paying more attention to the people of South Africa and their issues. Kate will be praised to the skies if she manages to put together some fairly decent outfits.
Damn, it’s GOOD to be a White woman!
Ikr?!
“Kate does diplomatic dressing very well and she doesn’t do a lot of public speaking, so I think she will use her clothing to send messages. It will be classic Kate: modest but modern with a newfound confidence.”
Talk about lowering expectations ahead of time.
I don’t dislike Kate. I’d hate to be in her position and have to meet and great people and give speeches. But, I never would have chosen this life.
This just sounds SO patronizing. I think the intention was to make it positive, but that is not what I get at all. The whole “modest but modern with a newfound confidence” is especially weird.
I suppose Kate will give wider exposure to different Pakistani or British Pakistani designers. The earrings she wore to the AG centre were a subtle nod. I love the designer on the Kings Road – his pieces always looks gorgeous. Anyway, a headscarf covering, and a traditional outfit would be good. Apart from the clothes, I’m not expecting speeches or anything ‘heavy’ from Kate. William did well last year in the MiddleEast, very statesman like, so we’ll see how it goes next week. I expect more of the same. The Queen cannot go on these important diplomatic tours anymore – it’s time for William to show what he’s made of.
William has already shown what he’s made of. He’s equal parts lazy and petty.
Well, I guess I’m alone in being excited for this tour. LOL I’m part of that generation of Americans who came of age post-9/11 and was subjected to A LOT of media that portrayed the country largely one way without much, if any, nuance. I’m looking forward to (hopefully!) seeing more of Pakistan’s culture and landscape, and I hope everything goes well for everyone involved.
Some itinerary details have been leaking out via Pakistani news sources, but I imagine they’re keeping certain pieces of it secret. It must be annoying to the British press that they can’t write about the actual itinerary yet, so I’m not surprised to see articles on Kate’s possible fashion choices pop up in the meantime. Also, I know some folks were side-eyeing the focus on girls and education, but it does seem like a priority for the UK FO in that region. The UK FO Special Envoy for Gender Equality (Joanna Roper) based in Islamabad has been tweeting about the visit and I imagine she might be involved with certain engagements on the trip?
@Lexa ITA, especially with your first paragraph — I just wish that either it was Harry and Meghan doing this one, or that W&K were better at doing their jobs. But I definitely agree with your point overall, and hopefully it might change some negative perceptions of the country that many Americans have.
The US perception of Pakistan is pretty bad. I still remember that season of the show Homeland that took place in Pakistan, that basically portrayed the country as actively sabotaging US efforts in the region and had militants storming the US compound. Was really bad and resulted in an Op -Ed in NY Times condemning the show as full of racist stereotypes and inaccuracies. If nothing else I hope they highlight positive aspects of the country that we are not aware of, especially in the US. This trip seems better suited to a more seasoned or senior Royal, but that only leaves Charles, so William is up to bat. So far he hasn’t done much that shows an interest in foreign affairs or soft power, but I don’t pay much attention to Cambridge’s beyond fluff, so don’t know.
Ingrid Seward said Kate doesn’t need to do anything but look good on Will’s arm.
She is really good at that aspect of her royal duty.
Geez.. what low expectations. It’s 2019. A future queen consort should have more going for her than looking good on her husband’s arm. Camilla, the actual next queen consort, has patronages she supports and is active in her causes. The other European female royals are educated, smart and active in supporting their causes. Why is it that only Kate is given a pass to just be nothing more than eye candy?
“Why is it that only Kate is given a pass to just be nothing more than eye candy?”
Because Kate will be Queen……. that’s all I got. That is the answer for everything now in regards to Kate. She is the future queen.
I doubt she’ll wear green, unless she dors so ignorantly. The green on the flag is to specifically represent the Muslim faith. White would represent all other religions, and since William is future head of COE, it would be a more appropriate color instead of “pretending” or cos-playing. But we’ll see.
@MrsKrabapple that’s a great point — but I wonder if W/K or their team are smart enough to figure that out?
Why would it be cosplaying if William wore green as a tribute to his host country? I definitely think that the credence given to diplomatic dressing is way overblown, but I don’t think that this is a bad thing? Like, it’s green, it’s a colour that represents Pakistan as a country, it’s not a big deal to wear it, but it is a nice nod.
White is not an appropriate colour at all. Jesus Christ, white is a mourning colour for us & south Asians!!! Plz don’t be ignorant. Look things up if you are unsure. And I don’t expect William to wear a green suit. If the Cambridges wear green outfits- mostly Kate – it wouldn’t be cosplaying because it’s one of Pakistan’s traditional colours.
Maybe I’m alone in my opinion, but I think the trip will go fine without a hitch. I agree with someone above about Pakistanis being excited about this trip, I’ve seen mainly positive comments about this trip on social media by Pakistanis, so they may be well received and see some good crowds when they are there. I can’t imagine anyone (even RRs) talking about the Kashmir situation or Afghanistan because its very political and will piss off other nations if they venture into that territory. It’s hard to really say anything about this trip regarding their engagements because of the security situation surrounding it , which from what I’ve read seems VERY tight – some are reporting there will be 1000 police officers with them.
The only reason the coverage on the Duchess of Cambridge is overinflated is because the Duchess of Sussex makes it seem effortless and can connect in some reasonable terms with the people of the host countries that she visited even before she became royal. There is none of the cringeworthiness with her and they people.
William and Kate are going to find a good audience for their tour, at least among the Pakistani middle class, which has always had a fascination with Britain/the BRF in particular. Their current Prime Minister was educated at Oxford, he married an English woman, and Diana had a relationship with a Pakistani doctor. And then of course there are the obvious cultural links via the Pakistani diaspora in Britain.
I dunno, but in my experience, I’ve really noticed a massive fascination with Diana and the RF among a certain generation of women in South Asia. I’ve spoken to a couple of friends who have noticed the same thing. I dunno if this still holds up, but I imagine there are plenty of people who’d be interested in the tour if only because William is Diana’s son.
Your last bit is spot on. Diana respected their culture, she was there quite often, then she dated Hasnat. I know a lot of people are looking forward to seeing Diana’s son.
Embarrassing.
One thing has always bothered me about Kate i.e. her complete inability to realise the platform she has and how much power that wields. No one is expecting her to go all out to prove something, but the lack of passion or aspiration to anything is deeply disturbing at her level.
I read somewhere that the Queen originally had reservations about Kate, bc she felt that she had never had any interests of her own or worked. I now understand that reservation. Even if she is trying very hard not to eclipse Bill, Kate’s lack of identity as a member of the monarchy is not acceptable 9 years post engagement.
Hopefully the assistant Kate just fired, wasn’t the one who’s been making sure Kate doesn’t show her bare ass in public.