Ever since the Princess of Wales suddenly pulled out of appearing at Royal Ascot last Wednesday, the media’s mood has been decidedly vicious towards Kate. I was surprised by the tone of two different pieces written by the Daily Beast’s Royalist columnist, one of which made it sound like Kate is absolutely furious that anyone expects her to do anything at all, and all of the expectations make her want to do even less! The Royalist also said that Kate’s last-minute Ascot cancellation was being taken as a sign of disrespect for King Charles. As if to prove that the knives are out for Kate, the Daily Mail reminded everyone of how QEII always thought Kate was work-shy and lazy. Well, Becky English to the rescue! Sort of. English wrote a new piece which is dripping with sugary sympathy… on the surface. I kind of think that the over-the-top defense of Kate reads as extremely shady, but maybe I’m reading too much into it. Some highlights:
Pulling out of Ascot so suddenly, and no one buys Kate’s half-assed explanations: Royal aides insisted the original [carriage] list had issued in ‘error’ – but their explanation did little to halt speculation as to why, not least because it was clear that Ascot had, at some point, been told she planned to be there. The Palace would only say that the princess was ‘disappointed’ but ‘has to find the right balance as she fully returns to public facing duties’. And while the truth is that no-one still knows exactly why Catherine pulled out so suddenly, the incident has served to remind us that her return to duties remains something of a ‘work in progress’.
Kate’s mysterious abdominal surgery: As I have previously revealed, the princess was seriously unwell in the run-up to her surgery in the first place. And while that is a story only for her to tell – if she ever chooses to do so – I can say that, from what I understand, she is fortunate to even be speaking of recovery. So, while she may be glowing on the outside, the drama over her last minute non-attendance at Royal Ascot last week is, perhaps, a timely reminder that the princess was really very poorly not so long ago.
An important reminder: ‘On some levels I actually think this is a good reminder that she was really seriously ill last year and underwent a significant period of chemo. As anyone who has been through that experience will tell you, you can feel very unwell for a long time afterwards. It can take years [to recover],’ one source says.
Kate’s moveable feast: As someone told me at the time: some weeks you will see her a lot, others not. It’s a moveable feast, and one that continues in the same vein. ‘She wants to find the right balance and work with a greater degree of flexibility than before. This is a woman who plays a very important role in the monarchy [as Princess of Wales and future Queen], but in order for her to do it, both now and in the future, she needs to get this right,’ they said.
What Kate’s summer will look like: That is why, I understand, we won’t see the princess in public this week, but we are ‘very likely’ to see her at Wimbledon, which starts Monday 30 June, in her role as royal patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. She will also play a ‘significant’ part in next month’s French State Visit at Windsor Castle. Although I am still waiting to hear whether she will attend the state banquet at Windsor Castle (the last time she did so was in November 2023 for the state visit of the South Korean President), I understand she will take part in the official ‘meet and greets’ for President Macron on July 8. After that she and Prince William will decamp to Anmer Hall, their ten-bedroom Georgian home on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, where they and their children can enjoy countryside pursuits, long bike rides and sailing. They will also join the King and other senior royals at Balmoral in August.
William & Kate bred their dog as a treat for their kids: It’s one of the reasons, I am told, that she and Prince William have decided to breed from their adored spaniel, Orla. Not only has it been something fun for the children to look forward to, but I am told they are planning to keep one of the pups.
The Wales kids’ education: Several years ago I wrote that George had been put down for William’s old school, Eton, and Charlotte was likely to attend Catherine’s Alma mater, Marlborough. I haven’t heard anything of late to change my view on that.
What will Kate’s autumn look like? Looking ahead to the autumn, while it cannot entirely be ruled out that the princess might undertake a foreign visit this year, I am told it is ‘not expected’ as it stands. Kensington Palace’s main focus will be on the Prince of Wales’ environmental passion project the Earthshot Awards in Brazil this November. Catherine could yet join him – ‘tbc’ is all that I can get at this stage – but my gut feeling is probably not. ‘She’s quite strict now at working out what she needs to be at and what she doesn’t,’ a source says. ‘And people forget that even if they aren’t seeing her in public, she is very hands-on behind the scenes with the team in the office. She has her own projects to pursue, such as her early years initiative. That’s a lifelong commitment for HRH.’ What we are likely to see more of, come the autumn, is travel within the UK: what we in the trade call the classic ‘royal away day’.
What’s strange is that at the end of 2024, Kensington Palace gave tons of briefings about how no one should expect to see Kate more than a few times in the first six months of 2025. Considering that, I was surprised by just how often we did see Kate back in January and February, but you’ve also got to remember how often Meghan was making news, and how much both William and Kate pay attention to the Sussexes’ schedules. Anyway, my gut is telling me that we’ll see Kate at Wimbledon too, and we’ll also see her for the French state visit… but she won’t be allowed at the evening reception, and she definitely won’t get to wear a tiara. Just a hunch! As for her autumn plans… I will be shocked if we see her before mid-October.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Cover Images.
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- Catherine, Princess of Wales watches from the Royal balcony as veterans and dignitaries gather at the Cenotaph for the national service of commemoration for those lost to war, November 10 2024.,Image: 932642107, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: Editorial use, commercial use may require additional licenses. We don’t use AI to make images which could be mistaken for news photos. AI use will be clearly indicated. Supplied on condition you ensure personal data is processed in compliance with DPA2018, *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Tony Kershaw / SWNS / Avalon
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- Image Licensed to i-Images Picture Agency. 10/11/2024. London, United Kingdom. Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales , at the Remembrance Sunday service at The Cenotaph in London.,Image: 932704778, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: Licenced to i-Images Picture Agency. All Rights Reserved. UK copyright law applies to all print & online publications. i-Images space rates apply to all images. Magazines contact agency for fees before use. Images Single use only then repro fees apply. Info@i-images.co Tel: 07860204379, *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Stephen Lock / i-Images / Avalon
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- MccLi0012021 . Daily Telegraph NMA ROTA !! DT News Catherine, Princess of Wales State visit by The Amir of the State of Qatar, Ceremonial Welcome by The King and Queen, Horse Guards Parade London 3 December 2024,Image: 942538814, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Heathcliff O’Malley for the Telegraph/Avalon/Avalon
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- The Prince and Princess of Wales attend the annual Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey, in London. Picture date: Monday March 10, 2025.,Image: 974325989, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Aaron Chown/Avalon
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- Catherine, Princess of Wales, attends The Irish Guards’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Wellington Barracks, London, England, UK on Monday 17 March, 2025.,Image: 976614399, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph/Avalon
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- The Princess of Wales, Colonel, Irish Guards, visiting the regiment at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Wellington Barracks. PIC: HRH The Princess of Wales joins Guardsmen and families in the Junior Ranks dining Hall.,Image: 976628569, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Eddie Mulholland/Avalon
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- The Princess of Wales, Colonel, Irish Guards, visiting the regiment at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Wellington Barracks. PIC: HRH The Princess of Wales meets ‘Mini Micks’ junior cadets from Northern Ireland.,Image: 976628601, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Eddie Mulholland/Avalon
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- Horse Guards Parade, London, UK. 14th June, 2025. Trooping the Colour, King Charles III’s official Birthday Parade, takes place on Horse Guards Parade with Britain’s oldest Army Regiment, the Coldstream Guards, Trooping the Color (flag) of 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards this year. Over 1000 officers and men are on parade together with 200 horses and more than 200 military musicians. Image: King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Catherine, Princess of Wales, on the Royal Dais,Image: 1010944551, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: , Model Release: no, Credit line: MALCOLM PARK/Avalon
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- The Princess of Wales talks to guests during a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London Featuring: Catherine, Princess of Wales Where: London, United Kingdom When: 20 May 2025 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
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- Members of the British Royal Family at the annual Order of the Garter Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle Featuring: Catherine Princess of Wales Where: Windsor, United Kingdom When: 16 Jun 2025 Credit: Cover Images
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- King Charles III leads senior members of The Royal Family during Trooping the Colour 2025 Featuring: Catherine Princess of Wales Where: London, United Kingdom When: 17 Jun 2025 Credit: John Rainford/Cover Images **NOT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICATION IN THE UK**
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- The Prince and Princess of Wales leave Buckingham Palace, central London, on day one of the President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol’s state visit to the UK. Featuring: Catherine, Princess of Wales and William, Prince of Wales Where: London, United Kingdom When: 21 Nov 2023 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
Ofcourse she’ll be at the mens Wimbledon finals!
She’s in her eliment there, happily basking in the applause, flirting with men in front of their wives, cheering against the commonwealth player(unless they are white) etc.
Btw did you see Jameela Jamil’s article about no longer talking to female journalists? She also said she’s always asked about Meghan, she always shut that down(because she does not want to contribute to the hatred) yet that became the header.
I doubt the keens will be under same roof this summer. Keen wants to preen and pose at Wimbledon and be applauded
She went skiing a few months ago not buying into her spin.
I’m still surpised that W staying behind in his shorts with a bottle of alcohol whilst K was off skiing with the kids wasnt a bigger thing.
@INGE
It’s hard to call it skiing, but at least she had skis on her feet:))) It’s also strange that no one commented on her hair, that thin, short, mouse-tail,
She doesn’t want to contribute to the hatred, so she is saying that she hates Meghan, what for? Maghan didn’t call Kate a racist, that was others, probably she really hates Meghan because she is a racist and knows that that is not acceptable in the future Queen of a Commonwealth mainly inhabited by brown skinned people.
@sunnyside jameela is a Meghan supporter, I think what she means is that everytime Meghan is mentioned it gets twisted into a hate article about her, no matter what, and she doesn’t want to give the press anything that can be weaponised against them.
One shot of her skiing doesn’t mean she spent a week skiing. I think she has major health issues and Charles doesn’t want his health issues overshadowed because it is literally the only sympathetic thing about him. If Kate had fainted or needed emergency medical assistance at Ascot, Charles would have been pissed she stole the thunder of his “brave face and commitment to his kingdom.”
I mean she attended Wimbledon last year on a hot day when she was supposedly still undergoing chemo treatments, and she is going to attend Wimbledon again most likely, regardless of weather.
i dont think she was in danger of needing emergency medical assistance at Ascot. If that was the case, we wouldn’t be getting all these stories about how she disrespected Charles, bc he would have been glad she stayed home – either for her health or to protect his spotlight.
“She doesn’t want to contribute to the hatred, so she is saying that she hates Meghan”
No, she’s saying that wanting to talk about herself and her own projects instead of talking about Meghan is perceived as negative towards Meghan when it’s not. It’s extremely normal for a woman to say “no comment” when asked about a fellow celeb they don’t know.
I think Becky English wrote this piece as a plea to her colleagues in the press and to royalists to not lose patience with Kate. There’s no way Kate’s missing Wimbledon.
Becky English is trying to play both sides here. She wants to keep Kate on her side for stories, but she can see how BP is super pissed and coming after Kate’s laziness.
If BP continues to target Kate in the media, and William joins in, we will see Becky turn on Kate more explicitly.
The same thing happened with rota who first wanted access to Diana, but then sides had to be chosen when the split was more obvious and public.
Since Becky is top rota, she will stay neutral as long as she can. Someone like Sykes doesn’t need to. He’s been critical of KP, but he gets info from Williams side, likely Knauf so he will continue to go after Kate.
There is also the Camilla factor. Many will want to take the side Camilla approves.
They should really just stop commenting on this stuff. Trying to explain why someone that lives in a mansion and wears jewels and thousand pound outfits that is being subsidized by taxpayers can, “only work some weeks but not others because they aren’t going to stress themselves out” is never going to go over well. Even if you are being shady with the writing. Close royal watchers may pick up on the snark, but to everyone else how does this article sound?
She’s lazy and throwing tantrums like a child. I don’t believe it’s because she’s being benched totally. For some events yeah, for everything no. They are operating on way too much of a skeleton crew for me to believe that they would purposefully keep her away from major events with the scrutiny and general discontent as a “family /organization” they are experiencing right now. For whatever reason they can’t or won’t force her to work. Trying to explain why that’s really a good thing everyday is just silly.
I think she’s benched from the big jewellery occasions. She would see them as her reward, and C, C and probably W don’t want her there.
Yeah, i think she’s being benched from some events and some events she is refusing to attend. Like I think Ascot was all her, throwing a tantrum or something. that wasn’t a benching. I do think she’s being very deliberately benched from Earthshot which is interesting.
After that vivid lime green outfit in Boston, I’m not surprised.
I think she’s being benched from Earthshot because it’s not under the purview of the royal foundation anymore. So William can very much so exert his influence and say she’s not coming because it has nothing to do with her “role”, other than being his wife which says plenty.
Charles and Camilla are definitely banning her from the state dinners because they don’t want every single newspaper front page to be about beautiful, tragic Kate powering through in her new dress and tiara. If I remember correctly they didn’t even let Sophie come to an event last year.
I think Charles expected her to attend Ascot so the last minute cancellation has pissed him off (Camilla too), hence all the stories coming after her for laziness.
She hasn’t always attended Ascot, so it is also likely that had she cancelled before the carriage list went out, this would not be discussed. She embarrassed him. Reminiscent of when they were late for coronation and changed the procession because of it.
(If we recall William looked angry in the carriage and then waiting in line to enter the Abbey and so I suspect Kate was directly the reason for the lateness, despite the road closures and police escort)
So is William as equally embarrassed over this as Charles? It was his wife who caused all the drama. I know he went to Sykes and said it was Kate’s team’s decision but still. We are getting articles about how the last minute cancellation disrespected the king, but technically, did it not equally disrespect her husband who also thought she would be there? I don’t really care about if she did disrespect William as she has any right to do so but I’m talking about from the perspective of royalists who are all about the hierarchy.
Very well said, Dee. It encapsulates the irritation in this type of propaganda. I refuse to call it journalism or reporting because it isn’t.
I don’t think she’s being benched from Earthshot. I think she just doesn’t GAF about the environment, or about much else really. She just wants to work out rigorously, watch tennis, and walk around outside until the kids get home. Earthshot would feel like work to her, what with talking to participants and all.
It’s entirely possible she’s being sidelined from other things, though. We’ll know during the Macron visit.
Here’s why I think she’s being benched from Earth shot. It’s an event where she gets to go to a country that she probably wants to go to, because thus far it’s been Boston, Singapore, South Africa, and now Brazil. It’s not official Royal work so she doesn’t have to meet with the peasants she gets to hang out with celebrities, and she gets to compete with Harry and Meghan with splashy Invictus style first couple photos.
All of these things we know appeal to her personality. However, since 2022 she hasn’t been there. And the reasons that they give for why she can’t or won’t go are ridiculous on its face. She had to help George with his exams? Come on. Now they’re saying don’t expect to see her in Brazil even though by that point she would have been in remission from cancer for a year? He doesn’t want her there and she can’t force the issue.
Who cares about the environment, it’s a free trip to some fabulous place in the world & she’s choosing to stay home!! What an idiot!! She missed out on Singapore, South African, and now Brazil???? Oh, how I’d love for my work to entail that kind of travel!!!
Obvs I care about the environment–but it wouldn’t matter if Kate does or does not, she’s not expected to speak at these things but rather trail along after William hoping for a pat on the head.
Edit: OK, just read @Dee(2)’s comment. That could very well be, William’s banning her from something she’d actually enjoy. Then again–did Kate ever do any interesting travel in her pre-royal GF days? Skiing & beach-going seem to be her sole interests. She doesn’t explore the historic parts of any town, check out the museums & art galleries, stroll the historic cemeteries, visit National Parks (OK, this is my list of things to do).
She doesn’t get any credit for Earthshot so why bother?
She gets benched whenever she steals the shine from Wil, Charles, or his wife.
Skiing takes more energy than sitting in a carriage, it’s only June and she had four overseas vacations that we know of.
I thought the Massengill Commercial was celebrating her recovery from what ever ailments she was recovering from.
This is what bothers me as well I mean honestly how can the same article say how much she’ll enjoy ” countryside pursuits, long bike rides and sailing” and how it could be YEARS until she’s fully recovered.
Exactly.
Sailing looks like a lot of work to me. That’s not something someone with waxing & waning weakness will want to do.
I feel like she’s being sidelined in real time. Her clothing budget, her jewels, even access to her children. She’s protesting by suddenly pulling out of things like Ascot, but she has no leverage. She’s not loved or respected. Her life must be pretty grim and I love that for her.
Maybe access to George. William spends the most time with George apparently
I also think she’s also being purposely sidelined. Even though she is lazy as hell, I also think she’s being set up by the other three because all the polls consistently show she’s more popular than them and she’s being punished for it.
Her clothing budget is down to nothing, they’ve taken away the tiaras and most of the jewels, and now George is leaving for boarding school. All that’s left is turning public opinion against her, and that’s what I think this is all about.
Her own lies are eating her now, along with oggy and palace cockroaches. Not even Carol can save her. I am Waiting to see the results.
I don’t think Charles would invite her to first lady of France. Because she may teach waity how to S L A P your husband. And CC & W can’t tolerate can’t. Already she disrespected palace. And they will use it as an opportunity to throw her under the bus, by bringing more criticism
If she failed to show up at Wimbledon, clearly divorce coming. If not, palace backed criticisms for skipping royal events will be published. I don’t think she has any loopholes or escape routes.
I wonder what becky wants to convey. Her work engagements or another break in Norfolk. It seems like kate given talking points. I think sky’s belongs to W and English belongs to K.
I feel like the press are probably saying all this about Kate’s health to lower expectations for why she isn’t doing much. People can’t just excuse it as pure laziness if she doesn’t do the bare minimum of events, but if people are being told she’s not working because of the cancer she said was in remission people are more likely to give her grace. I do find it interesting that people are being so graceful about it because normal people who have to undergo years of chemo still have to go to work or lose/quit their jobs.
They are certainly trying to lower expectations but Kate is the one who raised them. If she was wasn’t trying to compete with Meghan’s show, none of this would be happening. Kate decided to break her own cover and be seen at pretty much her same schedule as before to try to ride Meghan’s coattails. She even claimed to make jam too and announced her remission. Now she’s trying to walk it back but it’s too late. For all intents and purposes she is fine and needs to do her very limited job.
The monarchy is a cult, even in Australia, there are still quite a few monarchists. We can’t even become a republic – there is no appetite for it. I can imagine it is worse in the UK, though having to pay for these work shy scroungers must be irritating.
Did not her Blair witch photo shoe she was out of the woods.
This gets more stupid every day. All this interpretive dance and coy disguises to elicit sympathy for what? In the year 2025, there’s no reason why Kate can’t clearly tell everyone what is going on. Health issues are not a stigma any more. If she wants real sympathy, then give the public something real to hold on to – not all this mumble, mumble, balance, mumble.
Interpretive dances and coy disguises is a good way of putting it. A source saying it can take years to recover? I just? Where is the gratitude about being cancer-free since January? She is blessed to be healthy enough to ski and still do intense workouts and travel internationally to Mustique. So why does it feel like they’re scolding the public and reminding them she will need years to recover?
There is definitely some scolding in this. I’m interpreting this as Kate thought that the cancer would get her out of working for years with no criticism, but she overplayed her hand – the timeline that doesn’t quite add up, Charles’ working constantly throughout his treatments, the multiple extended vacations.
I think the press started to lose patience when they skipped the BAFTAs – the press made a point of letting people know it was bc they were in Mustique, when I think in past years they’ve covered for them. same with the skiing vacation.
And so now KP is trying to fall back on the idea that Kate is still recovering but the press has already let us know she can travel regularly, so its an interesting standoff.
The timeline really doesn’t add up. Especially not with the vacations. It’s honestly bewildering that the press is being asked to defend her right to recover for years while taking ski vacations. And that they’re doing it. Their choice, I guess. I’d forgotten about the BAFTAS and how the press really wanted that glamour moment. It’s interesting that Becky English hasn’t been given confirmation as to whether she will go to the tiara part of the state visit. I’m thinking that is a no. And the press has to be bummed about that too. I just can’t see Camilla or Charles lending out a tiara right now if they truly felt she disrespected them.
“If she wants real sympathy, then give the public something real to hold on to”
But that’s the issue, Kant, KP, BRF and their BM henchmen can’t offer anything real or be genuine if they keep trying to force their alternate reality on the public instead of facing their issues and providing accountability for their actions.
Kate has eleventy different versions of ‘M made me cry’ while refusing to account or apologize the fact she made M cry and left that lie to fester.
She never confronted the ‘Royal racist’ allegations head on.
KP routinely gave the international wire services false images before the Mothering Sunday photo and continue this deceptive practice to the present day. Why is there no serious discussion of the detriment to both historical records and public trust over this?
‘Where’s Kate’ and it’s aftermath, the state of her marital status and her role in the family are shrouded in secrecy and thoroughly steeped in FRAUD.
The BRF, BM and KP work night and day to malign and endanger the Sussexes through a purposeful campaign of online/social and print media abuse as well as trying to use diplomatic channels to persuade other countries to deny Harry and his family security abroad.
None of them want to be called to the carpet for any of their fraud and abuse and pretend themselves blameless. There can be no truth or authenticity from Kate or the rest of the BRF under that kind of willful villainy.
It’s pretty much Pravda at the Palace.
Lazy can start atoning for her awful behaviour but hey “cancer” 🙄
Right. People don’t whisper the word ‘cancer’ any more. Geez Louise, step into the 21st Century people!
btw
‘She’s quite strict now at working out what she needs to be at and what she doesn’t“
I read
‘She’s quite strict now at working out”
Which rings true, then again she always has. Any excuse not to work.
Wasn’t there an article recently about her intense workouts? And yet a carriage ride is too much.
And part of the excuse given for missing Ascot was because it wouldn’t be good for her to be out in the “boiling hot sun,” but apparently Wimbledon’s sun is exempt? Kate is a real piece of work. She has balls, I’ll give her that much.
But what about the next 4 seasons summer video drop? No update on that? It overall sounded like a KP pr memo. There’s about 3 phrases of “I understand” and another 3 phrases of “I’m told.”
Oh, I’m sure the videos are going on behind the scenes, just like all of Kate’s other projects. The public doesn’t need any actual evidence that anything has been accomplished. They’ll just read “I’m told the family enjoyed the video very much. I understand it was very meaningful.”
True. I’m told Kate loves summer. I understand summers away from the her expected royal duties is very meaningful for her.
Is it possible that W&K and their team actually read the room for once and saw how bad the first video was received, and were hoping that they’d never release another and everyone would just forget about it eventually?
No, I think they’re just saving it for later in July or august to release. So it will look like they did something during their long vacation months.
Well, I guess she didn’t say it was going to come out THIS summer, right? Maybe it’s a ten-year project, haha. Really, though, I think that the first video did not get the wild applause she was hoping for so it’s on the back burner. I don’t think there are many people clamouring for yet another saccharine, over-produced advert for “nay-churr”.
A ten-year turnaround time is MUCH more consistent with our Kate’s “working life”
No staying power or follow-through. It’s a wonder Kate managed to obtain a college degree.
Very likely to attend Wimbledon…shocker! 😹
I know, this infantile woman has a brass neck, for real. I don’t know how she isn’t embarrassed, given what she takes from British taxpayers.
Seriously. She has no shame whatsoever.
Something is going on with Waity, and she definitely has fallen out of favor. I’m just hoping we get more of it.
this is what makes the article about how Kate has never worked and it was an issue for QEII so interesting. English is trying hard here to make it sound like Kate has always worked diligently as a royal and that we shouldn’t expect so much from her going forward. But she has never worked diligently. She has never broken 200 engagements, even with foreign tours. The timing of that article is definitely interesting in light of all of this.
And the secrecy is really doing her no favors. she was so sick in January 2024 that its a miracle we’re even discussing recovery but they wont say what the mysterious sickness was? We’re just supposed to take their word for it?
Anyway, to me, the upshoot of this article is that Kate is going to attend the French state welcome, a few matches at Wimbledon, and then she’s going to disappear until september at the earliest. English is trying to head off the criticism about attending Wimbledon but I think things are on a roll now that she can’t control.
Yes, the only way to put this to bed for the general public is to pick a story and stick to it. It’s not just about her medical issues, it’s everything. Who is Kate, exactly? Superwoman or Frail Flower? The Lynchpin of the Monarchy or The Nation’s Invalid? Is the public supposed to admire her or pity her?
@Eurydice, this is the comment of the day: is she the nation’s invalid or its lynchpin, you decide. ;-D …on another note, class-watching as an acquired taste has me noting that “countryside pursuits, long bike rides and sailing” is an inherently comical phrase. “Countryside pursuits” normally would include shooting and riding and stalking. Hunting. Mud. Crawling on one’s belly potentially for an hour at a stretch sniffing deer urine and faeces. The aristo brand of fun. I don’t actually think Kate has the stomach for any of it, but calling “long bike rides” and “sailing” a countryside pursuit is just… no. Those are summer camp / suburbs hobbies. You don’t even have to leave London to do that stuff, I see people sailing on days like today on the Thames when I ride my bike down to the next borough with a bridge.
@ParkRunMum – “countryside pursuits” made me think of Hamlet, and also William in the rosebushes:
Hamlet: Lady, shall I lie in your lap?
Ophelia: No, my lord.
Hamlet: Did you think I meant country matters?
Ophelia: I think nothing, my lord.
Hamlet: That’s a fair thought to lie between maids’ legs.
Would that these two had the style and class to so act!
I’m sorry but everything she says to try and make people sympathetic to her goes out the window when we remember that she has gone on at least five vacations out of the country, including strenuous skiing and RE is listing things in the future that we knew Kate wasn’t going to miss in the future, like Wimbledon. The predictability of her doing what she has always done, makes it clear that Kate is being the usually lazy person she has always been. That this is only about what she likes and has nothing to do with health because no one can make such longterm plans if this was really about health or balance. Without saying that specifically and then adding in all that Kate has that no other cancer survivor has, I’d insensitive, especially since all other cancer survivors still had to work because they aren’t taxpayer funded to live in lavish four, five and ten bedroom homes.
It really is getting old— for those of us who (for whatever reason) have paid attention to Kate on a regular basis for years, we get the same. exact. stories. on a loop every year. Now the cancer recovery has been thrown into the mix as an overarching excuse that they’ll mention as much as possible, but the outcome is the same. She’ll disappear for the summer right after Wimbledon. And there will be no repercussions of any kind from either the Firm or the media.
It’s been the same tired story for years now. Whether it was William wanting her to “ease in” to her royal role, or having HG, or being a “hands-on mom” who had to do the school run herself — plus W&K’s ridiculous entitlement that they have to always take the same extended holidays as their kids’ schools —there’s ALWAYS an excuse the BM has for Kate not freaking doing anything, ever.
Becky is trying her best here, but I don’t know how even *she* doesn’t realize how hypocritical it looks to talk about all of those “country pursuits” that Kate will be enjoying all summer — which all require feeling well enough to get out of bed that day and lots of energy, as well as being out in the “boiling hot sun” — and doesn’t make the connection as to how this reads to normal, working people.
It’s hysterical to me that she actually wrote with a straight face that Kate realized she wanted to work with a “greater degree of flexibility than before,” going forward, as if she’s been worked to the bone up until now
I mean, I could have told you that she wasn’t missing the chance to be seen at Wimbledon – that’s how you will know things are really bad, if she misses that.
But WTF that tidbit about them “deciding to breed from their adored spaniel, Orla… something fun for the children to look forward to” WHAT???
That is the most stupid, irresponsible…it almost makes me think that English is trolling for negative comments. And what happens to the other puppies – gifts for the highest bidders? Sickening.
And I swear to God they are going to use this puppy as the new excuse for why they can’t do things now,
It seemed like such a rich person thing to me, I don’t know. (and I know people of all incomes irresponsibly breed their dogs). but it came off as very “awww the poor little rich kids are sad for REASONS and dont have any ski vacations coming up so we decided to breed our dog so there would be puppies!!!”
kind of like giving them a pony to cheer them up I dont know.
It’s more the shift from previous articles that had made it sound like an accidental litter with an “unknown parent” (well, not accidental so much as irresponsible, but I digress). The media were downplaying it, and then suddenly, this story: actually, not only did they intend to breed their dog but it was all to please the children, you see. They don’t have much else to look forward to, I guess.
They could have taken the children to a shelter and have them pick out a dog. Someone who needs a home. And waiting for one.
Too low-brow for them.
And also the way they phrase it is odd. Something for the children to look forwards to… Umm. They’re not exactly deprived. Do these kids not usually having something to look forward to? They’re also skiing and going to Mustique regularly. Don’t they look forward to those thing as well?
The eldest two had backstage passes to Taylor’s concert, so I guess their expectations have become very high. This, I predicted.
I wonder if the puppy will live with one parent and Orla with the other, so the kids will have “something to look forward to” no matter which household they’re currently staying in.
I’m sure James Middleton can get good money for selling “royal” dogs.
Yeah, throwing Orla’s puppies into this Kate white-washing thing was so unnecessary and weird. Sure, every kid loves puppies, but you can find puppies at your local shelter. Looks like English was trying to ward off a lot of things in this piece, including the accusation that James Middleton will be able to sell Orla’s remaining puppies for a mint.
Adult dogs often have to wait longer because people want to adopt puppies. I think the children should have gone to a shelter with their parents and chosen an adult dog, desperate for a home.
Kate scapegoating the kids because she was criticized for promoting jmiddys puppy mill operation. Just what we expect from her – her own choices aren’t her fault?
These vague excuses make things worse, not better, and @Dee(2) is right about how they just need to stop. I suppose Becky English had to say something (does she still captain the Rota?) because her silence would be interpreted as lack of support. These do read like talking points from “Kate’s team” trying to reclaim the narrative. The obvious problem is that this cancer recovery story flies in the face of all the skiing and articles about her rigid workouts, not to mention insulting to people being treated for cancer (Charles included) who have to work.
It’s pretty certain she didn’t pull out of Ascot for last-minute health or mental health reasons. If that were the issue, Charles would have been understanding, instead of getting his people to brief that he’s insulted.
The story was bound to be full if weird excuses it was in the DM.
That booing at Trooping that Kate got, in front of her kids no less, must have really gotten to her. She can’t use her chikdren as shields anymore.
Bully Boy and Rose bush are laying the ground to get rid of common blood, waity kathy to go fly a kite , and mistress queen is here for it. She and her mom crawled, planned and climbed their way into the these losers’ life. They made a octnwith the devil. Now the losers no longer want her and the devil is asking for payment in the form royal rats.
When we last saw the media pay Rose attention she was wearing the same sort of hat Kate owned but she was also clinging to her husband’s arm for dear life. I don’t think the Rocksavages can ever be truly freed of William because of the hereditary role and *cough, cough…* but I suspect she isn’t “the one” anymore and doesn’t want the scrutiny that would bring to her own estate and family.
Never forget the official statement from Kate was that her chemo was “preventative only.” Therefore she should never be given a “pass” because she battled cancer. Per her own statement. This is what happens when you lie.
At this point who cares if Kate shows up or not. She is no Diana, and events do not benefit from having her there. And she is the princess that many people preferred (if you believe the tabloids). And people deserve what they ask for. I am sick of hearing people complain about Waity Katie when they built her up to be more than she is in the first place. Again, this is what happens when you lie.
You’ve hit the nail on the head – “events do not benefit by having her there.” She’s too lazy and ignorant to be an advocate, too socially awkward to be a hostess, she doesn’t add value from a diplomacy perspective. So many are trying so hard to make her greater than she is.
Ascot did just fine without her thanks in part to Beatrice, Eugenie, Zara and Sophie.
The royalist line these days is that chemo itself is brutal and you don’t recover for years. Which flies in the face of reports about her intense exercise regime and all the skiing. Also, it’s insulting to say that to Charles and all the chemo patients who have to work. But whatever, I could be wrong, but it seems like it’s not about the cancer vs. pre-cancer anymore, it’s about the unpredictable, lasting effects of chemo which prevent her from knowing whether she can work tomorrow.
CRF is a real thing but it’s hard to imagine that being asked to do 3 events within a week, right after a vacation, one of which is riding in a carriage, is too much. There are cancer patients in remission with CRF that have a full time job all day every. The whole situation is a reminder of the absolutely gross inequality that exists, which is what the monarchy actually tries to avoid bc they don’t want to draw attention to all that inequality. You have a very coddled princess with a pr that is all about shaming the public for being somewhat surprised that she can’t do 3 events in a week, especially after multiple ski vacations. Bc of cancer. Then you have members of the public with cancer, still in treatment and not out of the woods yet and possibly still waiting for treatment, who are going to work more than she ever has.
@MeAtHome, you are not wrong, and IMO you hit the nail on the head with this:
“it seems like it’s not about the cancer vs. pre-cancer anymore, it’s about the unpredictable, lasting effects of chemo which prevent her from knowing whether she can work tomorrow.”
That’s exactly what’s happened…if KP has done one thing right, it was to successfully bury William’s accidental “precancerous cells” comment (which reminded everyone of Kate’s own statement that the treatment was “preventative” in the first place) and pivot right back to the “brave Kate battles cancer!” narrative, which she will now cling to forever. Never mind the announcement that she was in remission, and the photos/videos of her stomping about in a forest, communing with nature, or on the ski slopes; now she’s a delicate flower who needs to concentrate her energy *solely* on systematically reducing her workload (if one can even call it a ‘workload’ 🫠).
It’s infuriating how W&K’s briefings often contain that “scolding” tone, as if they really believe the people who fund their entire lavish lifestyles should feel guilty (!) for expecting anything at all from either one of them in return.
So she works a couple of events every fortnight. 😂😂😂😂
I do hope she doesn’t appear at the French visit. Her South Korean flashing was so ghastly and inappropriate. If she does appear, she’ll do everything she can to suck the limelight.
As for this:
“I actually think this is a good reminder that she was really seriously ill last year and underwent a significant period of chemo. As anyone who has been through that experience will tell you, you can feel very unwell for a long time afterwards. It can take years [to recover],’ one source says”
Hope Chuck tells her not to attend given she’s poorly and recovering from chemo.
What if she and William just got in a fight the other day? She could have been angry with him and lashed out by refusing to attend an event that she doesn’t like anyway (instead of their usual throwing things). That would explain William’s miserable look, too, that day.
Which day? Royal Ascot Day? He seemed just fine sitting there drinking beer with his friends. If they got in an argument, it could have been during one of the other two events. I tend to believe they were not in the same place getting ready that morning.
This isn’t new for Kate to attend Wimbledon finals and then disappear on her Summer holidays for 2/3 months. So what’s new boo about her continuing minimalist approach? Her Terms and Conditions have always been generous but certain Royal Events like Ascot are definitely rigeur for attendance so us plebs need a careful explanation of how delicate Kate was wishing and hoping but just not able to show up! Vulgar, insensitive and plain mean to question what is exactly going on any further!!
“Minimalist approach” 😂😭
That’s certainly one way to describe Kate’s attitude toward her duty!
But I thought Precious Kitty didn’t want to be in the sun and without a/c?!?!?! Selective heat sensitivity is as real as selective “cancer” I see.
But did she not say in her “Im cancer free” announcement that sunshine was life blood to her? It’s hard to be consistent when you are not truthful, I guess.
How’d she manage Mustique then? Stay inside all day? Swim only after the sun went down? Sit under an umbrella on the beach? Puh-leeze. They do forget the lies they tell because they change every day. Much, much easier to tell the truth. Try it sometime, royal pack rats!
Maybe I am a petty B*tch but if I were Charles I would call her and tell her that due to her sun sensitivity, he wants her to be healthy and will now be sending Camilla to Wimbeldon in her place….that way Kate can stay home and find balance.
I think, to borrow the French expression, Kate is being hoist by her own petard. She says she’s sick, so….. for every event she cancels at the last minute without a valid excuse, I think Charles (and Camilla) are set to dock her one event she was actually eager to attend. We’ve deduced something like this was at stake, like, you want a tiara night, right, go shake peasant hands this week. But it’s become so explicitly transactional, it’s like…. Better to just leave it. FWIW I find Kate’s “work” ethic eerily resembles the attitude of many folks in the UK, to a jaundiced Yank eye. There’s a sense of entitlement to leisure time, work / life balance, annual leave, holidays, family activities…. Which, in a way, I absolutely love and endorse wholeheartedly, as a parent, and on principle. What kills it for me is that when people *are* at work, they’re sort of not entirely switched on? Like, it just becomes the thin edge of a wedge, like, work is what they do in between half terms and Bank Holidays and city breaks and …it’s clearly a lesser priority. You kind of wish that they would bring the same energy to work, that they bring to their holidays, and their domestic arrangements in general. Home renovations, extensions, foodie fun days, kids’ parties, it’s like everyone is running a sideline in lifestyle influencing. But oddly enough it never really feels like they attain a sustainable equilibrium. The work just…. Isn’t working. My 2 cents.
This analysis is so interesting. I’m used to the way of working in the US (and India)… and my kid lives in the UK and this is the same impression I get from their description of what it’s like to live and work there. Not as much hustle in the office!
Without wishing to sound defensive, there was plenty of hustle and long hours without overtime or time off in lieu in offices I worked in over many years.
I assume KM will be in the reception committee for the Donald Trump state visit (2) that we are all so looking forward to in the U.K? Trump was at one time saying it would be next month, but like 99% of what he says he probably just made that up. And he’s busy starting wars and doing nothing about the existing ones. But I’m sure KM will rally round when we are honoured by his presence.
@Anne Maria… didn’t mean to sound critical, as I think the work balance is off in the US in the other direction! I hustled for a bit, and it’s not some sort of global standard I think all countries should aspire to!
I am not trying to thread jack here but I keep looking at these photos and honestly the vibe between the Wales is maybe that of “coworkers forced to spend time together”…at best? Like…I don’t get it. These people have been together for what, 20 years? More? And the vibration between them is like how I feel if I was forced to make small talk with someone, who had no personality, for 10 hours.
Maybe I am totally wrong? That is just really…impressive? I guess? How TF do you spend 20 years with someone and look like strangers.
She was fine for skiing and she will be fine for Wimbledon. Do they not see how it looks? Of course it doesn’t matter, royalist have short memories, she was lazy before her precancerous cells and anti monarchist don’t actually do more than slightly grumble. This is nothing new for her, the excuse has just changed. It was the children are young, it was they are newly weds ,it was she’s new to the royals. I will be interested to see if she goes to the tiara event, as that is what royalist want to see most and what she very clearly loves. If she doesn’t go to that I’d say it’s a mixed of her being benched and saying if I can’t go here I won’t go there. They can’t physically make her do anything. A lot of articles on her pulling out when it was said to be no big deal. I think this is coming from the press to poke at Kate and William, because they need more from them. Any criticism she receives for the rest of her life BUT CANCER! will be used.
Republic focuses its criticism at the institution generally, or the monarch and heir. Charles is unpopular, so they tap into that. William has been greatly criticised since he inherited control and profits of the Duchy. But William is popular.
Kate is irrelevant, I suppose. She was once a commoner, so they seem to have a soft spot for her. I’ve commented that this is a mistake, but they have a very definite plan to end the monarchy, which won’t change.
For the record, I think their campaign is weak because they aren’t getting their message across in a significant way. People are still in the dark about the Crown Estate, the duchies and funding of the royals. That strategy is in error right there.
@convict, you’re absolutely right, Republic needs to do a better job getting the message out about the duchies, funding, and so on. Whenever somebody asks why the royals are paid to do nothing, the response is always, always “but they only cost £1.97 (or whatever) a year and they bring in so much tourist revenue.” When in fact that £1.97 (or whatever) figure is just for the Crown Estate and doesn’t include security, all the tax benefits (no inheritance or capital gains taxes), and the sweet deals like charging for shorelines and empty prisons. And France beheaded their monarch but has more tourism revenue, so maybe Brits are thinking about tourism the wrong way, lol.
I’m not so interested in the actual content of the article as much as the British media seem determined to keep Kate skipping Ascot at the last minute in the news every day. Wondering at whose direction? Will, Chuck or Cam?
You are so right! This hasn’t been buried. Even though they are now topping it with sugary flatterly…it is still a reminder of her failure.
So Kate can take long summer bike rides in the countryside, but she can’t show up to a horse race?
Pull the other one, Becky.
Kate has clearly put a foot wrong here (shock!) and is being punished for it, and Becky’s attempted cleanup in Aisle K is pretty weak.
IMO, attendance at a state banquet would be considered “work” because you have to interact with at least two people and carry on a conversation. Just riding in a carriage, smiling and waving doesn’t require as much. Ascot is just chatting with friends and family. Honestly, all this coddling and explanation of why Kate just can’t make appearances that are a part of her role makes her look like the laziest, most coddled, spoiled, incompetent woman. Why are people almost twice her age doing more work than she is? If she sees her role as simply producing heirs, then they should just say so, and the public would get used to seeing William (as seldom as they do) solo. She has done a great job of producing three sturdy heirs and kudos to her for accomplishing that. She is, by her behaviour, reducing herself to just a brood mare, which is a legitimate royal role. They had trouble with Diana because she proved she was so much more than that.
Producing children is not a job, not even a royal one, almost any woman can do it. Raising them is difficult, but she has nannies and her parents. And, she lied about having HG to get out of work. It’s a pattern with her.
Being an adult is about showing up when it is necessary for work, family, medical, social commitments. Very few can choose show up only if they feel like it. Yes there are selfish, flaky and unreliable people who aren’t bothered about meeting their obligations and letting people down if they get a better offer elsewhere. Reputation and integrity and good manners and respect for others matter. Expecting allowances to forever made and people not to mind about inconvenience whilst taking constant advantage is self indulgent and arrogant. Yet I bet Kate believes that she alone has EARNT that standing ovation at Wimbledon.
Her mega fans were so “proud” of Keen getting the standing ovation. I thought it embarrassing that the actual winner of the match was totally ignored while Kate Preened.
Maybe that’s why the champion, Carlos Alcaraz, left Pips standing like a groupie waiting for some recognition.
That was Kate’s fault. She could have said hello, nice to meet you, let me introduce my sister; but, no. No social skills whatsoever.
Yeah, I’m willing to bet Carlos had no idea who Pippa was.
I guess the separation talks aren’t going well. There is clear animosity on either side of this issue and the only thing that will resolve it is to push her further and further away from public events, tiara events, anything where she tries to suck all the attention and play to the cameras. No wonder KFC and Cam have kept her from all but the most menial of appearances. It’s as obvious as the nose on my face that she’s waiting (again) for a big payout before she acquiesces to an agreement. Either that or she’s dangling releasing some dirt on William as leverage to get what she wants. And there’s Carole in the middle, fawning over William and Charles at Ascot, trying to be the peace-maker/broker in the deal. What a disgusting mess.
Hernias are common after pregnancy, I honestly think that’s all it was for Kate. I had a ventral and umbilical repair recently, and they biopsied (per routine) the fat removed from ventral. I could’ve stretched the truth to “suspected presence of cancer” or however they worded it, and I get to take the entire summer to recover but some are giving themselves 6+ months to feel normal.
Looking at Kate on the balcony I think upon Royal Foibles’ comment on KM, that “her face was melting.” Whatever became of Royal Foibles, he was always beseeching money.
He didn’t originate that. It was Sara hammel, a celebrity reporter who coined the kate face collapsing comment in 2016 in her memoir. It was describing how keen grins maniacally, often at somber events, to conceal the collapse.
‘‘She wants to find the right balance and work with a greater degree of flexibility than before.’
Are they serious with this?? She does f*ck-all to start with, how much more flexible can it get? Does she want the Trooping ceremony moved to another time of year? She crawled out of her cave a full year ago & she still hasn’t found the ‘right balance’??
@BeanieBean I laughed out loud, thank you for that!
I guess people have forgotten that King Charles also went through similar but worse ordeals, at the same time, in his seventies, and isn’t given the luxury of months of pampering and time off for quiet reflection of things that bring him joy.
James Middleton will surely be producing doggy family trees for all these poor pups. What’s the going rate for a sibling of the next monarch’s dog for breeding and snob value?
You’ve gotta appreciate a good family grift at the end of the day I suppose.
In 50 years time there will probably still be dogs on sale merchandised as ‘descendants of Orla’.
I’m wondering if whatever caused need for abdominal surgery is an ongoing health issue and that may be why she isn’t attending any public dinners or lunches.
And, why she’s just shrinking away. She’s always been thin, but she really doesn’t look healthy now.
Plus – of course – Camilla, Charles, and William expect to be the headliners, etc.
PS – I wish I had an entire summer of nature walks + sailing. Work/Schmerk – If I were in her shoes, I’d do the same thing!
I have no sympathy for Kate after her cruelty to meghan.
I think Kate may be having some serious mental health struggles (for many different reasons). Pulling out from Ascot and talking about balance, etc. is just a way of saying that – when she’s ok mentally, she’ll attend an engagement or two and when she’s not ok mentally, she won’t go anywhere. The fact that her mother and husband ignore whatever that was going on with her and went to Ascot anyway, tells me all I need to know.
Tom Sykes version of the English column was very sympathetic and almost had me running for a hankie until Kate essentially blamed Meghan for her cancer, an excessive gambit for a poseur like the PoW.
Martha and AI, you are much kinder than I am. I think Kate wants to be this thin (“You can never be too rich or too thin”). Well, she’s really achieved both goals. There’s nothing in that quotation about working for what you have. She just doesn’t. And who wouldn’t have mental health issues with all those terrible people? But the fact is, she’s one of them–one of the nest of vipers that have transactional relationships with each other and betrayal is always the next step. In fact, she “helped” Meghan into having her own mental health issues–suicidal thoughts due to horrendous treatment from her and everyone else. And I believe Meghan is a very strong woman and it took a lot to drive her to despair. Well, Kate was in the front line of the tormentors, but now the vipers have turned on her, as could be expected. She has no sympathy from me. Ever.
J. Ferber, I also don’t have sympathy for her, after what she did to Meghan. I just thought to point out what I think is her issue. I actually hope karma is visiting her triple time.
Thinking outside the box. Kate avoids social events which require eat ing. Is she physically unable to eat? Does she still have a port in place to deliver TPN, intravenous nutritional feedings? This could partially explain the need to schedule her activities around this procedure and her thinner frame.
That’s a possibility Libra. Maybe she’s bulemic and has an overwhelming need to purge after eating. My late sister had EDs and would purge after every meal. That also may explain the bandages we saw on her fingers repeatedly.
Oh what a tangled web we weave , when first we practice to deceive .
She is in a spot of bother isn’t she .
So many lies , so much unhappiness .
If ever the truth comes out , whatever it is about these two , people probably wouldn’t believe it anyway .
So nice for her to have the strength to go sit in the royal box to watch men’s tennis played by the best. And take it easy for the rest of the year? Prince has that trip to Brazil, the highlight of his year, without Kate. I wish her good health, I really do. But come on!
It’s lunatic to claim she is important to the monarchy, she is not. Her only complishment has been the children. I can’t help but follow this entertaining royal couple, the other royal families are too professional. Kate and William are too precious, just so spoiled, I mean young.
Late to the party, but you are spot on about this piece being backhanded. The repeating of the apparent fact that Kate was very ill prior to her surgery – and English stating that’s Kate’s own story to tell – is a reminder to KP that English knows the secret and has agreed not to reveal it. What has she received in return? I can’t imagine she’s happy that she’s gotten a Duchess that lives in the woods for it. And the rest of the piece reads as a deliberately pathetic attempt to justify Kate’s attendance at Wimbledon