Hannah Furness, Royal Editor for The Telegraph, takes an interesting look at how the royal family will cope in Kate’s absence. Rightly, sources tell Furness that no royal family member will be subbing for Kate. For example, it would feel weird and look very off to see Sophie stand in for Kate at early years events or takeover her visits to child-centered engagements. “Well-intentioned as it would be, the Princess’ projects are designed around her own expertise and her convening power,” The Telegraph reports. In my opinion, this is the right decision. Instead, the structure Kate has built around her early years work will continue forward and when she’s well enough, she will work with them from home. Last Monday, CEOs from international corporations, including NatWest, Ikea, and The Lego Group, met together at Kensington Palace, without Kate, to continue their work on their early years project in partnership with Kate’s Centre for Early Childhood.
I must say, it’s good to see Kate’s importance to the royal family being highlighted and acknowledged during her absence. And, even more, the magnitude and scope of her work. Kate has built something. The naysayers point to her number of engagements, without appreciating the value and importance of Kate and William’s new working model. Their work is more than ribbon-cutting. And it takes a lot of planning and developing behind the scenes. We don’t see the many, many hours of building.
The Telegraph is reporting that Kate’s Centre for Early Childhood has funded not one, but two studies. The first, we have discussed at length, is a pilot program with the NHS about the Alarm Distress Baby Scale. It concluded in December and if well received, could be rolled out nationally by the NHS. The second, and I don’t believe it has been reported before, focuses on the social and emotional development of children. I expect to hear results from both studies when Kate returns.
Royal aides also shared with The Times, that William and Kate are “100 percent family first, day job second”, with The Times adding, “the mood has changed”. I think this is a very telling and powerful statement. It speaks to the seriousness of Kate’s surgery and the realization that, to William and Kate, nothing else matters right now but her health and welfare. That’s their focus. And a clear sign to those attacking them, we will continue valuing and protecting our family.
Diana and William heading home from the hospital after his fractured skull surgery. It made worldwide news when Charles left young William at the hospital to attend the opera.
During all of this, William must be remembering his surgery and hospital stay when he was little, with very different family support. While at his boarding school, William was smacked in the head by a golf club, fracturing his skull. Rushed to the hospital, he had to undergo surgery for the fracture. Diana, of course, cancelled all her engagements and stayed with William. Charles visited and then went to the opera, I believe during the actual surgery, rightly causing a stiff public backlash. I think William wants it to be clear to Kate and everyone, just exactly where his priorities are at.
I do wonder if Kate’s illness is exasperated by stress, which is common for abdominal issues. The way she’s been targeted by Meghan and Harry, has that been purposeful because of her illness? They have gone after her like a rabid dog. Why? The whole Endgame, Dutch book switch, was just a few weeks ago.
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