Prince William and Kate Middleton are transforming the Royal Family’s traditions and customs. The Prince and Princess of Wales are creating a more modern monarchy, which they have repeatedly demonstrated through their endeavors to raise their children.
The couple has been outspoken about many things, including their private life, which has dramatically impacted how members of the public view them, increasing their popularity. But while they are fearless in talking freely about virtually all topics, is their family life as great as it sounds?
It may be time for them to take the next step and begin speaking about how marriage can be challenging and demanding, which their marriage is most likely also (just like anyone else’s). After all, making themselves even more relatable could be crucial in saving the monarchy for future generations.
Prince William and Kate Middleton are known for their progressive take on what a modern monarchy should look like. The Prince and Princess of Wales decided to move in a more modern direction many years ago, beginning with how they raise their children. William has taken a lot of inspiration from his mother, Princess Diana, who wanted to give William and his brother, Prince Harry, an upbringing that perhaps veered from what royal children had experienced before. Their childhood, for example, wasn’t confined to stiff outfits as they learned the “royal way” to behave.
Instead, Diana saw the value of her children not being exposed only to royal life but also to everyday life. To her, that would affect her children positively in the future; if they hadn’t been to a fast food restaurant or ridden the subway, how would they ever connect to members of the public?
Of course, eating at McDonald’s or riding the subway weren’t the only things they did, but those two minor things tell us a lot. William, it seems, was greatly inspired, and what Diana gave him, he and Kate gave their children.
Modernizing the monarchy is about more than just raising children. Not long ago, during a visit to South Africa, William emphasized how important it is for the Royal Family to engage in philanthropic causes, championing the importance of empathy.
Moreover, he wants to use his position to create collaborations that make a difference in society, which sounds like one of the more crucial pieces regarding what a modern monarchy should be like – and how important it is for William to resonate with the public.
Prince William & Kate Middleton ‘should speak on negative sides of their marriage’
William and Kate want to be role models, and in recent years, they have decided to give members of the public access to their private lives through social media. Kate posts pictures of her children, and while the Royal Family used to never speak on health matters, she decided to come forward and speak openly regarding her cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
The intimate video in which Kate explained she was cancer-free was another example of how William and Kate have chosen transparency rather than secrecy. British broadcaster Jonathan Sacerdoti told Fox News that the couple “broke with royal tradition” when they shared the video and told the world what they had been through as a family in a challenging time. He added that Kate has been “humanized,” which might be the best word to describe how William and Kate want a new modern Royal Family to be seen.
However, the humanizing part should not only consist of positive things, and this is where William and Kate might have room for improvement. To be able to connect with members of the public and be seen as relatable humans, they need to also speak about the negative aspects of their lives, such as how marriage can be tricky sometimes.
For a start, it would be refreshing to hear William and Kate say: “Yes, we argue sometimes,” or “Yes, we disagree in certain aspects of how the children should me raised.”
“Showing the world that they are human”
Undoubtedly, the Prince and Princess of Wales have marriage issues like the rest of us. While they can choose not to disclose private details about their marriage, showing the world that they are human and thus argue like any other couple would be a good way of making the Royal Family even more modern.
It’s not about William saying, “Oh by the way, yesterday I screamed at my wife because of this or that,” or Kate saying, “I don’t think William is tough enough when our children have misbehaved.” It’s about recognizing that they, like millions of others, have arguments or heated discussions from time to time.
Royal expert and proclaimed author Tom Quinn has previously claimed that William and Kate have “terrible rows where they throw things at each other.” While that might not be what they would choose to disclose, connecting with the public regarding marriage issues and how to solve them is undoubtedly a way forward for a Royal Family, one that would see them grow closer to their fans worldwide.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have already invited the world into their world through videos of their family in a standard setting and their openness about their children’s hobbies and personalities. I look forward to them having their own Q&A every Sunday in The Guardian, where they share advice on how to make a marriage last and what to do when arguments take over.
The ultimate proof that one is human is to show feelings, both positive and negative. It’s time for Prince William and Kate Middleton to do the same.
Do you agree with this? Should Prince William and Kate Middleton speak more about how they also argue or not? Please share this article and give us your opinion!