Kate Middleton’s health recovery leaves British taxpayers footing the bill for a part-time princess.
At a Glance
- Kate Middleton is cancer-free but won’t return to full-time royal duties anytime soon
- The Princess of Wales completed chemotherapy in summer 2024 and is focusing on her children
- Her role may change compared to before her cancer battle, potentially never returning to her previous capacity
- Kate is expected to assist Prince William in planning for his future role as king
- No full-scale foreign tours are planned for Kate, though she may join Prince William on shorter trips
A Royal Recovery at Taxpayer Expense
Well, folks, it looks like we’re in for another year of part-time royalty. Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has decided that after battling cancer, she’s not quite ready to jump back into the full-time job of waving, smiling, and cutting ribbons. Now, don’t get me wrong, cancer is no joke, and I’m glad she’s on the mend. But at what point do we start asking questions about the return on investment for our royal family?
Let’s break this down. Kate underwent major abdominal surgery in January 2024, was diagnosed with cancer shortly after, and spent most of the year focusing on chemotherapy and caring for her children. All well and good. But now, as we roll into 2025, we’re being told not to expect too much from our princess. A royal source, probably sipping tea with their pinky out, tells us, “There is no huge reset button that’s going to be hit in January. What we will actually see is a slow continuation of the Princess balancing her recovery and her public-facing duties.”
The Royal Balancing Act
Now, I’m all for work-life balance, but when your job description includes “being a figurehead” and “embodying the nation’s spirit,” you’d think showing up would be part of the gig. But no, we’re told Kate’s role “may never come back in the role that people saw her in before.” Fantastic. So we’re paying for a scaled-down version of royalty now? Is this like when you downgrade your cable package but still pay almost the same price?
“Cancer impacts on your perspective, and what you have seen in the decisions they have made over the last year is that family and their children continue to be at the centre of their universe. Both Their Royal Highnesses have a strong commitment to duty, service and using their platform for good. But what they are working on is ways they can balance themselves as parents with being the Prince and Princess of Wales.”
Oh, I see. They’re “working on ways” to balance being parents and royals. Here’s a wild idea: how about doing the job you’re paid for? Millions of British parents manage to work full-time jobs AND raise families without the benefit of royal nannies, chefs, and housekeepers. But I guess that’s too much to ask of our beloved royals.
A Princess’s Priorities
We’re told that Kate’s “number one priority” is her children. Well, isn’t that sweet? And here I thought her number one priority was serving the country that provides her with a life of luxury and privilege. Silly me. But don’t worry, she’s not completely shirking her duties. She’s expected to assist Prince William in planning for his future role as king. Because apparently, that’s a full-time job now.
“Although the king is carrying out his duties with typical determination, he has had to accept limitations during his cancer treatment”
And let’s not forget, no full-scale foreign tours are planned for Kate. Heaven forbid she has to endure the hardship of first-class travel and luxury accommodations on the taxpayer’s dime. She might, however, join Prince William on shorter trips “if possible.” How generous of her.
The Royal Reality Check
Look, I get it. Health is important, and recovery takes time. But at what point do we start questioning the value of a monarchy that seems to be operating on a part-time basis? If Kate Middleton can’t fulfill her royal duties, maybe it’s time to start thinking about downsizing the whole operation. After all, in these times of economic hardship and government overreach, do we really need to be funding a royal family that’s more focused on personal recovery than public service?
As we enter 2025, maybe it’s time for a national conversation about what we expect from our royals. If they can’t commit to full-time service, perhaps it’s time to reconsider their role – and their funding – altogether. After all, in a world where everyday Brits are struggling to make ends meet, should we really be bankrolling a part-time princess?
