Why Do People Hate Kate Middleton?

Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is one of the most famous women in the world. As the wife of Prince William and future Queen Consort of the United Kingdom, she receives intense public scrutiny. While many people admire Kate for her poise, fashion sense, and charity work, she also has detractors who strongly dislike her. This article will explore the major reasons why some people harbor animosity towards Kate Middleton.

Her Privileged Upbringing

One source of resentment towards Kate stems from her privileged upbringing. She was born into an upper-middle-class family and enjoyed many advantages during her childhood.

Went to Elite Schools

Kate attended exclusive private schools like St. Andrew’s Prep School, Downe House, and Marlborough College. The cost of these schools would be out of reach for average British families. Some believe Kate’s wealthy background and elite education make her unable to relate to ordinary people.

Well-Connected Family

Kate’s family already had royal connections before she met William. Her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, founded a successful party supplies company. They sent Kate and her siblings to the best schools and universities. Critics argue Kate’s family used their wealth and network to increase their social status.

Her Relationship With Prince William

Kate’s relationship with Prince William also draws criticism from some. They accuse her of being a social climber who deliberately pursued William for his title.

Waited a Long Time to Marry

William and Kate dated for almost ten years before getting engaged. Some felt Kate strategically maintained the relationship until William committed to marriage. They claim she tolerated a long wait to become royalty.

Lacks Her Own Identity

Some argue that Kate has sacrificed her own identity to join the royal family. She has assumed traditional roles like decorative consort, dutiful mother, and charity patron. Critics say she has conformed to outdated expectations for royal women.

Perceived Laziness

There is also a perception among some that Kate is lazy and workshy. They believe she enjoys a life of immense privilege without merit.

Less Public Engagements Than Other Royals

Analysis shows Kate conducts fewer public engagements than other royal family members like Prince Charles or Princess Anne. Despite having no fixed professional role, she is not seen as ambitious or hard-working.

Excessive Vacations

Media outlets often show Kate on exotic vacations with William and her children. Her frequent holidays reinforce the belief that she leads an effortless life of leisure. Some think her travels are inappropriate when many British citizens are struggling.

Comparison With Princess Diana

One major factor is Kate’s comparison to her widely adored, late mother-in-law Princess Diana.

Lacks Diana’s Charisma

Diana was famous for her compassion, activism, and ability to connect with people. Critics say the more reserved, less spontaneous Kate lacks Diana’s charisma and generosity of spirit.

Pressure to Fill Diana’s Shoes

As William’s wife and the future Queen Consort, Kate faces huge pressure to fill Diana’s shoes. But her quieter persona makes it difficult to win over Diana loyalists who see her as irreplaceable.

Differing Pedigrees

While Diana was descended from British nobility, Kate comes from a middle-class background. Some snobbish observers look down on Kate’s non-aristocratic lineage.

Unflattering Coverage in Tabloids

Kate’s frequent coverage in tabloid magazines also stokes public dislike.

Focus on Appearance and Weight

Tabloids obsessively cover Kate’s body, clothes, and perceived flaws. Stories have criticized her weight, called her ugly, and questioned her health. This shallow focus angers feminists and others.

Rumors and Speculation About Her Marriage

Tabloids also publish speculative stories about Kate’s marriage to William. Rumors of affairs, fights, and other drama portray the relationship as troubled. These unverified reports promote an unflattering view of Kate.

Intrusive Photos of Her Children

Paparazzi eagerly photograph Kate’s children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Kate is accused of exploiting her kids for favorable media coverage.

She Represents the Monarchy

Finally, Kate draws criticism because she represents the British monarchy as an institution.

Monarchy Seen as Classist

Some view the monarchy as the embodiment of an outdated British class system that promoted inequality and systemic oppression. As a senior royal, Kate becomes the target of anti-monarchy and anti-classist sentiment.

Monarchy Seen as Costly and Unnecessary

Republicans argue the British monarchy is an obsolete, costly institution maintained by public money. They believe taxpayers should not fund the royals’ lavish lifestyle. Kate and William’s $40 million renovation of their Kensington Palace apartment drew anger.

Monarchy’s Undemocratic Nature

Critics argue monarchy contradicts democratic principles by giving people power via hereditary rights rather than merit or elections. Kate did not earn her role, she acquired it by marrying William. To dissenters, she is the face of an undemocratic system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kate Middleton faces dislike because of her elite upbringing, strategic relationship with Prince William, perceived laziness, inevitable comparisons to Princess Diana, unflattering tabloid coverage, and what she represents about the monarchy. However, she remains widely popular overall due to her poise, fashion sense, and devotion to her family and charitable causes. Regardless, as a high-profile royal figure, she will likely continue provoking mixed opinions from the public.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do some people think Kate deliberately chased Prince William?

Some believe Kate strategically pursued William for years until he finally proposed. They say she tolerated a long wait to become royalty rather than find someone else. Critics see her as a social climber who targeted William for his title.

How does Kate’s work ethic compare to other royals?

Analyses show Kate conducts fewer public engagements than other leading royals like Prince Charles and Princess Anne. Despite having no fixed professional role, she is not seen as ambitious or hard-working compared to others. Her frequent vacations also reinforce the belief she leads an effortless life.

Why doesn’t Kate get along with her sister-in-law Meghan Markle?

Rumors of a rift between Kate and Meghan stem from their different backgrounds and personalities. Kate is stereotyped as privileged, conventional and dull while Meghan is seen as modern, outspoken and interesting. The tabloid-fueled feud centers around a “royal catfight” narrative.

What privileges does Kate have that average British people don’t?

As a senior royal, Kate enjoys immense privileges including luxury homes, security details, customized medical care, and taxpayer-funded travel. She also has access to the finest clothes, jewelry, schools, and experiences. Most British citizens do not get anywhere near this level of advantage.

Why does Kate get more criticism than Prince William?

As a woman, Kate’s looks, clothing and behavior face much more scrutiny than Prince William’s. Her parenting and marriage also elicit harsher judgement. The media hold her to strict gendered standards that William is exempt from as a man. Sexism amplifies attacks on Kate.

Table Comparing Kate’s Engagements to other Royals

| Royal Family Member | Number of Engagements in 2022 | |-|-|-|
| Prince Charles | 521 | | Princess Anne | 387 | | Prince William | 220 | | Kate Middleton | 126 | | Prince Edward | 308 | | Sophie, Countess of Wessex | 167 |

This table shows that Kate conducted far fewer public engagements in 2022 than senior working royals like Charles, Anne, Edward and Sophie. William also undertook almost twice as many engagements as Kate. This data reinforces the perception that Kate is less hard-working than other royals.