William and Kate Accused of ‘Part-Time’ Attitude as Palace Insiders Fume Over Growing Snub to Duties

Prince William and Kate Middleton might be the shining stars of the Royal Family in the eyes of the public, but things behind the palace gates aren’t quite as polished. It’s being suggested that some staff are getting increasingly frustrated with the couple’s determination to do things their own way.

Despite being the most popular royals according to polls, both William and Kate have reportedly raised eyebrows over their approach to official duties. While William’s reduced schedule in 2024 was widely understood due to Kate’s cancer diagnosis and recovery, it turns out murmurs of discontent had already started long before her health issues became public.

According to The Scottish Express, some palace insiders were even starting to refer to Kate as a “part-time Royal,” a label that’s quietly made the rounds, especially among those expecting a more traditional, full-time commitment to royal life.

Kate, 43, is slowly easing back into engagements but remains focused on being a hands-on mum to their three children — George, Charlotte and Louis — which remains her top priority. William, 42, has also faced scrutiny for how he manages his time, with some noting that he’s been able to jet off for personal interests, including trips to Germany for the Euros and to South Africa for his Earthshot Prize, even as official engagements were scaled back.

In another surprising moment, it was reported that King Charles himself had to step in and instruct William to attend Pope Francis’ funeral, suggesting the Prince of Wales wasn’t planning to go of his own accord. The Scottish Daily Express pointed this out as an example of how his priorities have at times appeared out of step with royal expectations.

According to Camilla Tominey, associate editor at The Telegraph, there’s now growing pressure on the couple to step up their royal workload. She noted that aides have started to worry they may be spending “too much time with their immediate family instead of supporting the ‘Firm’.”

Tominey also believes this approach is one of the reasons a reconciliation between William and Harry seems more unlikely than ever. With Harry settled in California since 2020 and having taken several public swipes at the monarchy, including claims made in his memoir Spare, relations remain icy. William was said to have been deeply hurt, especially over accusations that he physically confronted Harry during an argument about Meghan Markle.

While the temperature around the feud may have cooled slightly, Tominey reports that William has “mellowed” somewhat but isn’t pushing for any sort of reunion. “Making amends with Harry is low down their list of priorities,” she said. Friends of the future king are even quoted as saying there’s “no way back” and that the “prevailing attitude is — let sleeping dogs lie.”

Still, William hasn’t completely stepped away from high-level duties. On Sunday, he was in Monaco, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron and delivered a passionate speech about ocean conservation at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum. He called on world leaders to “think big” to protect marine life, highlighting the urgency around rising sea temperatures, plastic pollution, and overfishing. “What once seemed an abundant resource is diminishing before our eyes,” he said. “But there remains time to turn this tide.”

While William might be calling for big ideas on the global stage, at home there’s still some royal housekeeping to sort.

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