Is Harry and Meghan's UK Return the Reason Behind Kate and William's Suspiciously Busy July?
Prince William and Kate Middleton are shedding their work-shy image since the past few days, but the reason behind it could be completely different.
Although far more popular than many other royals, Prince William and Kate Middleton are not entirely immune to trolling. While there are multiple brickbats regularly slung at them, one particular criticism has followed them like a vengeful ghost over the past several years: that they are work-shy. The royal couple consistently records a shockingly low work tally compared to other, more senior royals in the family. But over the past week, the pair has been busy with public engagements that may continue throughout July. But the timing is eerily suspicious.
The first quarter of 2026 didn’t see much improvement in William or Middleton’s public engagement numbers. While the former recorded 22 solo engagements, the Princess of Wales undertook only 11. The workload is nowhere near the same league as King Charles, who recorded 86 solo outings, despite his age and cancer treatment. However, in recent times, the situation has drastically changed.
The Prince of Wales was seen visiting a mental health charity, speaking during London Climate Action Week about the latest stage of his initiative to tackle homelessness, and participating in the Order of the Thistle service in Scotland. Meanwhile, Middleton undertook the grueling Three Peaks Challenge to raise awareness about cancer and support the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. This week, she spent an entire day at Wimbledon greeting fans, working behind the ticket counter, watching matches, and mingling with British tennis stars. As per the Telegraph, the Waleses “will have a week of ordinary engagements between them, ending with a charity polo match and the annual trip to Wimbledon” this month. The timing of these sudden, jam-packed dates strangely coincides with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit to the UK, prompting royal fans to ask the obvious question. Is this an avoidance tactic?
The rift between the Sussexes and the Wales is quite well-known. Despite being close blood relatives, the two couples reportedly haven’t spoken to each other in the past several years. Harry and Markle are expected to meet Charles for a reunion, but William and Middleton may not be a part of the picture. Not just emotionally, but physically, either, as the future monarchs are seemingly extricating themselves from the equation altogether by keeping busy with work. They had pulled a similar move when the Duke of Sussex had visited the UK in September 2025.
And royal fans were quick to notice, as one X user said, “Smart that William & Catherine are making it known publicly in advance they both have packed schedules next week. So Harry & his team of propaganda press can't make up lies about them secretly meeting,” as another added, “They did the same last year; glad they’re continuing. It stops the Harry UK media propaganda circus from using them in their clown show.” One X user wrote, "They will not be finding any time to meet with Harry. If he comes," while another wondered, "And then disappear until Sept/Oct." Other fans expressed their excitement to see more of their favorite prince and princess, exclaiming, "We can’t wait."
There has been a lot of push and pull when it came to Harry and Markle’s dramatic UK comeback this month. Whether the Sussexes will meet any other royal apart from Charles is still unclear. The jury is out on that. But the couple will reportedly take their two kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to see Princess Diana’s grave at Althorp.
