The One Thing That Makes Kate Middleton's Royal Role Harder Than Anyone Else's, Per Royal Expert
Kate Middleton carries the weight of not only being one of the most famous women in the world, but also of being a female royal.
Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and who would know it better than the British royalty? As the face of the monarchy, the royal family has been under intense scrutiny for decades. And sadly, the massive weight of public perception unfairly falls on the shoulders of the female royals, be it the late Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, or now Kate Middleton. Their roles in the Firm arguably seem harder than those of their male counterparts.
There seems to be a certain expectation of being flawless when it comes to royals. The lens further magnifies when the Princess of Wales is in question. In the day and age of tele lenses and social media, every move and action of hers is closely scrutinized. Royal author Catherine Mayer told Marie Claire, “She is human, and the projection onto her of perfection adds to the burdens she already carries as one of the most famous women in the world."
Mayer explained that scrutiny is “worse” for royal women because it is “their job to be seen”. And the statement rings true in Middleton’s case. She is certainly one of the most beloved members of the royal family. At times, her popularity also crosses that of her husband, Prince William, or her monarch father-in-law, King Charles. Every time she steps out for royal duties, stories about her outfits, conversations, and even curtsies seem to take over the entire event. And while she receives an immense amount of love, the criticism is no less.
However, the irony is glaring. The entire future of the monarchy depends heavily on royal brides and their choice to have children, yet they are often the ones taking the brunt. “Not only that, but the only way the monarchy continues to exist or recruits new members is through marriage and reproduction. That appears to legitimize a closer interest in their love lives and bodies than other famous women endure. And such scrutiny is always worse for famous women than famous men,” Mayer added.
The Princess of Wales has certainly stood the test of time of public scrutiny. Over the past 15 years, she has emerged as one of the Firm's strongest pillars and has carried the institution through some of its most turbulent times. She has managed to maintain her composure through awkward moments, always exuding warmth and grace, and has been the face of a modern era.
But the duality of popularity is startling. The one who is most loved is often the one responsible for making sure it stays. Heavy is the head that wears the Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara.
