Christopher Andersen, author of the new book "The Game of the Crowns: Elizabeth, Camilla, Keith and the Throne," analyzes several examples of their rebellious acts.
It's been five years since the wedding of the Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge. On April 29, 2011, millions of eyes watched as Kate Middleton in her superb wedding dress enters the majestic building of Westminster Abbey, taking the first steps in her new life as the wife of the heir to the British throne. And now thanks to her, the royal family was replenished with two more charming members - George and Charlotte. From the very beginning of his acquaintance, William and Kate constantly neglected traditions. Despite this, they have won universal love and admiration.
1. They live outside the city.
No, they have apartments in Kensington Palace, but they prefer to hang their hats (and hats) in another haven. "The place where they live is called Anmer Hall, it is in Sandringham, Norfolk County, north of London. There they spend most of the time, because it's not far from William's work. Being away from the city, they can afford to go shopping in the supermarket, like ordinary people, "Andersen points out.
2. They do not work very hard.
From the side it may seem that they are traveling and appearing in public for their own pleasure. In fact, this is part of their duties, which they sometimes neglect. "In theory, the position of William obliges him constantly, about 500 times a year, to take part in any activities, as do Charles, Camilla, Queen, Prince Philip and Princess Anna," Andersen explains. "They cut thousands of ribbons, plant trees," walk around the hospitals ", as they call it ... The Queen performs these duties in a larger volume than William, Kate and Harry put together." But do not call them lazy, you need to consider that this intentional choice in favor of a normal life, besides, William works as a pilot on a rescue helicopter and carries a ten-hour watch.
3. They dress in the same way.
Those who follow the life of the royal family easily learn things from Kate's favorite designers and her casual clothes, because she often wears the same thing. "They put on the same things several times, which is not usual for the royal family, because they have unlimited opportunities," continues Andersen. Kate seems to prove that women of fashion are ordinary people. The same applies to her children, although for several other reasons.
4. They themselves raise their children.
"William and Kate do not want their children to grow crowds of nannies in the walls of the royal palace. William's father Prince Charles since childhood was surrounded by courtiers and, as a child, communicated exclusively with the royal environment. George and Charlotte are brought up by Kate, although she is helped by a nanny, "Andersen explains. In this couple of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge continues the manner of Diana's behavior, which was the first of the royal family to raise children herself.
5. They gave George to the kindergarten.
It's not just to make such cute shots. "The fact that they give the children to the kindergarten, they say: we will do the same as Diana," Andersen explains. "Diana drove William and Harry to McDonald's, to the park, to the movies. She also took them with her when visiting clinics for AIDS patients, chambers with oncology, children's hospitals and homeless shelters. Probably, William and Kate will continue this undertaking. "
6. They went to college.
When (or if) Kate ascends to the throne, she will be the first Queen of England with a university education. William and Kate met while studying in college, which allowed their relationship to develop not according to the royal scenario. "At first they were just friends and lived in their own circle, hidden from the ubiquitous press. They ordered Chinese food, cycled and went to the pub, like ordinary students, "Andersen explains.
7. They constantly publish pictures of their family.
The older generation of the royal family does not publish their photos on the Internet, but William and Kate, unlike them regularly post pictures on Twitter and Instagram, and each significant event is dedicated to a separate photo session. There was even created a new vacancy for the development of the strategy of Internet communication to cover the activities of the royal family, in other words, for $ 70,000 a year it is necessary to record everyday life of the royal family for posting pictures in social networks. This is a very thought-out move. "For obvious reasons, William does not like the press, he blames the journalists for his mother's death. From the whole royal family, Kate has the most balanced approach to this issue. She realized that the press can be pacified, forcing them to publish photos on their own terms, "concludes Andersen.
8. Kate is not an aristocrat.
The key factor in this marriage is that Kate does not belong to the aristocracy and does not possess a drop of royal blood. "Camille did not approve of Kate, she thinks she's the charcoal's daughter," Andersen explains. In addition to education, "Kate will be the first queen of the working class".
9. They meet with world leaders .. maybe a little early.
Snapshots of how President Obama communicates with George dressed in pajamas are simply adorable. But they are interesting for another reason. "I'm amazed that the press did not ask why there are no pictures of Charles and Camille. The fact that the incumbent president did not meet with the next successor to the monarch is a clear violation of the protocol, "Andersen said. "It was impossible to ignore Charles and Camille, it's simply impossible. However, this could not happen without the knowledge of the queen, from which it can be concluded that in this way she sends a certain message. "
10. They are gentle with each other.
William and Kate often hold hands, hug or joyfully rush into each other's arms, expressing delight from the victory of the beloved team. "You'll never see Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth embrace or even touch each other in public. I would say that William and Kate show a little more feelings, while remaining within the limits of propriety, "concludes Andersen.
11. They are crazy about each other.
They feel comfortable in public because they really love each other. In fact, this is much less common than it seems. "For centuries, infidelity has been a hallmark of the royal family," says Andersen. And, as opposed to this sad tradition of marriage for the sake of political expediency, William and Kate are a completely different example - a magnificent union of two loving hearts. Let them be happy!