Prince William's recent solo trip to New York City has garnered admiration and applause from both Americans and avid royal enthusiasts in a striking juxtaposition of royal visits. This commendable journey starkly contrasts the media frenzy and paparazzi drama that accompanied his younger brother, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle's headline-grabbing trip to the city.
The Duke of Cambridge, accompanied by his wife, Kate Middleton, undertook a series of royal engagements during his visit, including the Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit on consecutive days. Remarkably, this visit remained untouched by controversy and drama, leaving a positive impression on observers.
Renowned royal expert Christopher Andersen aptly described the situation as "class vs. crass," drawing a sharp contrast between the two brothers and their approaches to their visits to the Big Apple. Andersen, author of "The King," compared their actions and receptions, shedding light on their endeavors.
Andersen explained, "When Harry and Meghan arrived in New York last May, they flew in on a private jet, bringing along a host of grievances and complaints accumulated over the years." The Suss*xes seemingly aimed to demonstrate that they, much like Princess Diana, were unfairly pursued by the press.
Their visit culminated in an ostensible two-hour high-speed chase through Manhattan's streets, a spectacle that raised eyebrows even among those familiar with the city. It was a dramatic spectacle that seemed more suited to a Hollywood movie than a royal visit.
"It was merely another stop on Harry and Meghan's ongoing tour of grievances," Andersen added.
Prince William's Subtle NYC Lesson
In contrast, Prince William's visit was devoid of such drama. He opted for a commercial flight for his first visit to New York City since 2014.
Andersen emphasized that there are valuable lessons the Duke and Duchess of Suss*x can draw from William's understated and focused visit. "William adhered to the script, concentrating not on himself but on the promotion of climate change awareness, the core purpose of his journey to the U.S.," noted Andersen.
The distinguished royal commentator suggested that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could benefit from adopting a bit of decorum and self-restraint, qualities that William and Kate exemplified during their visit. However, he acknowledged that these qualities might not align with the Suss*xes' approach to their public appearances.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe also offered insights into the differences between the two visits. Larcombe pointed out that Prince William's visit was meticulously organized by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK, underscoring its official nature.
In contrast, Harry and Meghan's visit appeared less structured, despite their decision to step back from royal duties. Their actions raised questions about the distinction between their personal appearances and official royal tours.
In sum, Prince William's dignified and purposeful visit to New York City has been met with acclaim, highlighting the importance of focusing on meaningful causes and maintaining a sense of decorum in the public eye—a lesson that his brother Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may find valuable as they navigate their own unique path.