tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post3880339083928707677..comments2024-03-29T03:49:11.913+00:00Comments on Chronicling Kate: The Princess of Wales Hosts "Insightful First Meeting" with Early Years Advisory GroupAdminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799152261801421558noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-57540262471956816852023-01-29T06:41:54.562+00:002023-01-29T06:41:54.562+00:00I agree. But her PR sells every little thing as th...I agree. But her PR sells every little thing as the next big revelation. Of course the actual events fall short against that. If that’s what they put out there, that’s what she gets measured against.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-68474812484612882202023-01-29T06:40:00.890+00:002023-01-29T06:40:00.890+00:00CeeCee, thank you for expressing many of my views ...CeeCee, thank you for expressing many of my views so eloquently. Kate and Wiliam and their team seem to have overlooked some important bits. No big success comes just like that. It takes years of dedicated and hard work, when no one is interested in it or even laughs about you. Neither Early Years or Earthshot have a good track record. They should have started to work this quietly 10 years ago with successively getting bigger. But jumping in, announcing something is going to be a BIG development build an expectation that’s hard to fulfil. And it looks bad if you announce to make something your prime focus and then not give it a visible extreme effort. It seems they try to follow into the footsteps of the late DoE, KCIII. and Diana, but want to skip the hard part of years of intense work against all odds. So at this point I question their dedication. It looks very performative. The crazy thing is- they needn’t come up with something new. Kate should have taken on the DoE scheme. Outdoors, children and young adults- maybe work out something that benefits the Early Year age gap- so many opportunities. And Wiliam could have doubled down with the Princes Trust (and he could have worked more with the male suicide and military angle additionally). It would be a shame to see two so valid program loose in profile because every generation thinks they need to have their own initiative under their belt. They don’t. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-45311295897372650792023-01-29T06:28:25.463+00:002023-01-29T06:28:25.463+00:00To be honest, people have been talking about her n...To be honest, people have been talking about her numbers from the start. The whole polarised drama between the RF and the Sussexes has led to a momentum where suddenly Kate was hyped as the perfect royal that never put a foot wrong. If you were part of the scene before, you remember that the reality was rather different. We are just getting back to a pre-Drama state. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-6360956806859997602023-01-29T06:24:57.944+00:002023-01-29T06:24:57.944+00:00I have to say, it’s very refreshing to see a balan...I have to say, it’s very refreshing to see a balanced and not heated argument. The constant “criticism equals hate”, shutting down opposing voices and hyper polarised vibe was getting to me. <br />It seems we are finding back to a more mature mindset. <br />You can absolutely be extremely disappointed in Kate‘s output, while being genuinely supportive. <br />I think she has nailed many aspects of finding and making her place in the BRF and her future. But her work output is not it. My personal opinion- she needs to work more ASAP (honestly, she and Wiliam need to double down in their efforts. Early Years and Earthshot are severely lacking and I say this as a fan). She absolutely could work more, especially now that her children are out of the house till the afternoon. But even if she won’t - her team could sell what she does so much better. Someone mentioned Social Media posts. Let’s face it, it’s not her writing them, like her letters and speeches she has staff for this. She reads it and gives it back with thoughts/notice for changes but the drafts are made for her. So why not having one letter to each patronages/charity she has under her belt. Recognising big milestones/anniversaries. Why not release a post every week that showcases another cause/charity. Most of this can be prepared in two weeks and would play out over the whole year, looking busy even though, she is not. I don’t have a problem with the fact they have staff for this. But I am baffled why they don’t use this effectively.<br />For Early Years: What Kate has to do is either showing she has the knowledge- we heard good examples above, or find a different approach. Because right now it’s all talk. Show don’t tell- because I have stopped to believe she actually is as knowledgeable or invested as they claim she is.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-72712226134811903702023-01-28T20:26:04.556+00:002023-01-28T20:26:04.556+00:00I am always amazed at the very thoughtful and arti...I am always amazed at the very thoughtful and articulate comments made by those following this blog. Whether or not I agree with all the comments or positions, I find each contribution insightful and helps me to see all perspectives. While I still fall on the side of strongly supporting what Kate is doing and how she is doing it, I feel that all of the dialogue accompanied by Charlotte's wonderful research and writing helps me to have a balanced view. Even when I can 'feel' the tone of some of the commenters, this is a very civil repartee and I completely respect the difference and the very intelligent exchange of ideas. Thank you Charlotte for providing this forum - ever appreciative!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-62423694389243227032023-01-28T12:28:18.077+00:002023-01-28T12:28:18.077+00:00I totally agree 90 engagements in a year is pitifu...I totally agree 90 engagements in a year is pitiful . As mentioned she has so much help and let’s face it William does a very small amount of engagements too . She knew when she married William what her role would be and has had plenty of time to prepare .<br />She has achieved very little apart from obtaining 4 luxurious homes . She needs to detail what her objectives and targets are with measurable results. When did she last visit EACH ? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-31601486469051453972023-01-27T17:59:58.490+00:002023-01-27T17:59:58.490+00:00Isabella, no offense but that is not good reasonin...Isabella, no offense but that is not good reasoning. Kate does what most women do with her help or resources. She did 90 engagements (phone calls) included. She could and should do more. Being a mother is a huge job, but Kate has more help than most and the making excuses while a simple Instagram post or a good speech could have so much impact. Things like Instagram posts, especially that isn't events-related, can be done in batches and than schedule to post. It would take her two hours work a week, less since she has team.<br /><br />As to the changes they've, like I said many people have and still faced worst. She is grieving, right but the post above doesn't even ask that she work more, just that she use her engagement to have a stronger impact. Right now she is not delivering in quality or quantity. She doesn't deserve the praise she get, because what she does is the bare minimum. <br /><br />The "being a mother" excuse feels very indulgent, because she could've married a none royal man and ben a stay-at-home mom. She married the man and the role - the least she can do is fulfill to the best of her resources.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-14627876349841774752023-01-27T03:13:59.674+00:002023-01-27T03:13:59.674+00:00I think Catherine is doing a wonderful job. Ali
I think Catherine is doing a wonderful job. Ali<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-4888130651718382202023-01-26T21:32:31.850+00:002023-01-26T21:32:31.850+00:00I've never seen so much nitpicking on whether ...I've never seen so much nitpicking on whether Kate is doing enough. I think some are forgetting that she is promoting children's early years development in these charities WHILE living it out daily with 3 young children at home. Being a mother is where she can have the most impact and we know she is a hands on mum. There is only so much time in a day so most of what she does is not seen but we can all see by their lovely children that she is doing a brilliant job in her most important and time consuming job. Comparing her work to Charles' is not comparing apples & apples. If she did nothing else but raise her 3 kids to be good members of society and leaders in the royal family, then she will have accomplished an immense task. We are lucky she gives anything to the public right now with all the immense family changes they have had in past few months. A parent's job of maintaining emotional support during times of moving and grieving death is a huge undertaking. Bravo, Kate, for helping your family ride through this difficult time! May 2023 be a time of peace for your family!Isabellanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-53560979458328856142023-01-26T20:38:20.634+00:002023-01-26T20:38:20.634+00:00Well said Ella, I completely agree with you. Zora ...Well said Ella, I completely agree with you. Zora from PragueAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-29138362751430685152023-01-26T20:27:09.884+00:002023-01-26T20:27:09.884+00:00I am careful to state this because people who supp...I am careful to state this because people who support Kate see critic as an attack on her. <br />This announcement was, like many said, a disappointment. I want to discuss a few things that led to this feeling of disappointment. <br />I think there is a disconnect between generations. The other generation (in thought) appreciates Kate’s current approach because it’s how they would’ve approached it. The younger generation is typically people who have three jobs and want immediate action, expecting more. This generation has several things going on, so they expect Kate, who is shown as a modern-day royal, to do the same and deliver. <br />Secondly, I think the narrative surrounding Kate has to change. The focus of Kate’s whole royal career was her clothes. People have said showcasing British fashion was part of her job. Since taking the role of Princess of Wales, the narrative is that she’s a working royal. Hence the “uniform”. But except for the announcement, very little has changed. <br />The focus is still on Kate. I usually learned a lot about Kat’s causes from Charlotte, not Kate. And that’s a problem. <br />If Kate wants us to focus on her work, she has the power to do so. It was reported she likes to read academic articles, so why not post her desk with an article from one of her experts before or after the meeting? Something like this: https://za.pinterest.com/pin/266908715395345453/ <br />She can even take out a few quotes from the article that she found interesting. This would anchor her work while highlighting the experts. Depending on how the photo is taken, will put the focus on her work. <br />Her quotes sound extremely similar, especially concerning her Early Years project. When the Centre was launched there were simple spelling mistakes made on the cover – with her resources that shouldn’t have happened. <br />And like I said her quotes sound very similar. This can be because the journalist just chooses those quotes, but more likely that is all their privy to. People who are well-versed in a subject make diverse comments. Take this comment Charlotte makes in the latest post: “I've been researching early years in the United Kingdom ahead of the launch of Kate's new initiative next week, and I've been struck by the rather stark disconnect between government and headlines and figures and the actual biting reality of years of underinvestment. We'll be chatting about it in detail next week, but I thought it noteworthy now to underscore the overlapping difficulties.”<br />It shows a basic understanding of cause and effect. <br />Or this quote which is just powerful: “It's also an opportunity to celebrate grassroots heroes who quietly volunteer to make a difference.”<br />Kate’s comment usually sounds stilted and uncomfortable. Moreover, Kate is an educated woman from one of the best institutions in the world – that is why people expect more. <br />The narrative that surrounds Kate needs to be built out because currently, it raises the expectation of what she can or is willing to do. I put older in thought in brackets, because Charles for his many faults has created a charity with results. Diana was brilliant with charity work that has an immediate and long-term effect. This is not new in the royal household, so why are people acting like this is an unreasonable expectation of Kate? <br />She had years of thinking this over and getting help and guidance for her role before she married William. The fact that “listening and learning” and “keen” is the most common description of her work is insulting to her and modern women. Women who still face unimaginable obstacles in their careers. <br />Kate has an enormous platform and whether it’s fair on not, what she does with it affects other women, not just royals. They are upheld as the modern face of British royalty, their work should also reflect that. <br /><br />~ CeeCeeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-76530677207443247022023-01-26T18:42:45.876+00:002023-01-26T18:42:45.876+00:00I agree that 'raising awareness' becomes s...I agree that 'raising awareness' becomes stale and tiresome but I'm hoping she's actually about to launch something soon. I don't think the subject matter is as safe as it appears. Early years funding, childcare provision and even things like the curriculum/regulations are political/government so she does have to tread carefully while figuring out how to make a difference. I don't know what I'd do in her shoes.ABCDnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-67970852510677539492023-01-26T18:30:22.794+00:002023-01-26T18:30:22.794+00:00I agree zipzipzippy. It seems like Catherine tries...I agree zipzipzippy. It seems like Catherine tries to strike a balance of doing meaningful work but not being too controversial in the process. That may make her seem a little cautious to some. She does seem to be detailed and thorough in her approach. I wonder, too, how much COVID and the resulting lockdown upended some plans? I seem to remember that she did at one point do several things to encourage families to develope skills with younger children—I seem to remember her appearing on a Childrens show and doing a nature exploration activity that had supported materials through the show, and another visit where they met with parents—I just remember it being outdoors, under a tent, where language acquisition was part of the conversation. She did the book recorded book reading. <br /><br />I understand people wanting more, but there has been so much upheaval not only in the world, but in their lives, too—the shift in trying to support the nation through COVID lockdowns, the loss of both the Queen and Prince Philip, changing homes, changing schools, changing roles. So much we don’t know or see. No matter the upheavals I t’s obvious this work is important to her, and she intends to keep on keeping on with it. I’m interested to see how she goes forward with it. <br />TKAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-77219650866934001452023-01-26T18:23:53.022+00:002023-01-26T18:23:53.022+00:00B/white is a classic look and this outfit looks gr...B/white is a classic look and this outfit looks great. The Princess looks chic and stylish. Love the pearl earrings. Ava Pittmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03931069844497700305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-11776647178585963342023-01-26T18:19:29.044+00:002023-01-26T18:19:29.044+00:00Very well said Val, I couldn't agree more with...Very well said Val, I couldn't agree more with everything you said. Zip here in Ireland children's and teachers safety is not a issue in schools. I'd be all for home schooling if I lived in America. Some children when you look at their parents, you can't help thinking what hope is there for their kids. I'm not referring to people who are poor, rather people who have had childhood traum and no life skills themselves with no hope of setting a good example to their own children. I know a teacher and she said you can spot the kids who have been sent to school hungry, also the ones who have issues and worries far beyond their years. Education and support is key here to breaking the cycle. S.😄Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-88378130316756426712023-01-26T18:13:59.919+00:002023-01-26T18:13:59.919+00:00I have to disagree. The challenges ahead are actua...I have to disagree. The challenges ahead are actually very public. The area was overlocked and underfunded for ever. Childcare is a job for a penny - we can be grateful still so many do it and do it full of optimism, energy and warmth. The pandemic and its effects in this area are already discussed. As well as areas being tangent to it such as migration, addiction, mental health…. I mean she had already dabbled in many of those areas so it could tie in nicely. Still, I find her work in that area extremely light weight. If Kate isn’t pushing for political change- and I have no idea how she could, she needs to come up with more substantial and impactful stuff. Don’t get me wrong, if she wants to be just a nice mouthpiece for efforts in that area, that’s fine by me. But the narrative around her work is very much the opposite. Either tone down the way you sell your work OR seriously step up. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-59520165953991130052023-01-26T18:09:45.801+00:002023-01-26T18:09:45.801+00:00Well said indeed Kim! Am in agreement with you an...Well said indeed Kim! Am in agreement with you and Anon's 13:57 and 14:06. This is a kick-off committee for the start of what I believe will be Kate's attention and efforts to making significant change by and bring awareness to the government to make long-term changes that will have an impact on these programs. For programs to make a difference they need to have staying power and Kate's continued participation is helping to achieve that....good things happen in good time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-31054604955416826802023-01-26T17:59:40.649+00:002023-01-26T17:59:40.649+00:00We’ll said, Kim! This is an important initiative,...We’ll said, Kim! This is an important initiative, and it takes time to put together. I echoed those, too, who said that the only video we have from this is of introductory comments, not the substance of the discussion. Charlotte said in her excellent write up that more was to come, and I thought I understood Catherine to say something about looking forward to Monday evening in on of the videos I saw of the engagement, so there is, undoubtedly, more to come. I’m not sure what people are expecting. Opening conversations and raising awareness are important steps to creating change. I think Catherine has done a wonderful job. Thank you, Charlotte for all of your work on the blog!<br />TKAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-49829694148997288752023-01-26T17:41:46.037+00:002023-01-26T17:41:46.037+00:00The Princess looked very smart yesterday. I like t...The Princess looked very smart yesterday. I like the earrings as well. The green drawing room looks amazing. Fantastic backdrop for her meeting. I think she is doing a great job on this project . Every time it's mentioned it gets people talking and thinking. I'm sure if she had a magic wand to fix all these problems she would use it. I say watch this space and give her time to achieve her goals on this project. S. 😄Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-23961184698139530992023-01-26T15:48:44.747+00:002023-01-26T15:48:44.747+00:00I love this look. Sleek and polished. Every tim...I love this look. Sleek and polished. Every time she wears pearl earrings I'm inspired to bring mine out and wear them. <br />I think we all need to remember that she's a patron to bring awareness to the issue and create interest, to inspire people to become more educated about the matter and likely to educate herself also, but not to fix it single-handedly. Lori Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10649715070971993089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-928448448796254082023-01-26T15:35:39.342+00:002023-01-26T15:35:39.342+00:00I agree Floridagirl, bring back the dresses please...I agree Floridagirl, bring back the dresses please!Natachanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-55772445385378816222023-01-26T14:06:37.844+00:002023-01-26T14:06:37.844+00:00Well said, Kim! I agree with you. This initiative ...Well said, Kim! I agree with you. This initiative won't take effect with the snap of fingers. A lot of the work will be taking place behind the scenes to incorporate into various programs which all tie together.<br /><br />Border Terrier lover Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-86376413046146268962023-01-26T13:59:52.481+00:002023-01-26T13:59:52.481+00:00Valerie
As an American, I find the never-ending l...Valerie<br /><br />As an American, I find the never-ending loop of situations in which students and teachers are exposed to danger and trauma to be depressing, terrifying and inexplicable. I’ll never understand why they’ve also become expected and accepted.<br /><br />My best to you as you navigate this path. So many good teachers and substitutes and other school personnel have decided it’s not worth it. Please be well and safe.Zipzipzippynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-59520666139732942142023-01-26T13:57:26.436+00:002023-01-26T13:57:26.436+00:00Well said Kim in Saratoga. Not every meeting we s...Well said Kim in Saratoga. Not every meeting we see is going to WOW everyone. She is a patron, which means bringing attention to the cause - lending support to the cause. The experts implement the project. Thank you Charlotte for your blog which gives us a little glimpse into the RF and brings us a little entertainment. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1109194274597167326.post-23714995986682988842023-01-26T13:47:48.175+00:002023-01-26T13:47:48.175+00:00I usually don’t think too deeply about what’s behi...I usually don’t think too deeply about what’s behind her events or engagements. But reading some of the comments regarding this project (and her remarks) being superficial or repetitive has made me wonder if it’s challenging for Kate to find a balance between “making a sustainable difference” and “recognizing her limitations.” <br /><br />Charles made a big difference in some of the projects he pursued, and got a lot of flak for it. I just don’t see Kate wanting to get too controversial. On the other hand, I think she wanted, from the beginning, to do something more than show up and look pretty at endless ribbon cutting events. She seems pretty thoughtful and obviously wants to prioritize raising her family, so sticking to a handful of major themes makes sense for her. She must recognizes<br /> her main power is to draw attention to the causes she cares about and to convene actual experts (who’s going to say “No” to an invite from the Princess of Wales?) who can make headway on the very large issues at hand.<br /><br />My only wish around her work with Early Childhood Education would be that Kate would use her platform to promote some small things that everyone can do. For instance, there’s been a lot of studies that show that being exposed to a lot of words in early childhood makes a huge difference in how children develop language and learning skills. I’ve read that just narrating your actions when you’re around a baby can make a tremendous impact on them. <br /><br />On to fashion (which is mainly what I focus on because this blog is a guilty pleasure for me): she looks fine but nothing very exciting. I don’t think I’d ever pair up items in the same color from different designers (or brands) because the shades have so much variability. I’m skeptical that the black in the jacket and the black in the trousers look great together in person. One of her tweed blazers would have been my choice for this outfit. <br /><br />Zipzipzippynoreply@blogger.com