Princess Kate's recent unpublicised visit to a mental health charity in south-west London has been contrasted with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's trip to Nottingham, which an Express columnist described as "excruciating" and "cringeworthy".
Quiet charity visit vs publicised trip
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, visited Dose of Nature, a mental health organisation based in Kew that helps people improve their wellbeing using clinical psychology and enhancing their connection with the natural world. The visit was kept secret and not publicised.
During the visit, the Princess spoke with Tom, a former programme participant who has since joined the charity's staff and volunteers as a Nature Guide. She told him: "Our journey has been very, very different, but it's so wonderful to hear how your nature connection has been so healing for you, and I felt the same."
Sussexes' Nottingham visit criticised
In contrast, the columnist argued that Harry and Meghan's visit to organisations in Nottingham was part of their campaign to be "public figures", despite the King recently reminding them that they are private citizens following their stepping down as working royals in 2020. The visit was described as an exercise in vanity with underwhelming crowds.
The columnist stated that the Princess of Wales is an ideal core member of the royal family and that staff will be glad she has returned to her duties after her illness. The Sussexes were described as a "thorn in the crown's side".
Contrasting approaches to royal duties
The piece suggested that Meghan in particular needs to be at the centre of attention, while Kate is comfortable handing the spotlight to others and conducting low-key visits that make a real difference. The columnist concluded that Kate will make a great queen and expressed sadness that Harry and Meghan chose a "destructive path" rather than continuing their duties.
