Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, is one of the most famous women in the world. As a member of the British royal family and wife of Prince William, Kate receives enormous media attention and is admired by many for her grace, style, and charitable work.
However, despite her popularity, there is a segment of the public that strongly dislikes or even hates the Duchess. This article will explore some of the main reasons why Kate Middleton faces animosity and critique from certain groups and individuals.
Common Criticisms and Controversies
One of the most prevalent criticisms of Kate Middleton is that she comes from a middle-class background and family. Her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, built a successful business, Party Pieces, which initially funded a comfortable, upper-middle-class upbringing for Kate and her siblings Pippa and James.
However, the Middletons worked in jobs like flight attendants and sales representatives before starting their company. To some royal watchers and snobbish elite, Kate’s non-aristocratic origins make her unworthy of marrying the future king. Even though Kate is university-educated and her family became millionaires, some believe she lacks the pedigree to become royalty.
Lazy and Workshy
Some critics believe Kate is lazy, workshy, and doesn’t take on as many royal duties as she should. Tabloids often compare her unfavorably to more visibly active royals like Prince William or the Queen.
Headlines have blasted her for being a “lazy mum” when she takes time off from engagements or goes on vacation. Some see her as failing to fully embrace the rigors and responsibilities of royal life. However, supporters counter that she balances being a hands-on mom with a reasonable workload.
Too Thin and Promotes Unhealthy Body Image
Kate’s tall, slender figure has also sparked backlash from critics who say she promotes unhealthy body ideals for girls and women. Her fashion choices and diet habits are frequently scrutinized, like when she drank a smoothie for breakfast during an engagement.
Some believe the intense focus on Kate’s weight perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards that fuel eating disorders. Supporters note that Kate has a naturally slim frame and point to her athletic hobbies like tennis as signs of a healthy lifestyle.
Boring, Stiff, or Lacks Personality
Another common complaint is that Kate Middleton comes across as boring or stiff during public appearances. Some feel she lacks charisma and personality, especially in contrast to her husband Prince William or sister-in-law Meghan Markle.
Critics say she seems to “play it safe” and keeps too much private. However, fans argue this is likely just Kate’s reserved, cautious nature in such a public role. As she’s taken on more duties and parenting over the years, many say she’s warm, kind, and engaging during walkabouts and speeches.
Not “Princess Diana 2.0”
Unfair comparisons to William’s late mother, Diana Princess of Wales, have also fueled some dislike of Kate. While Diana was famous for being a revolutionary, “people’s princess,” Kate is seen as far more conventional.
Some believe she hasn’t matched Diana’s level of activism and humanitarianism. However, others argue Kate is admirably carving her own path and slowly taking on more charitable patronages in areas like early childhood development. She faces challenges Diana didn’t have, like intense social media scrutiny.
Too Perfect or “Fake”
Some critics dislike what they see as Kate’s perfectly polished, inauthentic persona. Tabloids love to point out her flaws or moments when she diverges from her composed public image. Her meticulously styled fashion, perfect hair and makeup have led to accusations that she’s “too perfect” or “fake.”
However, Kate also faces backlash if she looks “too real”—for example, when photographs revealed her post-birth baby bump in a polka dot dress. Supporters say Kate can’t win as every small “flaw” is micro-analyzed due to intense public pressure.
Not Feminist Enough
There’s also a perception among some that Kate adheres too strictly to traditional gender roles and lacks a feminist spirit. Her top priorities as royal consort and mother have led to criticism that she’s too conventional and docile.
Some argue she should take on more substantial causes and use her platform to champion women’s empowerment. Others counter that she’s shaping her role as a modern princess on her own terms, focusing on crucially important issues like early childhood education.
Classist Double Standards in Media Coverage
Some of the disdain towards Kate also arguably reflects classist double standards in how royal women are covered by the media. Her middle-class background makes Kate an easy target for derision by snobby aristocratic circles and condescending media outlets.
In contrast, upper-crust royals like Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall escape similar scorn. Critics say Kate faces hyper-criticism for behaviors overlooked in royals born into nobility or with “blue blood.” This arguably reflects lingering British class prejudices.
She’s Not Diverse Enough
As a white, English woman from a privileged background, some argue Kate represents an outdated vision of British royalty that’s too homogenized. The U.K. has become far more ethnically diverse, fueling desires for increased diversity within the historically white royal family.
Prince William and Kate’s three children—George, Charlotte, and Louis—have faced criticism for being too white or homogenized-looking. Some believe Kate missed an opportunity to inject more diversity into the lineage. However, there are legal barriers to Catholics and non-Christians joining the royal family.
What Do Polls and Surveys Reveal About Kate’s Popularity?
Despite criticisms from some groups, Kate Middleton consistently remains one of the most popular royals according to polls and surveys:
- A 2022 YouGov poll found 71% of Brits had a positive opinion of Kate, higher than any royal besides the Queen. Just 14% held a negative view.
- Kate ranked as the second most popular royal in a 2021 Ipsos survey of Americans, with a 75% favorability rating. She trailed only Queen Elizabeth II.
- In a 2021 YouGov poll, 43% of Brits said Kate would make a good queen, the highest percentage for any newer royal. 70% thought she was a good role model.
- Kate scored highest for “humility” and other likable qualities in a Morning Consult favorability study of British royals in 2022. She was seen as more humble than Prince William or Prince Harry.
So while Kate certainly has detractors, polling indicates she remains broadly popular with the British public and worldwide. As future Queen Consort, she will likely continue growing into her role and winning over skeptics.
Reasons People Dislike Kate Middleton
Critics believe Kate doesn’t work hard enough on royal duties. Unflattering comparisons are often made to busier royals like Prince William.
Represents outdated royal traditions
Some see Kate as too conventional and compliant with stuffy royal traditions. She’s criticized for lack of feminist credentials.
Comes from middle-class origins
Kate’s non-aristocratic background leads to classist snobbery from some royal watchers despite Middletons’ self-made success.
Too perfect and inauthentic
From fashion to hair, Kate’s perfectly polished image leads to accusations she’s fake or lacks personality.
Unhealthy body image and dieting
Focus on Kate’s slender frame is seen as perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and unhealthy dieting.
What Are Some Reasons People Admire or Defend Kate Middleton?
While Kate certainly has critics, she also has many loyal supporters and admirers who defend her from negative attacks:
- Grace under pressure: Supporters argue Kate handles brutal media scrutiny and royal duties with grace, work ethic, and mental toughness. She’s praised for the way she conducts herself in the public eye.
- Devoted mother: Fans admire Kate’s clear devotion and hands-on approach to raising Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. She focuses on providing them a loving, protected childhood.
Conclusion
In many ways, Kate Middleton’s immense fame makes her an inevitable target for criticism from some segments of the public. As a glamorous, high-profile figure and future Queen Consort, her style, parenting choices, and royal duties face relentless dissection. However, much of the hatred towards Kate seems driven by unreasonable expectations, sexist double standards, and class prejudices within British society.
While no public figure is universally beloved, Kate has arguably developed a polished yet sincere public persona that resonates with the majority of Brits and royal watchers worldwide. As she continues growing into her role within the royal family, Kate appears to be carving out an important lane focused on early childhood development, mental health, and photography.
Despite the noise from vocal critics, her longevity as the Duchess of Cambridge points to an inner strength and work ethic that benefit the monarchy. Kate’s legacy will likely be defined by the way she weathers harsh critiques with grace to become a popular queen and role model for her children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kate Middleton’s background?
Kate Middleton was born Catherine Elizabeth Middleton in 1982 in Reading, England to middle-class parents Michael and Carole Middleton. The family built a successful party supplies business, which enabled Kate to attend prestigious Marlborough College and the University of St Andrews in Scotland where she met Prince William.
What controversies has Kate Middleton faced as a royal?
Major controversies and critiques have included accusations of being lazy or workshy, promoting unhealthy body image ideals, and representing an outdated royal family. She has also faced classism regarding her non-aristocratic upbringing.
How does Kate Middleton spend her time as a royal?
Kate focuses much of her time on royal duties, charity work, public appearances, and raising her three children with Prince William. She is involved with organizations focused on mental health, early childhood development, photography, and sports.
Is Kate Middleton popular with the British public?
Yes, polls consistently show Kate remains very popular with around 70% or higher of Brits viewing her favorably. She is seen as humble, graceful under pressure, and a good role model.
What will Kate’s future royal role be?
Kate Middleton will eventually become Queen Consort once Prince William succeeds his father Prince Charles as the King of the United Kingdom. This will place her in a hugely prominent global position as the wife of the British monarch.