Prince William and Kate Middleton are the two most popular royals amongst the public, but it seems that behind closed doors, palace staff may be growing frustrated with them

Palace staff are reportedly growing ‘frustrated’ over the couple’s reluctance to do official duties(Image: WPA Pool, Getty Images)

Prince William and Kate Middleton may be the monarchy’s future, but it’s reported that Palace staff are becoming increasingly frustrated with their insistence on doing things their own way. The Prince and Princess of Wales are the two most popular royals among the public.

However, behind closed doors, things may not be running as smoothly. The Scottish Express has previously reported on the couple’s apparent reluctance towards official duties.

While it was understandable for William to step back in 2024 when Kate was undergoing cancer treatment, there were already whispers of her being dubbed a part-time Royal by staff, even before her health scare.

It was also noted that William managed to find time for his personal interests, such as travelling to Germany for the Euros and South Africa for his Earthshot Prize.

William and Kate are hands-on parents(Image: Jonathan Brady – Pool/Getty Images)

Kate, 43, is gradually returning to her duties, but she remains committed to being a hands-on mother to their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7. Meanwhile, William, 42, had to be instructed by his father, the King, to attend Pope Francis’ funeral.

According to Camilla Tominey, associate editor of The Telegraph, William and Kate are “under growing pressure to up their workload”. There are said to be concerns amongst aides that the couple “may be spending too much time with their immediate family instead of supporting the ‘Firm’.”

Camilla went on to suggest that prospects for a reconciliation between Prince William and his brother Prince Harry appear dim.

Harry, aged 40, moved to California in 2020 and has caused tension with a series of critical remarks about the monarchy and disclosures of Royal secrets in his memoir ‘Spare’.

Central to this rift was a claim that William had a confrontation with him over Meghan Markle, who is now 43. Although perceptions paint William as a major barrier to Harry rekindling ties with King Charles, Camilla observes that the heir has cooled on this topic, but this change in stance seems unlikely to lead to a reunion.

Royal insiders believe there’s ‘no way back’ for William and Harry’s relationship(Image: Getty)

Camilla speculated that repairing the bond with Harry is “low down their list of priorities”. With friends claiming William is “no longer as angry as he was,” the current sentiment establishes there is “no way back” for Harry, with the consensus being – “prevailing attitude is – let sleeping dogs lie”.

Recently, Prince William has been proactive on environmental issues, calling on global leaders to “think big” when it comes to ocean protection. Delivering a speech at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) in Monaco after his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, he spoke out on ocean conservation at the Grimaldi Forum.

Addressing the attendees, William said: “Rising sea temperatures, plastic pollution and overfishing are putting pressure on these fragile ecosystems and on the people and communities who depend most upon them.

“What once seemed an abundant resource is diminishing before our eyes. We all stand to be impacted. And we are all responsible for change – both negative and positive. But there remains time to turn this tide.”