Kate Middleton, caught on a yacht: prince William is speechless and deeply regretful

Summer vacations are usually the perfect time for members of royalty to disconnect from their institutional duties. This is especially true for the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate Middleton, considering that the princess has resumed all her official commitments this year. 

Kate Middleton and Prince William have managed to cultivate a relatable and responsible image, something that is highly valued by their fellow citizens. However, this year, their choice to disconnect has sparked an unexpected and hard-to-ignore stir. The choice of Greece as a summer getaway has caused a storm, and not just because of the chosen location.

A trip that's too private

The news was revealed this week by the local newspaper Kefalonia Focus. There, it was reported that Kate, William, their three children, and her parents landed in Kefalonia. They arrived on the Ionian island on a private jet and from there, they headed in a special van to the port.

Nevertheless, the most striking thing was their boarding of "The Opera," a mega yacht valued at $450 million. The vessel belongs to Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates.

The incident quickly sparked debate, with questions arising about who covers the costs of such an expensive vacation. Above all, why would a member of the British royal family spend a few days on a yacht owned by an oil figure?

Luxury and contradictions

The vessel is 479 ft. 0 in. long (146 meters) and features helipads, suites for nearly fifty guests, and every imaginable comfort. The contrast with the sustainability messages promoted by Kate and William is clear. The use of private transportation and a yacht of this size clashes with the environmental values that both have publicly defended.

For this reason, it's not surprising that Prince William's silence has been interpreted as a sign of discomfort. In this context, some have recalled that the relationship between the British royal family and Gulf monarchies is not new. In 2022, Charles III received three million euros from Qatari Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim, money that supposedly went to charitable works.

Vacations that leave a mark

The criticism is not only aimed at the cost or the origin of the yacht. It's also about the message that this kind of leisure sends at a socially delicate time for the United Kingdom. This is a society that values the austerity of its leaders, even in their leisure time.

Until now, destinations like Anmer Hall or the Scottish Highlands had enjoyed public approval. This Greek getaway, however, has been seen as a misstep by Prince William and Kate Middleton. Neither Buckingham nor Kensington have made statements, but the media topic is already on the table.