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As you may know, there has been a lot of controversy in the UK recently around the lavish lifestyle that the royals enjoy despite not having traditional jobs. With the cost of living crisis impacting so many, people have been questioning why taxpayers' money continues to fund the royal family's extravagant activities and palaces.
Well, it seems some fed-up citizens took matters into their own hands recently. South Yorkshire Police posted a request on social media asking people to report any neighbors or acquaintances who seemed to be living well beyond their means without a clear source of income. Little did they know the royal family would end up inundated with complaints!
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Apparently many people used the opportunity to tattle on the royal family. Reports were filed highlighting how the family enjoys million pound homes, servants, estates and jet-setting travels all year round without holding nine-to-five jobs. When you consider how much the average citizen is struggling right now with bills and inflation, it's not surprising people grew envious and suspicious of where the Windsors get their money.
While nothing will likely come of the reports given the family's protected legal status, it was certainly a amusing way for people to poke fun at the royals and their perceived freeloading lifestyle. Even those defending the monarchy had to admit it was a creative way to make a point about the double standards there. Some commenters joked they should face the same scrutiny as others would if they lived so lavishly without employment.
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One of the royals reportedly attracting the most complaints is Prince William. Beyond doing the occasional charity event or public appearance, it's unclear what he really does all day to earn his keep. Meanwhile, teachers, nurses and other public servants battle low salaries and unsafe working conditions. His days seems to consist of polo matches, drinks with old Etonian pals and dodging his brother at family gatherings.
His wife Kate also seems to skate by on leisurely days, photo-calls and shopping excursions despite no clear job title or skillset. Their three children reportedly have full-time nannies raising them too. Contrast this with average families struggling to afford childcare or basic needs. It's easy to see why William in particular irks citizens who want more accountability from a head of state.
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Speaking of William's brother, Prince Harry now seems to be actively trying to distance himself from his royal roots. Settled in California with wife Meghan Markle, he has pursued impactful work on mental health and veterans issues. This includes founding an organization and publishing a memoir delving into his experience with trauma. Whether you agree with everything he does or stands for, it's hard to deny he is putting in far more effort than William.
One of the more amusing developments in recent weeks was William suddenly backing out of a trip to New York City where both brothers were expected to be. Harry had a full schedule of engagements planned but it was reported William had suddenly decided not to attend his own Earthshot Prize summit. Sources claimed he knew for months but news of his cancellation only surfaced after Harry's trip gained traction.
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The timing seems too coincidental not to be related to avoiding tensions with Harry. Could William really not handle briefly crossing paths with his estranged sibling? Some saw this as another moment highlighting the duke's fragile ego and reluctance to actually work for his titles. Whereas Harry is jetting off to collaborate on meaningful ventures worldwide.
In the end, while those police reports against the Windsors will lead nowhere, it showed widespread agitation with the status quo. As the monarchy looks to stay relevant in the 21st century, the family may need to reconsider their commitments versus privileges if they wish to maintain public support. Only time will tell if any royals embrace meaningful change or try keeping up controversial appearances of privilege without purpose.
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