In a refreshing departure from royal tradition, the Prince and Princess of Wales have made headlines with their decision to forgo a full-time butler at their new residence, Adelaide Cottage.
Since relocating to this four-bedroom home in Windsor, William and Catherine have chosen to streamline their household staff, marking a notable shift in how they approach royal life.
Royal commentator and biographer Robert Hartman sheds light on the couple’s motivations in his recent book.
He emphasizes that their choice is fundamentally practical.
With limited space at Adelaide Cottage, the couple is not looking to expand their staff, which contrasts sharply with the more lavish setups of previous royal generations who often surrounded themselves with numerous aides.
Interestingly, rumors about William hiring a valet have been quashed by Hartman, who points out that the family prefers a simpler lifestyle in their Windsor abode.
There’s no butler in sight; instead, it’s just the family enjoying their time together, focusing on raising their children in a cozy environment.
While their home life in Windsor leans toward minimalism, the situation at Kensington Palace tells a different story.
Hartman notes that this London residence employs a yeoman, a versatile attendant responsible for various tasks, from managing luggage to preparing uniforms.
However, even here, the couple steers clear of employing traditional roles like a full-time butler.
Despite their simplified approach to staffing, the Sovereign Grant Report for the 2023-2024 financial year reveals that Kensington Palace still employs around 50 staff members.
The cost of maintaining this royal team is staggering, with reported expenses reaching £27.9 million, alongside an additional £2.6 million dedicated to housekeeping and hospitality.
William and Catherine’s commitment to simplicity extends beyond their household management.
They are also instilling eco-friendly habits in their three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
In a BBC interview, William expressed the family’s dedication to environmental sustainability, sharing their efforts to incorporate straightforward yet effective practices at home.
“We do our best to help the environment,” William stated ahead of the Earthshot Prize Awards in Cape Town.
He highlighted the family’s routine of recycling, minimizing water usage, and turning off lights when leaving a room.
“It’s sensible, and I think every family has these conversations.
You just try to do what you can,” he added.
This approach underscores William’s passion for environmental issues, which he actively promotes through initiatives like the Earthshot Prize.
The couple’s focus on sustainability indicates their desire to raise their children with a profound sense of responsibility toward the planet.
Recently, royal enthusiasts were treated to a rare glimpse of the Wales family’s daily life at Adelaide Cottage.
In a heartwarming video shared in September, viewers saw the family enjoying the picturesque Norfolk countryside and spending quality time together.
The footage captured the children reveling in outdoor play and later gathered around a table for a lively game of cards.
These intimate moments reveal how William and Catherine prioritize family time, even as they fulfill their public responsibilities.
Their decision to maintain a small staff while promoting a hands-on, eco-conscious lifestyle reflects their commitment to providing their children with as normal an upbringing as possible.
The choice to forgo a butler at Adelaide Cottage, combined with their sustainability efforts, signals a broader trend of modernization within the Royal family.
As William and Catherine embrace more prominent roles, their decisions appear aimed at breaking free from traditional norms and aligning with the evolving expectations of contemporary society.