Expressing hope for the royal couple's increased engagement in foreign tours, Fitzwilliams stated, "Royal trips abroad are still Britain's premier use of soft power." He continued by highlighting the positive outcomes of such tours, including enormous publicity, trade deals, and cultural arrangements.
Fitzwilliams acknowledged that Palace planners are likely exploring different types of royal tours in specific regions of the world, emphasizing the potential benefits for both the host country and the visiting royals.
The royal commentator's remarks come at a time when Prince William and Kate Middleton have faced criticism for what some perceive as a lack of activity. The couple's last royal tour was in the Caribbean in 2022. Fitzwilliams' advice aligns with the notion that more public visibility, especially through impactful royal tours, could help counter criticism and contribute to rebuilding public trust.
Recently, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were labeled as "lazy" by some critics who suggested that their focus on family had allowed their detractors to shape a narrative about their work ethic. Fitzwilliams hinted at the expectation for William and Kate to play prominent roles within the monarchy and underscored the potential risks if they are not seen frequently, allowing critics to influence the narrative about their commitment to royal duties.
