Kate Middleton faces harsh criticism for her latest ‘unannounced’ Royal visit

Princess Kate does a lot of philanthropic work for the Royal Family. Indeed earlier this year, the Princess of Wales launched her Early Years campaign, which was met with a lot of criticism.

Many members of the public have called out the Royal Family on past occasions for their philanthropy as they believe what they do isn’t enough. Royal Family members often visit charities to show their support, but one aspect many people have called out is their showing up empty-handed despite their status.

Some see these Royal visits as a PR stunt to make themselves look good. Princess Kate’s visit to the Baby Bank in Windsor is the latest to be scrutinised.

Princess Kate visited the Baby Bank in Windsor alone

The Princess of Wales went on an ‘unannounced’ Royal visit to the Baby Bank in Windsor, Monday, April 24, alone. In a rare solo trip, Princess Kate was shown around the Baby Bank in Windsor.

The organisation provides essential items for struggling families, from nappies, beds, school uniforms and much more.

However, some have taken to Twitter to point out that once again, the Princess has shown up to a charity empty-handed.

One user wrote:

Did she bring nappies, beds, and school uniforms? Or did she only bring a cameraman?

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Another wrote:

So why didn’t she bring anything ?

Another user added:

Empty handed. The very wealthy lady, visiting those who need financial help, arrived empty handed.

Prince William and Princess Kate received similar comments when they visited a food bank earlier this year empty-handed.

Others have also questioned how the visit is 'unannounced' if the cameras were already at the Baby Bank waiting for the Princess of Wales.

One user wrote:

Unannounced but the cameras are there positioned for when she gets out of the car! What a coincidence

Another added:

unannounced but cameras. PR stunt

Is it customary for the Royal Family to bring donations?

We know that the Royal Family often visit charities and foundations. We also see that they often arrive without donations thanks to the press.

However, on one occasion, one member of the Royal Family arrived for a visit with a donation. Indeed after Queen Elizabeth died back in September 2022, thousands of people left toy Paddington Bears at the gates of the palace.

The Royal Family decided to donate the bears to the children’s charity Barnardo’s. Queen Consort Camilla personally went and donated the stuffed bears to the children’s charity.

Moreover, as members of the public, it is unknown to us whether or not the Royal Family provide donations behind the camera during their Royal visits.

One Royal fan commented to explain that Princess Kate was visiting the Baby Bank in order to give it some publicity, as per the Royal Foundation website:

For those who have nothing better to do than criticise, please read the news item from Sept 20 on the Royal Foundation website which explains the Princess’s work for Baby Banks. The photographer is there to make sure the Baby Bank gets publicity, not her.

Read more:

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⋙ Prince William facing accusations of hypocrisy over recent letter: He 'lacks credibility'

Sources used:

Twitter

Sky News: ‘Camilla donates Paddington bears left in tribute to the Queen to children's charity Barnardo's’