The British Royal Family is once again at the heart of a media storm, this time centered around Omid Scobie's controversial portrayal of Princess Kate in his new book, Endgame.
Scobie, often regarded as a close mouthpiece of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, has drawn fierce criticism from royal circles for his depiction of the Princess of Wales. In Endgame, he unflatteringly describes her as a “sometimes Stepford-like royal wife” and alleges that she earned the nickname “Katie Keen” among courtiers and journalists due to her eagerness to please palace officials.
Scobie's book looks at the dynamics within the Royal Family, painting a less-than-flattering picture of Princess Kate. He criticizes her for maintaining a workload he perceives as lower than other senior royals, dismissing her as "technically a part-time working royal." Scobie claims Kate's lifestyle - like this regal appearance at the Royal Variety Performance - is something most parents could "only dream of" and adds that she plans to increase her workload only when her children are older.
Scobie touches on her public speaking skills, claiming she "often stumbles on her words" and appears "naturally timid." He also alleges a strained relationship between Kate and Meghan Markle, suggesting a lack of warmth from Kate towards Meghan.
Defending Princess Kate
Contrasting sharply with Scobie's narrative, Mike Parker, a royal reporter, offers a defense of Princess Kate based on his first-hand observations during royal tours. Parker recalls specific instances of Kate's grace and empathy, such as her adept handling of a tree-planting ceremony in Ottawa and her calm demeanor amidst anti-royal protests in Quebec. He praises her for making an unannounced stop in Alberta to comfort families affected by wildfires, breaking the royal schedule to spend extra time with the victims.
Parker highlights Kate's visit to Skid Row in LA, where she shared warm and genuine interactions with the homeless, many of them veterans. He argues that if Scobie's characterization makes her "Katie Keen," then it is a moniker to be celebrated, questioning, "Who wouldn’t rather be known as keen than mean?"
From student to princess
Scobie talks about Kate's journey from student to princess, branding her an "institutional dream come true." He suggests that Kate, who recently opened up about her struggles as a mum, has had to suppress her authentic self to fit into the royal mold, undergoing elocution lessons to sound posher than her husband, Prince William.
Scobie also comments on the high turnover of Kate's private secretaries, with one reportedly calling the job "uninspiring and frustrating". This narrative on Kate feeds into the author's broader critique of the Royal Family and their approach to Meghan Markle, suggesting a lack of support and inclusivity towards her.
Scobie's book has been met with a range of reactions, from dismissal by Buckingham Palace insiders to debates in the media and public. The Palace and Kensington Palace have declined to comment, with insiders labeling the book as 'just another' among many written about the royal family.
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