Who Had The Audacity To Tell Kate And Prince William To “Go Off?”

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have largely been praised for their respectful attitudes and hard work ethic which they have abided by even while locked down at home in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. It may surprise you then to hear that one very public figure has issued some rather harsh words for the couple who are raising a family of three while still managing to perform their public duties.

Graham Smith is the CEO of Republic, a group which campaigns for the monarchy to be abolished. What in the world does he have against the mild-mannered and duty-bound Kate and William?

According to the Express.co.uk Smith told them that he does not think the UK owes anyone an income or a role, a shot blown right across the bow of the monarchy.

Graham Smith Is The CEO Of Republic A Group That Wants To Get Rid Of The Monarchy

Instead of the monarchy, Smith would rather see the Queen be replaced with an elected, democratic head of state. Much of his argument has to do with the cost of the traditional system.

“The monarchy in general costs a lot more than the royal household admits to,” he said. It is about £345million from the taxpayer every year, it needs to be stripped right back.”

To this he added a jibe at William and Kate saying, “We do not owe Prince William and Kate an income, we do not owe them a role, we don’t owe them anything. They can go off and do their own thing.”

The Head Of The Republic Thinks That Queen Elizabeth Can Remain On Duty

Still, he is not against all of the royals, saying, “The monarchy is there to give us one person and that is the head of state, the Queen. The Queen should, therefore, be on an annual salary similar to that of the Prime Minister.” We’re sure Her Majesty will be happy to hear that!

During his interview, Smith took exception to Kate and Prince William’s “outrageous” spending, in particular, that they reportedly spent £15,000 on a 950ft hedge meant to keep the public from looking into their property.
Smith thinks that the sum is ludicrous (kind of hard to argue) and maintains that the couple should admit they enjoy a privileged lifestyle noting, “It is typical of the royals to spend this type of money because all they think about is their own lifestyles.”

Did William And Kate Really spend £15,000 On A Hedge?

He went on, “They have a deep-seated sense of entitlement. They routinely spend money in the tens of thousands whether it is on their own homes or private plane and helicopter travel around the UK when they could easily take cars or trains. So this is typical of more of their spending.”

It should be noted that it has not been made clear whether or not the money for the overgrown bush came from public funds.

In response to the outcry over the hedge, a Palace spokesperson stated, “As part of the broader management of the Estate, the physical surroundings of Royal Residences are under constant review. From time to time, adjustments are made to the landscaping and gardens, including hedging.”