Kate Middleton Current Events 4: December 2005-February 2006

[Skydragon]

If she is doing voluntary work then good for her! She will get a very good background to build her royal career on in the future (if she and will get it together).

How will voluntary work help her in a royal career, IYO?
If she is doing voluntary work, it could be at Battersea Dogs Home
A lot of graduates do not get a job straight away. I don't think having a job would enhance her royal credentials, after all, look at the flak Sophie got.

 

[melissajames]

How will voluntary work help her in a royal career, IYO?
If she is doing voluntary work, it could be at Battersea Dogs Home
A lot of graduates do not get a job straight away. I don't think having a job would enhance her royal credentials, after all, look at the flack Sophie got.

Not a lot of grads get a job nowadays. But many sensible ones do choose to use their time efficiently by enhancing different skills set and learning new things...some go travelling, some go and study a language overseas, some do voluntary projects overseas etc...

I graduate this summer and I don't have a job lined up but I do not plan to sit around at home and watch day time tv as its the biggest waste of time and I want to make the most of my life.

By doing voluntary work, Kate would have the opportunity to learn more about how charities operate, what areas they struggle with and have the chance to actually 'get her hands dirty' and with this insight be in a better position to do her job as a Princess when she has to represent them.

I don't see anything wrong with volunteering at Battersea Dogs Home btw. Surely there are humans that work there that she could communicate with and learn more about their work?

Like I said already, a lot of it is about building on her own experience and confidence in interacting and working alongside others.

Sophie imo is one of the worst royal brides ever. I have already talked about the benefits that work can bring Kate in my previous posts and I don't want to repeat myself.

 

[Skydragon]

But many sensible ones do choose to use their time efficiently by enhancing different skills set and learning new things...some go travelling, some go and study a language overseas, some do voluntary projects overseas etc
By doing voluntary work, Kate would have the opportunity to learn more about how charities operate, what areas they struggle with and have the chance to actually 'get her hands dirty' and with this insight be in a better position to do her job as a Princess when she has to represent them.
Like I said already, a lot of it is about building on her own experience and confidence in interacting and working alongside others.

Sophie imo is one of the worst royal brides ever. I have already talked about the benefits that work can bring Kate in my previous posts and I don't want to repeat myself.

I really cannot see Kate doing VSO work. I should think she has plenty of time to travel more, she isn't like the normal ex student struggling to pay all her loans back.
As someone on the lowest rung of any ladder in the charity sector, she is unlikely to find out 'how charities operate' or anything else that would help her in any possible future role as Williams wife.
She seems to be full of confidence and was able, apparently, at uni to interact with a variety of people.
If Kate doesn't need to work, why should she?
Some people do go off around the world when they finish studying but it should not be seen as the only 'efficient' use of time for everyone.
The royal family, to survive needed to modernise but, not to the extent that someone can turn around and say they used to work with any future Princess in Burger King.
Most Brits still want their royals to be that, Royals.

 

[melissajames]

I really cannot see Kate doing VSO work. I should think she has plenty of time to travel more, she isn't like the normal ex student struggling to pay all her loans back.

Actually, for some people doing voluntary work has nothing to do with money.
In fact, a lucky person like her who does not have financial burden should make the most of her freedom to do things that might not pay, but are rewarding.

As someone on the lowest rung of any ladder in the charity sector, she is unlikely to find out 'how charities operate' or anything else that would help her in any possible future role as Williams wife.

I think if Kate wants to help out with a charity, most will pretty much offer her a good position as it is their interest to do so. I believe that a young person can learn something from even the "lowest rung of any ladder" jobs. Anyway, they would want to keep her happy so that if she marries Will, she will want to become patron for that charity.

She seems to be full of confidence and was able, apparently, at uni to interact with a variety of people.

I never said she had a problem. But it does not mean there is no room for improvement and more practice. Interacting with people at uni and at work are two very different things. And I am speaking from experience as a student who has also had two serious full time job when I took placement years.

If Kate doesn't need to work, why should she?

Are you kidding me? A 20 something young woman who is perfectly capable of work sits home all day and watch tv and occasionally shop at Waitrose. Yeah...I wonder...what's wrong with that life? Perhaps because the brain is a muscle, and if you don't keep it active, it will actually decline!

Some people do go off around the world when they finish studying but it should not be seen as the only 'efficient' use of time for everyone.

No, I never said that was the only way of using one's time effectively. I have also suggested doing other things if you've bothered reading my post properly.

The royal family, to survive needed to modernise but, not to the extent that someone can turn around and say they used to work with any future Princess in Burger King.

No one asked her to flip burgers! You are taking the job thing too far my friend. There are jobs out there which can be rewarding, full of learning opportunities and worthwhile for an intelligent young woman like Kate.

Most Brits still want their royals to be that, Royals.

Maybe, but she is not royal (yet) is she?

 

[Warren]

There is no need for tart or sharp responses. This is a discussion, not an argument. Please keep the conversation civil and respectful.

thanks,
Warren
British Forums Moderator

 

[atina]

How come you are so sure she is wasting her time doing nothing?? We don't know what she is doing. She could spend her doing all kinds of things, maybe in the family business, maybe getting to know that other family's business. They wouldn't tell us of course. Maybe she is studying- netbased? Maybe she is writing a novel? Maybe she is taking care of an old neighbour?? Maybe.....

 

[Warren]

What atina is saying is quite correct: we have no idea whatsoever what Kate is up to. We can speculate all we like, but we don't know, and maybe never will.

 

[Skydragon]

Actually, for some people doing voluntary work has nothing to do with money.
In fact, a lucky person like her who does not have financial burden should make the most of her freedom to do things that might not pay, but are rewarding.
Are you kidding me? A 20 something young woman who is perfectly capable of work sits home all day and watch tv and occasionally shop at Waitrose. Yeah...I wonder...what's wrong with that life?

I'm sorry that my opinion on Kate has upset you. With a daughter who did VSO work, in China in '89 at the time of the Tianemen incident, I do know that it is not about the money.

Not everyone feels the need to do charity work, that has to be their decision I feel and what is rewarding to me, might not be seen as rewarding to you. Why should she do anything you or I deem as suitable, who are we to judge her. If she does marry into the BRF, I would like her to fully know it's history and to have as long away from it's confines as possible, whilst learning what will be expected of her. I find it incredibly sad that already, she is being hounded by the media.

Actually there is nothing wrong with not working for a living IMO. I am quite certain that people are able to fill their days without 'sitting at home watching tv and shopping at Waitrose' but, if that is what they want to do, good luck and enjoy! .

 

[melissajames]

I'm sorry that my opinion on Kate has upset you. With a daughter who did VSO work, in China in '89 at the time of the Tianemen incident, I do know that it is not about the money.

Not everyone feels the need to do charity work, that has to be their decision I feel and what is rewarding to me, might not be seen as rewarding to you. Why should she do anything you or I deem as suitable, who are we to judge her. If she does marry into the BRF, I would like her to fully know it's history and to have as long away from it's confines as possible, whilst learning what will be expected of her. I find it incredibly sad that already, she is being hounded by the media.

Actually there is nothing wrong with not working for a living IMO. I am quite certain that people are able to fill their days without 'sitting at home watching tv and shopping at Waitrose' but, if that is what they want to do, good luck and enjoy! .

Your opinion of Kate has not upset me. I can happily accept that we have different views. I just feel that the things I have said have been taken far too extreme. On the other hand, I think some members see my view of wishing Kate to try work as degrading which I find strange

You are right, we all find doing different things rewarding and I have only said charity work as an example out of many things that she could do. I have made that point clear already in my previous posts and I do not wish to make a A-Z list of suggestions of things which she could do.

But considering her potential position of future Queen of GB I would like her to have the opportunity to at least know what it is like to work in a professional environment because for a lot of people, that is their reality. And if Kate does not understand that, then I can see she could have potential problems understanding the life of her potential subjects and communicating with them.

I am the same age as Kate and I remember that my perspective on life in general was completely different before and after I had work experience which is why I believe it will be of great benefit to Kate to have more exposure to the 'real world' so to speak. I can not respect an intelligent young woman who has never worked a day in her life.

I know of quite a few people who come from wealthy backgrounds and families. But they are quite determined in establishing and maximising their own potential dispite the fact that they don't actually need to earn a living and will probably inherit a lot wealth and businesses. That is admirable to me and I can see that they have not wasted their talent.

Interesting that you ask me "who are you to judge her". Well, unless all the members on this board have met all the royalties and celebs that they have commented on it looks like you will need to ask everybody that question!

I can make comments about her just like other comments being made about other public people on this board because she is in the public eye. And that comes as a part of the package that she has taken on.
[ed]

 

[Skydragon]

On the other hand, I think some members see my view of wishing Kate to try work as degrading which I find strange

If she wants to work, fine, if she doesn't, fine. Not my place IMO to tell her what to do and as Warren and atina have said, we do not know what she does in the privacy of her own home. I don't believe that anyone has inferred that they think it would be degrading for her to work.

But considering her potential position of future Queen of GB I would like her to have the opportunity to at least know what it is like to work in a professional environment because for a lot of people, that is their reality.

I on the other hand cannot see what having worked in an office/shop/charity would bring to a future position within the royal family. Not everybody has the chance to work in a professional environment, so by that thinking she should try all manner of jobs to make her 'relevant' to all people.

I am the same age as Kate and I remember that my perspective on life in general was completely different before and after I had work experience

Was it work experience, or just that you were getting older. Work experience is also different from holding down a permanent job, I have met many students who change their ideas when they mature, as did I

Interesting that you ask me "who are you to judge her".

I actually put, "Who are we to judge", covering every member on this forum including myself, we don't know if she is working and if she is not, why not.

I can make comments about her just like other comments being made about other public people on this board because she is in the public eye. And that comes as a part of the package that she has taken on.

Yes, indeed you can but as this is a forum (discussion board), we all have the right to ask why you have that opinion and to answer your post, as you have mine. That is what the forum is about, hearing other peoples opinions, agreeing, disagreeing, wondering why someone has that opinion.
I don't have less respect for someone who has been to university but never worked just because they happen to have 'rich' parents. To each his or her own, but I bet 95% of people on here would rather not have to work or worry where the next penny or dollar is coming from.

 

[Skydragon]

I don't know why Kate doesn't have a job but there might be more reasons than meet the eye. Just because a person has a college degree doesn't guarantee them a job. There are many capable people out there with degrees that can't find jobs simply because of the competition. So she might be applying and going on interviews but not getting the job.

Hey, I just thought of an acceptable reason she doesn't have a job...Perhaps she is being 'socially responsible', knowing so many other graduates really need a job! Just joking!
It's really sad for all the graduates who don't find the jobs they want, one of the supermarkets seems to be full of shelf fillers who have worked so hard to get their degree's and now can't find a job in their 'field'.
I do have to say that Art History may not be the best degree to get (I don't know what you would use it for), but the daftest ones still have to be degrees in Madonna, the Beatles and Rock & Roll, as offered, by a couple of the lesser known UK universities.
QE didn't work when she was younger and I don't think it did her any harm.

 

[Warren]

I do have to say that Art History may not be the best degree to get (I don't know what you would use it for),

Sothebys and Christies for a start plus any other decent auction house; museum curators, private collection curators, fine arts firms, upper-end art dealers, art researchers, restorers perhaps, big insurance companies, etc etc.

A few years ago I noticed that Habsburg Archdukes and many German Princes seemed to specialise in banking or forestry, while quite a few Archduchesses and Princesses had degrees in Art History.

 

[Skydragon]

Sothebys and Christies for a start plus any other decent auction house; museum curators, private collection curators, fine arts firms, upper-end art dealers, art researchers, restorers perhaps, big insurance companies, etc etc.

A few years ago I noticed that Habsburg Archdukes and many German Princes seemed to specialise in banking or forestry, while quite a few Archduchesses and Princesses had degrees in Art History.

I forgot about such noble professions, my only excuse is old age and decrepitude.

 

[polop]

OK, Iam sooo confused. What are we actually talking about? Thanks whoever tells me.

 

[georgiea]

We are talking about what careers you can get with an art history degree.

To me it is clear, that Kate is an artist and designer as well as a person very knowlegable about art history.

It has been stated that she is starting an internet children clothing line. You can do this type of work in your home and I think Kate is doing that. And we only see her shopping because that is probably the time she goes out to do her errands. Give her a brake guys. She just graduated in the Spring and then decided after interviewing what she wants to do. Plus just think about all the attention she has to face dating A PRINCE these last few months!

 

[polop]

What does an Art History have to do with Childeren's Clothing? Why is she going in desinging with that sort of degree? I just think she is passing time while William gets done with whatever he is doing. I also think she is very much influenced by the royal family. So they probably told her to do some quite work, while he is away, so she said, "hey, why not?" That was a waste of money for her parents!

 

[georgiea]

What does an Art History have to do with Childeren's Clothing? Why is she going in desinging with that sort of degree?

Usually if you are interested in art history you are interested in art. I have a degree in industrial design with a minor in art history. I was a graphic designer in my own home for many years. So I THINK Kate might have had a minor in art and now going to use her talent designing childrens clothes at home.

I just think she is passing time while William gets done with whatever he is doing. I also think she is very much influenced by the royal family. So they probably told her to do some quite work, while he is away, so she said, "hey, why not?"

Kate is not engaged to William. She has brains and knows William might be in the military for a few years . She must make a life for herself. She seems to be very close to her mother and her parents are successful with an internet business. Why not Kate be the same?

 

[ysbel]

What does an Art History have to do with Childeren's Clothing? Why is she going in desinging with that sort of degree? I just think she is passing time while William gets done with whatever he is doing. I also think she is very much influenced by the royal family. So they probably told her to do some quite work, while he is away, so she said, "hey, why not?" That was a waste of money for her parents!

If you come from a wealthy family and don't need the money, you don't go to university to get a good job. You go to the university to broaden your education and your mind and to enhance your critical thinking skills.

Only recently have the universities been bastardized to becoming mere trade schools churning out computer programmers, technicians, etc. A lot of people have careers in fields that bear no resemblance to their degree. I am one, I studied French in college but now I'm a systems trainer for the financial industry.

Recently a company started to turn down financial graduates for their entry-level stock analyst positions in favor of history and art majors because they felt the liberal arts education gave the graduates a broader view of the world and it was hoped they would bring this broad view to their study of the industries. The finance grads, they found, were just number-crunchers.

 

[Skydragon]

The whole thing about careers with a degree in Art History, started because another poster said she could not respect anyone who had never worked and that Kate, as a possible future Queen of Britain should get a job doing something.
People can be intelligent, articulate and worthy of respect (which has to be earned anyway) whether they have a job or not.
I hadn't really thought about what you could do with a Arts History degree before making my stupid comment that it is 'possibly not the best degree to get' and for that I apologise.
I do however stand by my opinion that the majority of people who have plenty of money, can find things to fill their days other than the suggested watching daytime tv and given the choice everyone on here would prefer to be rich and never have to work again.
Ysbel is quite right when she says that you don't go to university just to get a good job at the end of it.

 

[kaydura0717]

But I think what the other poster was trying to say is that she should use her art degree and get a job with the arts and it seems a waste that she went to school and got a degree in art when now she's venturing into something completely different as children's wear. It seems like a waste of her parents money to send her to school and get a degree and then end up not using it IMO at least.

 

[Zonk]

I am going to go out on a limb and say this....not many people get jobs that have anything to do with their degrees! I for one majored in History, and then went into sales and now I own a cleaning business.

Maybe she did want a job using her degree but because of who she is dating some firms don't want to deal with the hassle. Or maybe she just chose to start the clothing business with her parents....doesn't seem like a bad idea to me.

 

[Skydragon]

But I think what the other poster was trying to say is that she should use her art degree and get a job with the arts and it seems a waste that she went to school and got a degree in art when now she's venturing into something completely different as children's wear. It seems like a waste of her parents money to send her to school and get a degree and then end up not using it IMO at least.

Are you kidding me? A 20 something young woman who is perfectly capable of work sits home all day and watch tv and occasionally shop at Waitrose. Yeah...I wonder...what's wrong with that life?

This is the portion I was referring to and to the comment that she could not respect a 20 something young woman who has never worked a day in her life!
Many young people take a degree and then find they are unable to get a job in their subject as Ysbel has said. A lot graduate and then find that the subject really isn't for them out in the workplace.
I don't think it makes anyone a lesser person if they don't work because they have their own money, or that all men or women who don't go out to work because their wife/husband 'keeps' them are not worthy of respect. In a lot of countries students are seen as 'wasters', someone not to be taken seriously and yet I have spoken to lots of students, young and old, who are very nice people.
As I said, if she wants to work fine, if not fine, IMO.

 

[georgiea]

Well I just read in femalefirst that Prince William and girlfriend are going into the babywear business.

So guys, if this article is to believed Prince William is funding a business for our Kate.

Boy, William sure loves her. She really is using her art talent in designing clothes and not just living off off her parents or a prince.

 

[bigheadshirmp]

i thought Kate's parents is in this industry (the baby clothing or sth similar to that) I dun think she would needa any financial help from William as her parents are quite well off!

I think that Kate starting her own business is a good thing, at least have a career before getting marry (even though we're not sure if she's going to marry William or not)

 

[Elspeth]

Femalefirst's track record on the royal family so far is such that I wouldn't believe what you read there unless it's been corroborated by a more reliable source.

 

[kaydura0717]

I was just stating that it would seem reasonable for her to enter the art world. But whatever, everyone has their own opinions, I didn't mean to offend anyone.

 

[Skydragon]

I was just stating that it would seem reasonable for her to enter the art world. But whatever, everyone has their own opinions, I didn't mean to offend anyone.

I don't think anyone took offence at what you said, I didn't.

 

[Little_star]

"What does an Art History have to do with Childeren's Clothing?"

Unfrotunately, the grduate market here in the UK isn't exactly kind to graduates. My friends' ex-boyfriend has a degree in biological sciences and research, he cannot find a job in his field so is now training to be a train driver.

These days you're lucky if you get a job in your chosen career.

 

[karla64]

i read other forums... that she may get yard bodyguard fears over safety.. I think from daily express....

 

[Skydragon]

Unfortunately, the graduate market here in the UK isn't exactly kind to graduates. My friends' ex-boyfriend has a degree in biological sciences and research, he cannot find a job in his field so is now training to be a train driver.

These days you're lucky if you get a job in your chosen career.

Yes, that is the point everyone was trying to make, I think. However, if he or his parents had tons of money, I wouldn't think less of him if he decided to wait for a job within his chosen discipline.