SARAH VINE: Wasn’t the coronation about Charles and Camilla? All we’ve seen is William and Kate, floating through KP in Hollywood-style videos…all, dare I say it, a little manipulative. I (almost) prefer to watch one of Harry’s worthy documentaries
Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t the coronation about King Charles and Queen Camilla?
This video featuring the Prince and Princess of Wales and their charming children seems a wee bit premature.
Don’t get me wrong, we love them. In particular, the Princess of Wales is the epitome of perfection on every occasion – impeccably executed, stunningly beautiful, stylish – as this short film reminds the world.
We see her greeting crowds at The Mall in a chic white dress; arriving at the coronation concert with the kids, edgy in an asymmetrical red jacket and blow-dried on the beach; and again, on the big day itself, resplendent in her official garb.
She floats through Kensington Palace, with its stylish lamps and padded cushions, before lifting the hem of her dress to step into the waiting car.
STUNNING: The Princess of Wales is seen dressed in her coronation finery, including the Royal Victorian Order mantle, in a behind-the-scenes look at the family’s preparations for the event
CONCERNED FATHER: William arrives to ask his children if they are ready to leave for Westminster Abbey
Then she’s in skinny jeans, helps Prince Louis with a wheelbarrow and ends up with the scouts.
Prince William, meanwhile, is the epitome of royal duty. He manfully stepped onto the stage at the concert at Windsor Castle, swore allegiance to his father, put a protective paw around his wife’s slender waist and helped his children. Showman, statesman, husband, father. Hurrah!
It’s beautiful, and they really are an idyllic family – but there’s something too slick about it, a little too partisan broadcast. A little, dare I say it, manipulative.
Was the Hollywood-style video really necessary?
We all know William and Kate are the future. Nobody doubts that. Charles is an old king, coming to the throne in his twilight years.
TIARA TRIUMPH: Princess Charlotte is all smiles in the movie
SMART LAD: Prince Louis at Kensington Palace in his blue tunic
PROUD: Prince George with mom at the coronation concert
Nevertheless, this was his and Queen Camilla’s moment, not theirs. Starring in a video produced by a man who brags about having “a portfolio of industry-leading clients” and creating “story-driven branded content” makes it feel… well, kinda “look at me” ‘.
There’s an element of Netflix-style narcissism that makes me a little uncomfortable. And while the images show us a lot, they actually tell us very little about the Welsh.
It’s superficial, one-dimensional, like one of those ads you see on TV in foreign hotels extolling the virtues of this or that tourist destination.
I hate to say it, but I almost prefer to watch one of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s dignified nature documentaries. But maybe I’m wrong. Perhaps this is exactly what everyone wants to see: the Princess of Wales up close in slow motion, from as many different angles as possible.
Shortly after the video’s release, we were treated to another movie, featuring Kate playing on a grand piano in a bright blue off-the-shoulder dress with the Ukrainian winners of last year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Truly a 24/7 megastar Princess.