Prince William Steals the Show

Princess Catherine could be joining Prince William in India next month for the Earthshot Prize, setting the stage for a major international appearance as the Prince and Princess of Wales increase their public engagements together.

Vanity Fair reports that sources close to the couple expect Catherine to accompany William to Mumbai, although Kensington Palace has not officially confirmed her attendance. Royal biographer Russell Myers says William and Kate have missed supporting each other publicly during a difficult period marked by family health concerns. Their return to joint appearances could signal a new chapter for the future king and queen.

But is there another reason for their increasingly busy schedule?

An unnamed insider tells Vanity Fair that William and Catherine want their official roles to remain clearly distinct from the activities of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who have resumed public appearances since returning to Britain.

Meanwhile, former MP Nadine Dorries argues that Meghan is deliberately competing with Catherine for attention. Dorries points to Meghan's recent appearance with Malala Yousafzai, social media posts featuring Archie and Lilibet, and charity merchandise launches as evidence of a carefully timed publicity campaign.

Royal commentator Deep Crown disagrees with the suggestion that Catherine should fight Meghan for headlines, arguing that the Princess of Wales is better served by continuing her established charitable work rather than entering a celebrity popularity contest.

Away from the royal rivalry, Prince William is having a particularly enjoyable week. The Prince of Wales celebrated Aston Villa's emphatic six-nil Champions League victory over Fenerbahçe, with photographs showing him jumping to his feet and punching the air. William also showed off his cricket skills outside Buckingham Palace during an event promoting the Earthshot Prize in India. Cricket legends Brian Lara and Joe Root praised his batting, although both suggested his bowling could use some improvement.

And William demonstrated that even future kings can use a little help taking selfies when a woman outside Buckingham Palace reached over and adjusted his arm to improve their camera angle. Plus, William delighted fans by copying Aston Villa captain John McGinn's trademark celebration during his cricket appearance, prompting affectionate reactions on social media.

Questions this episode answers: Is Kate Middleton traveling to India with Prince William? Will Catherine attend the Earthshot Prize in Mumbai? Are William and Kate increasing their public appearances to compete with Harry and Meghan? Does Meghan Markle deliberately steal Kate's spotlight? What did Nadine Dorries say about Meghan's publicity campaign? How are William and Catherine responding to the Sussexes' return? Why was Prince William celebrating at Aston Villa? How good is William at cricket? What did Brian Lara and Joe Root say about his batting? And why did a woman correct Prince William's selfie technique?

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Palace Intrigue is a daily British royal family podcast covering King Charles, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and the House of Windsor. New episodes every day. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Media network.

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