Kate and William: why their trip to Scotland is controversial
Sunday, December 6, 2020, Prince William and Kate Middleton began an official three-day tour to meet the frontline workers who had to work during the health crisis. An initiative that is far from unanimous ...
"Their Royal Highnesses want to convey the sincere thanks and gratitude of the nation for all of its efforts to ensure the safety of people and to make the country function." A few weeks before the holiday season, Prince William and Kate Middleton boarded the Royal Train for a visit to England, Wales and Scotland, to thank frontline workers, teachers and than the volunteers who worked a lot during the health crisis. If the approach of the parents of George, Charlotte and Louis is commendable, the fans of the royal family assure that the latter do not set a good example and that despite the efforts they make to raise the morale of the people, they would actually participate to a "non-essential" trip at the height of the crisis.
On Twitter, Internet users did not fail to give their opinions and be heard. We can read: "They do not really set a good example in the country ... We must stay at home to ensure the safety of our loved ones, we cannot see the people we care about and they visit the Kingdom "United ... It really feels like they're snapping their fingers and saying they can do whatever they want!" ; or again: "This is classified as non-essential travel during a pandemic, in very high alert zones. They will travel from level 2 to level 3." Angrily, one netizen asked: "Much of Scotland is level 4 confined, but these two can obviously get around what the average person can't, why?" To which one tweet replied: "Because he was lucky to be born into the royal family and she was lucky to have studied art history with him."
Strict measures
Most of England are under Level 2 restrictions after their second lockdown. Under restrictions imposed by Boris Johnson's government, households living on Levels 2 and 3 - covering 99% of the population in England - are prohibited from seeing people and there are strict controls on hospitality. While level 3 pubs and restaurants are to remain closed except for take out and delivery, level 2 pubs can only serve alcohol with a "substantial" meal. Under Scottish regulations, residents are required not to travel between Scotland and the rest of the UK unless they have a reasonable excuse, including work, study or essential shopping.
