Prince William and Princess Kate Set to Clearly Distinguish Themselves From Harry and Meghan During U.S. Visit

They're a different kind of public figure.

Prince William and Kate Middleton
(Image credit: Getty)

Prince William and Princess Kate are heading to America this week.

Ostensibly, this trip's purpose is for them to host the Earthshot Prize in Boston, and visit local communities. With that said, some sources have noted that the Prince and Princess of Wales will also be looking to establish themselves as a different kind of royal couple from their U.S.-based relatives, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to receive the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope award just days after the Waleses are scheduled to present the Earthshot Prize to help further the fight against the climate crisis, and this, apparently, is signficant.

"It’s not bad to receive an award, but it shows the fundamental difference between [William and Kate]—who have constitutional roles, who are working on behalf of others—versus being a celebrity," an anonymous royal insider told Page Six.

"They were always famous, but now they’re reached a different stage in their public lives—they’re different types of figures."

For one fashion expert, this trip to the U.S.—the couple's first since 2014—presents a perfect opportunity for them to really show Americans what they're about.

According to Bethan Holt, fashion director of the Telegraph, it's a "real opportunity for a big wow moment," she told Page Six.

"If anyone can combine talking about something very seriously with delivering this huge boost of glamour and royalty it’s William and Kate. This is a big chance for the British segment of the Royal Family to make a big splash and remind everyone why they are loved and to re-establish that connection."

The Queen Attends A Service At Westminster Abbey Marking The Centenary Of WW1 Armistice

(Image credit: Getty/WPA Pool/Pool)

A source close to the Waleses also assured the publication that they won't let the drama surrounding the Sussexes' media projects get in the way of their U.S. visit.

"The Prince and Princess of Wales will be focused on getting on with the job at hand. They are not going to be distracted," they said.

"Look, everyone wants Harry and Meghan to be happy and focus on the future—you have a beautiful family, it’s time to get on with it.

"For the Prince and Princess of Wales, their belief is 'Life’s too short and there’s too much to do.' You get on with your lives and your work without having to worry about any games from anyone else."

The Sussexes are preparing to release their long-awaited Netflix docuseries on Dec. 8, while Prince Harry's memoir—titled Spare—will be released on Jan. 10. Both projects have stirred up their fair share of worry among the House of Windsor, with royal watchers wondering what, and how much, the couple will choose to reveal about their royal past.

Iris Goldsztajn
Morning Editor

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.

Read more
Prince William and Kate Middleton attend the BAFTAs in 2020
Princess Kate and Prince William Are Set to Become a "Power Duo" in International Diplomacy
Kate Middleton wearing a blue blazer walking next to Prince William, dressed in a blue sweater, in front of a car and both looking to the left
Princess Kate and Prince William Would Rather Not "Be Public Figures," Per Former Aide
Kate Middleton wearing a brown coat and burgundy polka dot dress smiling with green trees behind her
In Rare Announcement, Kensington Palace Changes Stance on Princess Kate’s Royal Duties
Kate Middleton wears a white lace dress with a matching hat and Prince William wears a top hat and tails
Why Princess Kate and Prince William "May Need a Referee" Amid Major Differing Opinions
Prince William riding in a car waving to fans out a window sitting next to Princess Kate, wearing a red coat with a yellow daffodil pin and laughing
Kate Middleton and Prince William's "Fun and Mischievous" Behavior Shows How They're Able to ‘"Let Go"
Prince William wearing a black tux walking the red carpet next to Kate wearing a white gown and black gloves
Prince William and Princess Kate are Skipping the 2025 BAFTAs Because of Their Kids
Latest in Celebrity
Princess Madeleine of Sweden wearing a tiara featuring emeralds
Why Princess Madeleine of Sweden Can't Use Her Royal Title to Promote Her New Skincare Line
Queen Camilla has blonde hair and is wearing a dark green shirt dress
Why Queen Camilla Has Been Issued a "Strict" Warning Regarding Her Meeting With the Pope
Benny Blanco in a purple shirt with a white tank top underneath and Selena Gomez in a black dress backstage at The Tonight Show in March 2025
Selena Gomez Says She’s "Excited" to Become a Mom Someday in Joint Interview with Benny Blanco
Meghan Markle wears blue denim jeans
Meghan Markle Confirms Skinny Jeans Are Back by Finally Revealing Her Favorite Frame Denim
Carole Middleton has blonde hair and laughs while shopping with daughter Kate Middleton
How Carole Middleton Might Step Up to Support Princess Kate Following Previous Controversies
Ben Affleck in a black suit and Jennifer Lopez in a gown with a silver sequined sheer skirt and black strapless bodice with long black gloves at the premiere of This Is Me Now... A Love Story in February 2024
Ben Affleck Opens Up About His Divorce From Jennifer Lopez for the First Time
Latest in News
Bella Hadid carries the Coach empire bag in New York City with a black mini dress
Bella Hadid Secures Coach's Must-Have Empire Bag, Just Like I Predicted She Would
Selena Gomez wears a cropped blazer and matching trousers while attending the Drew Barrymore show in New York City
Selena Gomez Is the Cropped Blazer Trend's Final Boss
Princess Madeleine of Sweden wearing a tiara featuring emeralds
Why Princess Madeleine of Sweden Can't Use Her Royal Title to Promote Her New Skincare Line
Rihanna in a head scarf and multiple necklaces
Rihanna’s Jamaica Manicure Will Unite the Caribbean
Queen Camilla has blonde hair and is wearing a dark green shirt dress
Why Queen Camilla Has Been Issued a "Strict" Warning Regarding Her Meeting With the Pope
Benny Blanco in a purple shirt with a white tank top underneath and Selena Gomez in a black dress backstage at The Tonight Show in March 2025
Selena Gomez Says She’s "Excited" to Become a Mom Someday in Joint Interview with Benny Blanco