A royal expert said that he believed Prince William and Kate Middleton will likely follow Princess Diana after the AIDS epidemic when the current global pandemic ends.
Nigel Cawthorne, who had written a book that looked into the relationship between Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein, told the Daily Mail that the couple is likely to follow the great historical example that Prince William’s mother had set.
Prince Willam and Kate have been conducting all of their public duties in a virtual manner because of Covid-19. From volunteering in a mental health hotline to giving various speeches, the two have kept themselves busy despite not being allowed to mingle in public.
Although the British royal family has not yet announced any official timelines on when the royals will resume their public duties physically, lockdown measures around the UK have been eased.
However, the younger royals including the Earl and Countess of Wessex are known to be exploring options as to how they can resume their public duties in a safe yet effective manner.
Cawthorne believes that none other than Princess Diana perfectly showed how a royal can behave in a ‘new normal’. He pointed to how Diana shook the hands of AIDS patients despite some concerns that a handshake may put her at risk.
Although scientists have since found out that handshakes do not transmit the HIV virus, Cawthorne emphasizes that this was not scientifically confirmed when Princess Diana comforted and fought against the stigmatization of AIDS patients.
In 1987, Princess Diana became the first member of the royal family to physically contact an AIDS patient. Her bold action shook the public belief that HIV/AIDS could be transmitted through any form of physical contact including a handshake.
She had also frequented the London Lighthouse, where AIDS patients of all ages were treated. Princess Diana often showed up without any press members, which is said to have brought great joy and comfort to AIDS patients around the world.
Cawthorne said that the Cambridges are likely to learn and follow this example. He argues that the royals, who are both 38, are not considered to be in the high-risk group as long as they keep to government recommendations such as washing their hands frequently.
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