Daily BrewWhy Prince William and Kate appeal to a younger generation
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge aren't your mom and dad's royal couple. Kate creates a media frenzy for her down-to-earth behaviour such as shopping at the local grocery store or wearing the same outfit twice. And Prince William plays down the perks that typically come with his title to live as normal a life as possible with his new wife.
But for a generation of Canadians addicted to gossip, the thirst for personal details is insatiable.
"They have that star power," says Robert Finch, chairman of the Monarchist League of Canada in a Globe and Mail article. " I think that, in itself, will pique the interest because people will want to see these people here in Canada with their own eyes."
Ironically, it's the level-headedness of the Duke and Duchess that is whipping up a frenzy among young Canadians. And their upcoming North American tour is proof of how the newly minted couple is endearing itself to a new generation of royal watchers:
They take care of themselves. The entourage is small. Kate won't even bring along a personal dresser. At home, the couple has postponed the search for a housekeeper indefinitely, preferring to do their own housework as they did before they were married.
They're interested in youth issues. While they'll be doing their share of meeting with high-ranking officials, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will spend a great deal of their trip attending events like BAFTA bash in L.A., recognizing up-and-coming British acting talent, or visiting the birthplace of Anne of Green Gables, one of Kate's favourite childhood stories.
They're young and meet with youth whenever possible. Both Prince William and Catherine were born in 1982: the year Wayne Gretzky won his third Hart Memorial trophy, Lotto 6/49 made its debut, the Canada Act was passed, and Q-Bert was introduced to video arcades. So when they meet with young people, they easily relate because they are so close in age. On this trip, they'll visit a group of young chefs in Montreal and spend much of their time in Yellowknife with youth, including a territorial session of Youth Parliament.
