A royal author has criticized Prince William for his work ethic after new data shows King Charles, despite battling cancer, took on more royal engagements than his eldest son in the first half of 2026. The analysis reveals Princess Anne as the hardest working royal, while William's focus on the Duchy of Cornwall draws scrutiny.
A new analysis of royal engagements for the first half of 2026 has sparked a debate about the work ethic of the senior royals, with Prince William coming under particular criticism.
According to the data, which covers events from January 1 to June 15, King Charles attended 76 engagements despite undergoing cancer treatment, while Prince William participated in 57. Princess Anne significantly outpaced both with 100 appearances. The findings have led royal author Norman Baker to label the Prince of Wales as "workshy," a charge that highlights the perceived disparity in dedication to public duties among the future monarch and his father.
Baker, who wrote the book "And What Do You Do? What the Royal Family Don't Want You to Know," pointed to historical context to bolster his claim. He noted that in 2024, Anne attended 474 public events, Charles appeared at 372, and William only managed 166, which averages to less than one engagement every two days.
He also cited specific absences, such as William missing the Easter service at St George's Chapel in Windsor and the funeral for former US President Jimmy Carter in January 2025. The latter was reportedly an event King Charles wanted William to attend, but the Prince of Wales declined, citing the birthday of his wife, Catherine Middleton, and stating that his "family must come first.
" The critique extends beyond mere attendance at official ceremonies. Baker suggests that William's energy appears directed toward financial matters rather than royal duties. Since inheriting the Duchy of Cornwall from his father, William has been active in managing the vast estate. Baker dismisses any notion that this is purely altruistic, arguing that William's board appointments have favored property developers and investment bankers.
He specifically mentions William's creation of an investment committee aimed at boosting profits for the Duchy, and by extension, his own income.
"Workshy William? Yes when it comes to undertaking royal duties. But no when it comes to adding to his already bulging bank account," Baker remarked, framing the Prince's priorities as more commercially than service-oriented. King Charles's performance is particularly notable given his health challenges.
The monarch went public with his cancer diagnosis in February 2024 and has been undergoing treatment ever since. In December 2025, Charles provided an update, stating that an early diagnosis and effective intervention allowed him to reduce his treatment schedule in 2026.
Nevertheless, the demands of the monarchy continue, and the data indicates that Charles has maintained a rigorous public schedule. His 76 engagements in just over five months represent a significant commitment, especially considering the physical toll of his illness and the necessity for recovery periods. This output reportedly surpasses that of his son, who is not contending with a major health crisis. The comparison between the two men is delicate, given Charles's age and medical situation.
While the King has prioritized his treatment and recovery, he has also strived to uphold his constitutional duties. The narrative presented by Baker and the underlying data suggest a recalibration of roles within the royal family. With Charles's reduced capacity, the expectation might be that William would increase his workload to compensate. Instead, the numbers show the heir apparent participating in fewer events than his father.
This dynamic raises questions about the division of labor among the senior royals and the preparation for William's eventual ascension to the throne. The Duchy of Cornwall management could be seen as part of that preparation, but critics argue it is a less visible, more private form of work compared to the public-facing engagements that traditionally define royal service. Princess Anne's remarkable tally of 100 engagements underscores her reputation as the family's most diligent working royal.
Her consistent output over the years has often been contrasted with that of her brothers, and the 2026 data reinforces this pattern. The focus on William, however, is amplified by his position as heir apparent. The scrutiny of his schedule is not just about counting events; it taps into broader public expectations about the future king's commitment and readiness.
The label "workshy" carries significant political and social weight, implying a lack of dedication to the role he is destined to inherit. In response to such criticisms, supporters of Prince William might argue that quality of engagement matters more than quantity. They could point to his work on mental health initiatives, environmental campaigns, and the United for Wildlife program as evidence of substantive contribution.
The management of the Duchy of Cornwall, a complex portfolio worth billions, is also a serious responsibility that will ultimately benefit the Crown and the nation's finances. Furthermore, William's family life, including his three children, is often cited as a reason for maintaining a degree of privacy and normalcy. The balancing act between public duty and private life is a constant challenge for all senior royals. The debate also reflects changing perceptions of monarchy in the modern era.
The public increasingly expects transparency and measurable work from public figures funded by the state. Quantitative data, like the number of engagements, becomes a simple metric for judgment. Baker's commentary leverages this data to construct a narrative of a prince more interested in profit than duty. Whether this is a fair assessment depends on one's weighting of different forms of royal work.
Undeniably, King Charles's output while fighting cancer sets a high bar and makes for an unfavorable comparison for his son. The story is likely to fuel ongoing discussions about the future shape of the British monarchy and the expectations placed on its leading figures as they navigate personal challenges and constitutional responsibilities
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