The Duke of Cambridge plans to end the long-standing royal tradition of “never complain, never explain” as a media strategy as he looks forward to a slimmer, more open monarchy.
Prince William is said to have had a meeting with aides after a backlash from his and the Duchess of Cambridge's Caribbean tour — part of the British royal family's platinum jubilee itinerary — when he indicated his plans include a payroll of about half the staff numbers working under his father, Prince Charles.
Ending their trip to Belize, Jamaica and the Bahamas at the weekend, Prince William acknowledged the monarchy's days in those nations may be numbered as he said the future “is for the people to decide upon".
His comments were cautiously welcomed by Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer, who told LBC on Monday that he applauded Prince William and Kate's attempt to look to the future and defended their decision to go on the trip.
However, Mr Starmer expressed concern that some aspects of the Caribbean tour — such as the royal couple shaking hands with crowds behind a wire mesh fence in Kingston and riding in the back of a Land Rover — "harked of the past" and "didn't fit that well" with the trip's aim.
He said Prince William “could have gone further” when he expressed his deep regret over slavery but sympathised with the duke, suggesting "he may go further in the future.”
In a statement reflecting on the tour, Prince William emphasised who the Commonwealth chooses to be its leader “isn't what is on my mind”, but what concerned him was its potential to “create a better future for the people who form it".
He stressed that he and his wife Kate were “committed to service” and saw their role as supporting people, “not telling them what to do".
A number of newspaper reports on Monday carried comments from sources suggesting William had been doing a lot of thinking about how long-held protocols can be modernised when he ascends the throne.
Changes could include halving staff numbers when he becomes the Prince of Wales and ending the policy of “never complain, never explain”, the newspapers reported.
Prince William's ruminations were in part committed to Twitter, where he acknowledged the tour had put him and his wife in a reflective mood.
Media coverage of the tour has been split, with some reaction emphasising the positive effect of their presence in the Caribbean, while others described the wire fence incident as a “PR disaster".
During the tour, they faced calls for reparations for slavery and trenchant criticism for not receiving Belize's blessing for the visit.
Barbados replaced Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state in November, electing its first president during a ceremony witnessed by the Prince Charles.
Prince William and Kate on Caribbean tour – in pictures
If you go:
Getting there:
Flying to Guyana requires first reaching New York with either Emirates or Etihad, then connecting with JetBlue or Caribbean Air at JFK airport. Prices start from around Dh7,000.
Getting around:
Wildlife Worldwide offers a range of Guyana itineraries, such as its small group tour, the 15-day ‘Ultimate Guyana Nature Experience’ which features Georgetown, the Iwokrama Rainforest (one of the world’s four remaining pristine tropical rainforests left in the world), the Amerindian village of Surama and the Rupununi Savannah, known for its giant anteaters and river otters; wildlifeworldwide.com
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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The specs: Hyundai Ionic Hybrid
Price, base: Dh117,000 (estimate)
Engine: 1.6L four-cylinder, with 1.56kWh battery
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 105hp (engine), plus 43.5hp (battery)
Torque: 147Nm (engine), plus 170Nm (battery)
Fuel economy, combined: 3.4L / 100km
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
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Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Score
Third Test, Day 2
New Zealand 274
Pakistan 139-3 (61 ov)
Pakistan trail by 135 runs with 7 wickets remaining in the innings
The UAE's journey to space
