Kate Middleton and Prince William's Train Tour Sparks More Controversy

In December, Kate Middleton and Prince William took a three-day tour of England, Scotland, and Wales on the Royal Train to thank those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour caused controversy at the time (opens in new tab), with Scottish and Welsh politicians questioning its necessity as blockade measures restricted travel throughout the United Kingdom. Royal sources said at the time that the tour was a work trip, and therefore perfectly legal, and had been planned in consultation with the English, Scottish, and Welsh governments.

However, a new report in the Scottish newspaper The National (opens in new tab) reveals that Scottish government officials sent repeated e-mails to the Cambridges' aides advising them that they might have to cancel the tour. A reporter for The National accessed the e-mails after submitting a Freedom of Information request, as reported by Harper's Bazaar (opens in new tab).

On November 12, John Summers, Nicola Sturgeon's private secretary in Scotland, sent an email to William and Kate's aides about their plans. Summers wrote: "You will be aware that we are currently asking people living in Scotland to avoid unnecessary travel from one local authority to another and to minimize travel within the area in which they live."

"My personal view is that [the rail tour] would be of great significance to many people living throughout Scotland. However, I am concerned about the practical aspects of it and how difficult the presentation will be if travel restrictions are put in place," Summers continued. 'At this point, it is my opinion that there is a pretty good chance that the tour will be postponed.'

Then, on November 19, James Hind, head of Scotland's cabinet, parliament, and governance department, sent an e-mail to the Cambridges' entourage. 'The Scottish Government is likely to legislate restrictions on non-essential travel within and out of Scotland. 'These rules will come into force tomorrow at 6pm. 'These rules will come into force tomorrow at 6pm. Obviously this is likely to have a significant impact on any plans you are working on.

Speaking to The National about the email, Scottish MP Deidre Brock blamed the Cambridges, saying, "People have to stay at home, they can't see their family and friends, they can't attend funerals properly.

"I wish the Royal Family had enough empathy to respect what people are going through instead of being so worldly," Block continued.

"The Scottish government has twice pointed to the travel ban, and the Welsh government has made it clear that they are not happy either. This "work travel" was not essential work and did not fall within any of the exemptions provided for in the regulations or guidance."

A spokesperson for Kate and William responded to the criticism in a statement to Harper's Bazaar magazine, reiterating their earlier comments about the legality of the tour. 'The same guidance we issued last month [before the tour] is still in effect,' the spokesman said. 'The Duke and Duchess were traveling on business and all regulations were fully complied with. The trip was planned in consultation with the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments."