Kate Middleton ‘raised eyebrows’ within Royal Family by taking Caribbean holidays

Kate Middleton’s enthusiasm for Caribbean vacations has reportedly caused some unease within the Royal Family. Before her engagement to Prince William, Kate’s frequent trips to the Caribbean, specifically to Mustique, drew significant attention and criticism. These vacations were often made possible by the generosity of her then-employer, Jigsaw, who allowed her to use a luxurious villa on the island. This perk, not afforded to other employees, did not sit well with some royal insiders, including the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen was known to have preferred that Kate secure a more stable career before any engagement announcement. During the period when Kate and William were dating, their holiday habits became a point of contention. Reports suggest that the Queen was not pleased with their penchant for Caribbean getaways and wished Kate would focus on establishing herself professionally before their engagement in 2010.

Kate faced criticism not only for her holiday habits but also for her career choices. Initially, she worked for her mother’s business, Party Pieces, which was seen as less conventional than other career paths. Later, she took a part-time job as an accessories buyer at Jigsaw. This career trajectory, combined with her frequent vacations, led to scrutiny from the public and the press.

The media’s focus on Kate intensified after a publicized breakup with William in 2007, which became a notable episode in their relationship history. However, by 2008, they reconciled and eventually married in 2011. During their courtship, Kate’s travels were often highlighted by the press, leading to her being dubbed the “Queen of Mustique,” a title that had previously belonged to Princess Margaret.

Despite the early controversies surrounding their holidays, Kate and William have continued to visit the Caribbean, including islands with historical ties to the royal family. Notably, an island south of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, long associated with Princess Margaret, has remained a favorite destination for the couple. Earlier this year, William and Kate demonstrated their ongoing commitment to the region by privately donating to aid victims of Hurricane Beryl, which affected several Caribbean islands, including Grenada and Jamaica.