Onlookers of the Royal Family are beginning to suspect trouble in paradise this week, after something of a scandal surrounding the Wales' engagement schedule began hitting headlines.
For those who haven't caught wind of the announcement, it was revealed yesterday (7 Aug) that, though the annual VJ Day celebrations are set to kick off next week, two senior royals would be giving it a miss.
No prizes for guessing who - it's William and Kate.
For reference, VJ Day day falls on the 14 August every year, and marks the anniversary of Japan's surrender to the allied forces during World War II. This came shortly after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
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Next week's celebration will mark 80 years exactly since Japanese forces lay down their arms, and as such, King Charles III will issue an official address to the nation from Buckingham Palace.
While several other members of the monarchy, as well as high-profile politicians - will also be in attendance at various events over the week, the Prince and Princess of Wales will reportedly be absent from the festivities.
This also means that their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will remain out of the spotlight as the week continues.
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Taking to the discussion forum Reddit in response to the news, one critic wrote, 'All is not well in the House of Windsor'.
Chiming in, another user sarcastically suggested that the pair have endured a busy summer already, writing: "They have another holiday to take. William took Charlotte to the women's football after all and Catherine's staff released some early years animated videos.
"They must be exhausted. They need a holiday."
Another seconded this comical motion, referencing the early childhood animation series the Princess is fronting, and adding: "Come on, give Kate a break. She had to spend a whole 5 minutes firing off a quick email or phone call to her KP office staff telling them to post cute animated videos on YouTube!
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"I bet she was just exhausted after all that!!"
Another pointed out: "If they aren't doing public engagements, then we need to start slashing their budget.
"The entire selling point of the royal family is that they're meant to be busy people representing interests here and overseas, doing charity work and events etc. if they aren't even doing that then they can pay for their own security etc."
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Other critics suggested that their pair's increasing absence from the royal engagements could mark a change in the Royal Family's protocols.
"I honestly believe they will be the end of the monarchy," one hit out. "Royalty in 2025 is not at all taking seriously or with deference."
Another jibed: "At this point W&K's reign will be an email once a year from their vacation destination."
Tyla has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.
Topics: Kate Middleton, Prince William, Royal Family, UK News, King Charles III, Reddit
Rhianna Benson