In a shocking turn of events, fans of Prince William and Kate Middleton have turned against the royal couple over what many are calling a painfully “cringe” attempt to mimic Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The backlash erupted after Kensington Palace released a dull video featuring the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge discussing nature, which critics quickly labeled as forced and insincere.

The video comes just a day after photos of Harry and Meghan at a Beyoncé concert went viral, showcasing their effortless charm and relatability—qualities that many feel William and Kate desperately tried to replicate. However, the result was far from flattering. With Kate discussing trees and the environment in a monotonous tone, viewers quickly took to social media to express their disdain, branding the video as “boring” and “patronizing.”

Prominent royal commentators, including Tom Sykes from the Daily Beast, have not held back in their critique, questioning why Kate’s nature video elicited such annoyance when it was supposed to be a celebration of spring. Sykes pointed out the stark contrast between the royals’ privileged lifestyle and the everyday realities of most Britons, stating that their attempts at normalcy felt utterly performative.

Even long-time royal supporters have voiced their disapproval, with some admitting they are now more inclined to sympathize with Harry and Meghan. The backlash is not limited to social media; traditional media outlets are also echoing these sentiments, highlighting the disconnect between the royals and the public.

As the criticism mounts, it’s clear that William and Kate’s efforts to appear relatable have not only backfired but also exposed a deeper rivalry with Harry and Meghan that continues to captivate the public’s attention. With more “nature” videos promised in the coming months, the question remains: can the Cambridges recover from this PR disaster, or will they remain the laughingstock of the royal family?