Kate Middleton drops out of charity fundraiser

Prince William’s girlfriend, Kate Middleton, dropped out of a channel boat race because of “safety” issues. Middleton was set to steer a traditional Chinese dragon boat for an all female crew in a charity boat race. They are set to race an all male crew across the English Channel on August 25.

The group trained for the charity race on the River Thames in London and faced to much paparazzi attention. “It’s dangerous enough as it is, without having to take into consideration the world’s [paparazzi] causing us to capsize the whole time. They’ve been a nightmare,” says Emma Sayle, the boat captain.

Middleton’s lawyers issued a request to the paparazzi that they leave her alone and respect her privacy, but Middleton was still forced to drop out. “Kate has chosen to drop out, having taken advice. It’s a safety thing…security issues,” Sayle says. “She’s upset she can’t do it, but she’s made a call and taken the whole team into consideration. By pulling out she’s doing it for everyone else.”  

The female group is said to be “perplexed” about Middleton dropping out so close to the race. “The girls are slightly perplexed – this should have been mentioned three months ago, not two-and-a-half weeks before the race,” an insider said.

A palace spokesman hasn’t commented on Middleton or the race.

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