How many times have you heard someone say that?
Over the years my attitude towards him has mellowed somewhat. Despite the fact that I don't have a clue what he really does. I don't listen to his speeches. I only occasionally visit his website; if only to find out what's officially going on with Prince William and Prince Harry. I've also searched for Kate Middleton, to no avail. I did a Royal Report episode about him, using his site to research him so I could sound somewhat knowledgeable. Yes, it looks like he does a lot. He seems to care. And once he becomes king; if ever, I will feel sorry for him. He will lose the freedom that he has at present. The freedom to bravely wade into the foray and make a difference. Once he is monarch, he can only quietly make recommendations via carefully written memorandums to avoid public controversy. It's sad if you think about it.
What do I like about him? He exudes kindness. True, he will always have that remote royal quality, but in comparison to his mother, The Queen, he appears warm. Something, which in his particular position, means something. It's necessary. In fact, it has an impact that pales in comparison to other members of the royal family. Sure Prince Edward and Sophie can be pleasant. Princess Anne is dedicated to her causes. Prince Andrew does, whatever he does with a smile and a wave. The Dukes of Kent and Gloucester do what they do, working below the radar. Were it not for Majesty magazine, I wouldn't know they even exist.
After reading the following article on the World of Royalty website, to my surprise, I found myself logging in to Blogger and writing this article in intermittent spurts for the next two months. Leaping to his defense, begrudgingly admitting that he may have been ahead of his time, is not the thing to do. People may think that you're catering to him by doing so. Since my opinion means absolutely nothing, I don't have to worry about that.
Certainly I've taken my fair shots at him on this blog - but only in humour. He's the funniest member of the royal family. Which makes him all the more endearing to me. I don't know what I would do without him. Marrying Camilla was the smartest move he could have made - he looks like he's happy. After all these years, after all he's been though, he deserves it. Yet, if there's any doubt, he's paid a price for his happiness. He's made mistakes but life goes on.
Maybe his birthright has entrapped him. Maybe he never wanted it at all. We'll never truly know. You can wonder all you like. Pity him all you want. While he's Prince of Wales he's in a position to make a difference. Maybe an eternity of waiting isn't such a bad thing after all.
© Marilyn Braun 2008
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7 comments:
In my opinion, Charles has been a most effective Prince of Wales. He could also be just as effective as king.
Look at his ancestor Edward VII - he once famously said that "I don't mind praying to the Eternal Father, but I must be the only man afflicted with an Eternal mother!" Edward was impatient to do something important, but in the meantime contented himself with womanizing. Once king, however, he became known as the "Uncle of Europe" and was one of the main architects of the Entente Cordiale.
So you see, with all of Prince Charles' waiting, he has put his time to good use. When he becomes king, who knows what good he can do? Perhaps he may even have a hand in something as historic as his forebear - Charles' very own Entente Cordiale. You never know. :-)
I think I just wonder what will happen to all of his initiatives when he becomes king - what about The Princes Trust? Could William or Harry do as good a job? I guess we'll wait and see!
I like him too. I do think he's ahead of his time in some ways, for example his views on organic farming and town planning. And I especially like him for marrying Camilla. He seems to be someone who thinks for himself, and I admire that.
One difference between the two princes is that Bertie's mother didn't like him - blamed him, in fact, for the premature death of her beloved consort. Charles and his mother have more affection for one another, even if they are occasionally perplexed by the other's behavior. Charles has been more included. He doesn't have to wait for the Queen to die before he gets to do anything.
I like Prince Charles, too, Marilyn. He just seems like he'd be a hoot and a half at a dinner party, doesn't he? He doesn't seem to take himself too seriously, and he seems so calm and settled now that he and Camilla are properly hitched.
Wow! I must be on a formal Royal Blog!!
I'm sorry to end the trend, but , once being a very strong Charles supporter from his early childhood, am no longer!!..I do not respect him nor admire him.He may "deserve happiness" but at least he is alive...He could have been the best role model of the royals, but cannot say that any longer...Although born to be King, he should not have that honour..His participation in an affair with another man's wife and then him outting her is well below the high bar that the monarchy of Great Britian was once thought of..
It could have been very different!
Kateftowz
Wow! I must be on a formal Royal Blog!!
*Shudder*
I think you should read some more of my posts before saying that. :)
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