muriel
Imperial Majesty
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2007
- Messages
- 14,049
- City
- London / Guildford
- Country
- United Kingdom
Why should they bother? They are not particularly close to the throne, and if it has been decided that they will not be working members of the BRF, the PR is really not decided. They can either choose to build independent careers for themselves, or they can make the choice to be at fashion shows, parties and night clubs and then worry why they are not taken seriously; the choice in entirely for Beatrice & Eugenie.
Not particularly close to the throne? They are 5th and 6th.
Charles is in his 60's and Andrew is his 50's and while the Queen Mother, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have lived rather long and blessed lives....numbers 2 and 3 (that would be William and Harry) like to fly helicopters for a living. Not the safest job to do.....yes, you could get hit by a car or develop a terminal illness as well but really. How many freak accident have led to deaths of helicopter pilots. Its a massive machine that even the most skilled pilot in extenuating circumstances (winds, machine failure, etc.) have trouble controlling. And Harry is training to fly Apache helicopters? Do I think that if something tragic happens to one the other will be allowed to continue his chosen profession? No, I don't but that is another discussion for another thread.
Frankly, until William or Harry have a child....I don't think we should be so dismissive of how close they are to the throne. Its not like they are 11 and 12. I think there are a few examples of British history of people who were fairly close to the throne but because those in front of them didn't have children or died early, either they or their children (or their children's children) benefited from "not being that close." Queen Victoria, was the daughter of the 4th son! Electress Sophia and her link.
But back on topic.
I think BP does know what will be done with either Beatrice and/or Eugenie. We just don't know yet.
Once William & Harry have a few children each, B & E will be very easily down to about tenth in the succession line.
To me, it certainly seems clear that BP do not consider the York girls to play a central role in the BRF in the medium term. Two somewhat linked points to consider:
· Appreciate the fact that there once the current crop of Kents and Gloucesters retire and HM & DoE pass away or reduce their engagements materially, there will be causes that will need royal support. Some of those charities may lose full time royal patronage, but I suspect a lot of that will be taken up by the Wales boys and their wives, and to some extent by Andrew, Edward, Sophie & Anne. The bigger "capacity" issue will arise when Anne, Andrew, Edward & Sophie start to reduce their workloads. At that stage, there could be a role for the York girls. That said, I suspect that stage is probably at least a decade, if not more, away.
· To me there is also the issue of the York girls being "ready" for them to be acceptable to these charities, and to the British public at large in a public role. These girls are very, very young, and need time to develop themselves as individuals. There needs to be some clarity as to what they stand for, and what they believe in. Having an unproven 22 year old in a posh frock show up to open a school or an orphanage is really not going to curry favour with the public. IMO, it is a far better bet to allow the York girls to develop independent careers for themselves, mature as individuals, find “themselves”, and if required in 10-15 years, start to gradually support the firm in causes they believe in. In my humble opinion, that might be a much better way forward for the girls and for the BRF.