Most/Least prepared to be King/Queen?

[Aurora810]

I’m relatively new here and I’m still getting comfortable with the many different royals. After reading some posts in different threads I decided it would be interesting to discuss the things that the different crown princes and the one crown princess are doing to prepare themselves for their future jobs as King or Queen.

The types of schooling, special training programs, and any other things that they are involved with that seem to be helping them prepare for their future can be discussed. And also who seems to be the least prepared at this point?

All opinions are of course welcome.

[ysbel]

Great question aurora.

The best prepared I think are Charles, Prince of Wales and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.

[crisiñaki]

about Frederik, why does everyone say that he's not prepared? (from Wikipedia):

* He studied at Harvard University from 1992-1993 studying political science. He then took up a position for three months with the Danish UN mission in New York in 1994. He received an MSc in Political Science from the University of Aarhus, which he completed in February 1995.
* posted as First Secretary to the Danish Embassy in Paris from October 1998-October 1999.
* has completed extensive military studies and training in all three services, notably completing education as a frogman (Danish Frømand) in the naval special forces Danish Frogman Corps.In the period 2001 and 2002, the Crown Prince completed further training for leaders at the Royal Danish Defence College. Crown Prince Frederik remains active in the defence, and in the period 2002-2003 served as a staff officer at Defence Command Denmark, and from 2003 as a senior lecturer with the Institute of Strategy at the Royal Danish Defence College.

Frederik likes to sail and it's a fun-loving guy but it doesn't necessarily mean that he's not prepared, besides he's had the "regent" experience (like Haakon) so he's more in tune with what a King does and represent than many of his European counterparts, specially now that his mother is going on and off surgery

Much less prepared are those princes who had never had a job (even a symbolic one like Fred did) and don't have practice in diplomacy or politics, one thing is to visit countries and represent your own and another very different one is to work in an Embassy or in the ONU, the "practical" learning is much more complete that way, not to mention the gruesome physical training Frederik took (by his own will) in the Danish Navy SEAL and the fact that he's learnt a lot of things there and can lecture about it, most Princes took their military training as an opportunity to wear uniforms and I don't like that

[lumutqueen]

Originally Posted by ysbel

Great question aurora.

The best prepared I think are Charles, Prince of Wales and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.

Hmmm yes.
I think CP Frederik is very well prepared aswell.

Least prepared. Propably Henry VIII son Edward and i know this is going way back. More recently i think if Princess Caroline is going to do what people say she will and bypass herself and give the throne to her son, Andrea.
I think he isn't very well prepared for the role.
x

[ZandraRae]

I agree ysbel. Charles has had more years to prepare than perhaps any other heir and he has learned from the Queen Mum and QEII (what more can you ask?). He will make a fine ruler one day. As for Victoria, I have always liked her, and hope to see her succeed in her role. She is an outstanding you lady.

[Aurora810]

I also think Charles is the obvious choice but I hope many others will give their opinions on other royals.

I love Victoria obviously look at my avatar. However, I recently read that she doesn't actually have a degree in anything. She's done some study programs but no degree was ever received. So I wonder what is the thought on that? I think she can certainly learn all she needs to learn without an actual degree, other people do it all the time and make millions. But I hope some people more in the know than I will also give their opinions.

[actr]

The best prepared: the Prince of Wales and the Prince of Orange.

The least prepared: Crown prince Frederik of Denmark.

[planetcher]

Most Prepared: Prince Charles and Prince Felipe (I don't follow Philippe, Haakon, or Willem-Alexander)

Leat Prepared: Prince Frederik

[janos614]

Most prepared: Prince Charles

Least prepared: CP Frederik

[princess olga]

Originally Posted by actr

The best prepared: the Prince of Wales and the Prince of Orange.

The least prepared: Crown prince Frederik of Denmark.

Could not agree more regarding your 'most prepared' pick. The Prince of Wales has put in a ton of mileage over the years, with thousands of visits with constituents all over the planet, not to mention he's really carved out a series of niches over the years. From architecture (or the protection of heritage architecture) to organic farming, Prince Charles has given his all and is more than ready (not that I'd like his excellent mom to retire, but still)

The Prince of Orange, same story almost. Alexander's been revving up the mileage in recent years, and, it has to be said, been putting in a lot of effort regarding his most recent, well, one could call them, J.O.B's!

For example his latest promotion, as the head of the UN's water committee. Sure one could say, he's been picked for the job due to his role as Prince, but it's clear he's picked for that particular gig because of his sheer <expertise> he's been working building up over the years.

He's picked the right wife, too, someone with a clear sense of direction and vision. The two of them have also displayed clear leadership qualities on their home turf, the Netherlands.

The only thing I'd say <against> Alexander is that his kids are a bit young for him to get the extremely high profile, high demanding, job as king. The current 'king', queen Beatrix, puts in a ton of traveling mileage annually; it is to be debated whether becoming king while the kids are this young is ideal. OTOH, in terms of expertise and quality, he seems ready and so does his wife.

The real wild card, to me, is Fred. He seems to have less projects on a daily basis than even his wife. What does he do besides supporting Denmark's sporting teams occasionally, besides participating in sailing competitions, however draining that hobby may be? I frankly haven't the faintest. If anyone of you can enlighten me on this one, please do.

All I can say is, Queen Margarethe, on the off off chance you might read this (yeah, right!), please do your son a favor and give him more to do, and something that carries more weight than anything 'sports' related, please! The guy may have the talent, but he also needs the practise!

[Aurora810]

Originally Posted by princess olga

All I can say is, Queen Margarethe, on the off off chance you might read this (yeah, right!), please do your son a favor and give him more to do, and something that carries more weight than anything 'sports' related, please! The guy may have the talent, but he also needs the practise!

I love it, very funny. I'm picturing her right now sitting in front of her computer logging on to the internet.

On another note I agree completely on your opinion of W-A choosing the right wife. I think he chose very well for himself and for the Netherlands. She also appears to be so hard working. But best of all I think Maxima appears as a woman that anyone could get along with. She just seems so friendly and cordial with all.

[ricarda]

Originally Posted by princess olga

All I can say is, Queen Margarethe, on the off off chance you might read this (yeah, right!), please do your son a favor and give him more to do, and something that carries more weight than anything 'sports' related, please! The guy may have the talent, but he also needs the practise!

He is regent right now, covering for his mother, as he did several times last year.
No complaints about his preparedness so far.

I think all the cps are well educated and prepared for what is expected of them which isn't very much in the end.
The importance of royals is really over-estimated on this board IMO.
As a German I dare to say monarchs are a beautiful decoration but not really essential for a state.
But perhaps I am missing something?

I always have that quote from "The Madness of King George" in my mind:
"You want to do something? Give the people the impression that you are happy.
That's what we are here for." (qouting from memory)
Perhaps the question should be: Who is most/least capable of giving the impression of happiness?

[Henri M.]

Originally Posted by ricarda

The importance of royals is really over-estimated on this board IMO.

For some countries, the monarchy is purely ceremonial, like in Japan, Sweden and Denmark.

In Norway (where the King attends the Council of Ministers himself) and in the Netherlands and in Luxembourg (which has a 'Dutch' system) the political role is undoutedly there. In Morocco, Jordan, Monaco and Liechtenstein there still is an almost oldfashioned personal power for the Monarch.

In the United Kingdom there are a lot of formal royal prerogatives but the strong personal and 'presidential' figures of the successive Prime Ministers have had an eroding effect on the royal powers.

In Spain and Belgium the formal powers are very under pressure due to the unstoppable demands for constitutional reforms and ongoing federalization.

[Little_star]

Originally Posted by ricarda

The importance of royals is really over-estimated on this board IMO.

That's a complete generalisation, imo. Perhaps in some countries (mainly Europe) they have little importance but there are plenty of others where they are the rulers of their kingdom.

[princess olga]

Originally Posted by ricarda

He is regent right now, covering for his mother, as he did several times last year.

OK, so what exactly does that mean? What does it entail?

Originally Posted by ricarda

The importance of royals is really over-estimated on this board IMO.
As a German I dare to say monarchs are a beautiful decoration but not really essential for a state.

Ah, now I get it. Sitting pretty is what we're paying these royals to do! Who knew! So in that case you are absolutely right, Fred & his handsome smile seem well prepared for that. Actually, if smiling & waving happily from a sailing boat while holding a toddler is what it takes, heck, I want to sign up too?!

[Lena]

Originally Posted by ricarda

He is regent right now, covering for his mother, as he did several times last year.
No complaints about his preparedness so far.

I think all the cps are well educated and prepared for what is expected of them which isn't very much in the end.
The importance of royals is really over-estimated on this board IMO.
As a German I dare to say monarchs are a beautiful decoration but not really essential for a state.
But perhaps I am missing something?

I always have that quote from "The Madness of King George" in my mind:
"You want to do something? Give the people the impression that you are happy.
That's what we are here for." (qouting from memory)
Perhaps the question should be: Who is most/least capable of giving the impression of happiness?

I´m agreeing and by these standards, I´m wondering, if it´s good for the happy fairytale to pee from a yacht into to sea...to say, that one doesn´t get the children raised by nannies and though one has two...and that while the parents hardly work. yes, this maybe isn´t about happiness...but its about manners and the image of a happy family.

Of course Frederiks work might be as important for Denmark´s history &politics as an ant carring a fir needle home. But isn´t he then a little bit overpaid? And would it hurt so much to give at least the impression of working. Isn´t everyone liking working ppl...aren´t grannies saying "Take this boy, he is a hard worker and ambitious"? I had always thought so.
Yes, I´m getting Denmark isn´t the size of Spain...we had it about 1000 times before. But one can always search a field...what does speak against a man doing "soft" issues as well...and what does speak against supporting smaller unions...Victoria is giving yearly the awards for the best milk farmers...does sound silly and rural...but surely a way to make the schedule more full.

Ok...ok...we have also heard a 1000 times, that the Danes rather prefer the Royal family working less, than too much (what doesn´t speak for the Danes...but ok)...but honestly I´ve a feeling, that also not all Danes are happy with Frederiks current working ethics...at least we got the one or another article last year.
The DRF has the luck, that Denmark hasn´t an as extended media world as e.g. Spains...with glorious monarchists in it, but also spiteful little men...and so the little Danish media world doesn´t bite the hand, that it is feeding.
But this can always change. So I would say this "work less, sail more" motto is build on sand and shouldn´t be taken too far.

And honestly I think it would be wiser, if the die-hard supporters of Frederik´s way would be a little bit more reasonable. He isn´t working much and though getting a lot of money. Not every Dane seems to be fond of his working ethics. And probably even less would, when his schedule would get more spread. I mean, like him...but if you want others to like him as well, then stop to play the blind ones, this is just making ppl even turning more to the other side...

And since this is about being prepared...Frederik´s education surely isn´t bad, but he isn´t already King...so he could still go on to prepare and doing more duties would also help to give the Image of being prepared. Well, maybe being lazy seeming is even Frederik´s plan...and as soon as he would be the boss, he would work like mad and all would be amazed and happy about the new super-king, who changed so much. I though wonder, if anyone here would support the idea of your hubby, brother, friend etc. doing a mini job for 30 years and then he would start to work 24/7

Yes, I´ve highlighted "Image", because that´s it, what it´s all about. Victoria has indeed no university degree and this actually wouldn´t matter, if the other ones wouldn´t have one as well. I mean, what do you need an university degree for in this job?
I think even not in the Monarchies with some political power, it´s required. It surely doesn´t hurt and a basic knowledge is needed, but I´m strongly supporting the idea of ppl in such positions having some natural feeling and interest for things.

One just has to look at European politicans in governments. Not all of them have an university degree in law, but many of them have gotten a lot of knowledge during their journey from being a small member of a party up to the position of a minister. And then there are many ppl sitting in universities, writing As in tests, but a few weeks later, they have all forgotten or can´t work with it. What you aren´t interested in, you can´t work with.

With (European) Royals there is one thing tricky...since they aren´t supposed to be very opinionated in political matters, they also can´t show, what they have learned (Except if they would done a course on cutting flowers properly )
In some Monarchies they have the chance to influence things a little bit behind the scenes, but also that ppl wouldn´t always know.
So what to do...twiddling thumbs from 18-60 (?) One could, but it wouldn´t impress much...so there needs to be some training programme...which maybe even would be fruitful, if the "Royal trainee" would be interested and would create a network, he or she later can rely on.
And this training programme would give the ppl a feeling of the trainee becoming a serious grown-up Royal.
So Victoria has no university education and in comparison, it makes her looking bad. But the Swedish court was at least wise enough to give her some extra programme, which does sound very impressive and she hardly had any gaps, since she turned 18. And so she is seeming prepared enough...but honestly, if you ask me, she has always been a charming person with natural charisma...and this would carry her through the job...even without any further or less education.

So concluded: I would say, either you have genuine interest (in the ppl, you meet, in politics and history...) and you "klick" with the ppl or you don´t have it and then also the best school doesn´t help to make you professional seeming. And if you have "it", then stay busy and pretend to also get some OFFICIAL education and you perfect your task. Then there is practically no surface for attack...even not from "Why is Fred not working??"-bitches

Talking about Belgium...I think, if the Belgian Monarchy would break down, it wouldn´t be so much because of the unpopular Royals, but more because Belgium would break apart. The Royal family might have some power, but even if they all would be as popular as some other foreign Royals, they wouldn´t have enough power to keep things sticking together. Keeping 2 or more very different folks together is not easy..."being only within the familiar ones" is a strong driving force and that one can´t keep things together with mere will other rulers had to accept before. Well, let´s not meet the trouble halfway...maybe Belgiums map would look the same 500 hundred years from now


Loooong Lena-post with not so many good points, I fear

[lisamaria]

Originally Posted by Aurora810

I love Victoria obviously look at my avatar. However, I recently read that she doesn't actually have a degree in anything. She's done some study programs but no degree was ever received. So I wonder what is the thought on that? I think she can certainly learn all she needs to learn without an actual degree, other people do it all the time and make millions. But I hope some people more in the know than I will also give their opinions.

Someone might have mentioned this already, but Victoria has studied much because she is dyslexic; she cannot do all the reading a full degree would take. There obvious disadvantage in that just might be that she will get a lot of information filtered through other people. But she obviously works very hard within her resources.

The role of royals is different in different countries - in Sweden the King and the CP both routinely do PR for Swedish businesses, travelling with delegations to the Far East and such - here in Finland many business leaders complain about the unfair advance that gives to Sweden over us For such work Victoria is prepared and seems very competent.

Originally Posted by HenriM

But the core problem is not that King Albert II or members of the Belgian royal family lack popularity. I can imagine that King Albert II is more popular amongst the Belgians than his neighbouring colleagues Queen Beatrix and Grand-Duke Henri.

It is interesting how the GD Henri has stumbled during his rule; he was probably very well prepared for his role. Personal qualities probably have at least as much to do with what kind of leader one will become. Queen Beatrix is probably the smartest of the three, but also very tightly wound and comes across as distant. GD Henri appears oftentimes shy to the point of being awkward - only time he looks relaxed it when he is around small-ish children. I really haven't got much idea about what kind of person King Albert is, but realise he has been, at least publicly, through much rougher times than the other two, which probably contributes.

The least prepared heir is probably the HGD Guillaume; he will be turning 26 this year, and by that age many other heirs had already done much, much more. Like Victoria, he lacks a coherent education; he also seems to lack the media experience most other heirs have - he hasn't spoken up for any cause like for example Felipe had already done at his age.

Just my 47 cents' wort.

[Mari_*]

Most prepared: Prince Felipe & Prince Charles

Least prepared: Prince Frederik

[Royal Fan]

Most Prepared : Charles Prince of Wales
Least Prepared Willem - Alexander (Although hes an awsome Son, Father and Husband). :)

[lucien]

Bit of a sticky subject me thinks,and I really wonder about what everyones view is based upon so far,and especially why it is that some think Frederik is the least prepared?

Frederik.
TRH The Crown Prince Couple - Curriculum Vitae

Alexander.
The Dutch Royal House

Felipe.
The Royal Household of His Majesty the King_ Welcome

Charles.
The Prince of Wales - Biography

Filip.
Monarchie - Prince Philippe

Victoria.
Biography

At present she's in the Diplomat Program of the Swedish Foreign Ministry among 20 other students (started last september),a mix of both theory and practicals until this summer,ending with an internship,a draw by the Foreign Office will decide where they all end up for that.