British Monarchs do not rule the country - they reign over it. Politicians do the lawmaking and governing. The ruling family of Windsor are above the politics of the country. They dont get involved.
Tell that to the Architects, MP's, PM etc. who've all got their knickers in a knot over "Charles interferance" in his advocacy of sustainable living, housing, planning, agriculture, climate control and last but not least, he and his parents publically ticking the Government off regarding the iniquitous state of body armour, armament, transport and air support (helicopters) supplied (or not) to British Troops in Afghanistan.
The Monarch is a figurehead of the empire, an undying symbol of the past and future which gives the empire an identity. So its mostly an ceremonial position.
Tell that to Queen Elizabeth who gets her not so little Red Box to peruse daily and meets with the Prime Minister Weekly. What do you think they are talking about? Knitting!!!
I think William can learn the protocols of such an position in a manner weeks.
Let's just let him learn to fly his helicopter as his father did before him. Way, way, way before him.
My post stems from a manner of image control for the Windsors. The present day Windsors need a shot in the arm- like some magic-glamour-mystic potion- I remember reading a book by Bageshot (sp) about the mystic of the royal family when they lose that its all done.
Oi! Hands off my Royal Family. They are a living breathing institution not a variety act!
When Charles and Camillia came to Philly no one in my circle didnt even flinch and they are all royal fans on the other hand when Charles and Diana the city had to revert traffic because of the crowds- security, etc.
And this is important because?
The British Royal Family is an integral part of the Commonwealth. Her Majesty, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Princess Ann and the Duchess of Cornwall carry out endless political engagements. Witness the state visit of President Sarkozy and his wife. The senior royals are all adept at the diplomatic nuances of who's who on the international stage. They know when the government wants them to keep a reserved distance or really push the boat out when receiving foreign Heads of State, Ambassador's and High Commisioners.
Charles cut his eye teeth on duty and obligation, and is well versed in politics both national and interational. To quote Wiki: "Since founding The Prince's Trust, he established fifteen more charitable organisations, and now serves as president of all of those, plus two others; together, these form a loose alliance called
The Prince's Charities, which claim to raise over £110 million annually.
[36] Charles is also
patron of over 350 other charities and organisations,
[37] and carries out duties related to these throughout the
Commonwealth realms; for example, he uses
his tours of
Canada as a way to help draw attention to youth, the disabled, the environment, the arts, medicine, the elderly, heritage conservation, and education.'
He is a tireless worker for his future subjects and you would toss that out in favour of a young man who has not achieved the basics of his own life. He has yet to qualify in his chosen career and is, as yet, neither engaged nor married.
The heir to the Throne is not negotiable. The BRF have neither the inclination nor the right to skip a generation to Crown William to "spritz up the PR image". The only way William becomes King next is if his father predeceases him.
