I fully understand and appreciate what you are saying here, but if what you say is true about fears for QE2 and DoE's health, then I still do not understand why William could not have signed a further three years. If someone died in that time then William would then have had to break his contract.
William shouldn't have had to live in suspended animation for year just in case Philip had a turn, took a tumble or died.
Jacknch - I agree with you. I'm less convinced that they family has a firm plan though. I think they are still reacting to circumstances, somewhat. No doubt their own longevity has taught them fate will out.
I do think that the Queen and the POW are firm supporters of the plan to slowly nurture the professional growth of the Cambridges while allowing them a lot of time and space for family time. I think there are general goals around which the pennants flutter.
I've always thought both the Queen and Charles understood what was lost
and gained then the Queen took the throne so early in Charles's life. Given the generational plenitude the Commonwealth now enjoys, there is an opportunity to indulge the FAMILY part of the "Country, Church, Family" message the monarchy believes is the strength of the UK.
It's not so much, to me, that William CANNOT give all immediately to the Country, it's that the family chooses that he NEED NOT, just now. Family first, for now.
And there are advantages. Limiting the exposure of the Cambridge family helps them build time and stability in their marriage and increases the likelihood that they will remain together and raise a terrific child/children.
I always thought it quaint that Diana was so concerned that Camilla was the third person in her marriage - when to me it was clear that the real third party was the press. I don't want to drag us off topic, but the press never adds stability to a marriage.
Likewise, if William and Catherine can feel valued in their roles, they will be less likely to concern themselves with what the press/public think. And William clearly feels the value of being connected to relatively normal people in relatively normal work situations. It is how he prefers to function. The Queen felt the same value in making a normal contribution in her war job and at the end of WWII. Who's to say that was unimportant in the formation of her formidable and effective personality. So why not allow William the same growth opportunities?
I do think there are broad developmental plans and limits.
But I would just ask- how many grandparent do you know that deny trusted grandchildren the opportunities they themselves cherished when young. The Queen is driven by and speaks often of her duty to her country. But I never remember her describing how fun it is to lift yet another velvet cloth or pull a velvet curtain. Pride in her country - I am sure she feels that.
But when pride is your driving emotion over 6 decades, you need a deep measure of humility to temper a public personality. I think William is being allowed to nurture his own humility.
We can only imagine - but this is what runs through my head on the subject.
