Visit to Japan, Brunei, and Indonesia: 27 October-4 November 2008

[Elspeth]

So if I'm reading this right, the Daily Mail is criticising Camilla for not going, and it's criticising Charles for going.

They really can't do it right for the Mail, can they?

[AuroraB]

That sounds about right. It falls in the category of darned if you do and darned if you don't.

[Menarue]

I really don´t blame her for not going if she isn´t up to it, what I do criticize is the excuse that was given. They could have said anything that would have been acceptable, "she had to leave early to have a nose job?" No, perhaps not that one. This is bad PR entirely, a lack of "finesse" as she has had some criticism in the past, either rightly or wrongly, for not being as enthusiastic about royal duties as she is expected to be, something a bit more than the heat and upcoming parties would have been better. I think they just told the truth and sometimes it is better not to be so frank. Just a PR problem nothing else.
The criticism of Prince Charles for going it shows that they were going to be attacked by the papers no matter what they did, and in this case their PR played into the hands of their critics.

[milla Ca]

The way ´The Mail´ describes a line between the global credit crisis and the life and job of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall (in this nasty way) is another top of cheek.
And again they don´t publish critical comments of readers.

This paper is only good to be a pocket for fish & chips...or do this rubbish articles maybe poison a good meal?

[Elspeth]

Well, it might be interesting to see how they manage to pin the blame for the economic meltdown on Camilla; they're inventive enough to figure out a way.

[Skydragon]

For all the griping on here, I think most people would prefer to be told the truth instead of the appallingly bad PR we had from CH over William clocking up his flying time. It speaks volumes that very few of the TV programmes have taken up the Mail story.

If Camilla doesn't feel up to it, that is fine and honest enough for me.

I for one, look forward to seeing news of the countries and events she is attending.

[Al_bina]

Officials have made changes to the four-day visit to Japan by Prince Charles and his wife Camilla from Oct 27 due to the financial crisis, the prince’s office said Tuesday. In an attempt to avoid appearing extravagant, the size of his entourage will be reduced from the normal figure of around 21 staff to approximately 15 personnel.

Costs for Prince Charles' trip to Japan cut over financial crisis › Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion
Given the current situation in the economic environment, I expect Japanese media to be reserved, when commenting on the visit. I hope there will be no more British tourists swimming in the sacred moat of the Japanese Imperial residence.

[Skydragon]

Originally Posted by milla Ca

This paper is only good to be a pocket for fish & chips...or do this rubbish articles maybe poison a good meal?

No, No, No, it would taint the meal. The only use for this publication when they insist on publishing unproven and derogatory articles, is the bottom of a bird cage!

[muriel]

Originally Posted by Jo of Palatine

How stupid and thoughtless can a publication be?

Where's the pampered prince in this crisis? | Mail Online

Where's the pampered prince in this crisis?


A catastrophe for capitalism; the new austerity; financial Armageddon: however you describe the national crisis, few of us have known such dark days. And at such times, we turn instinctively to our leaders - political, spiritual and royal.
Now, more than ever, is the moment when our future King and his Queen could - and should - lead by example.

So how does Prince Charles show he is standing with us through these troubled times? By announcing he is pushing ahead with his £250,000 ten-day jolly to Japan and Indonesia to promote trade and inter-faith understanding with Muslims. "


The crisis the world faces at the moment is a crisis started by greedy bankers and politicians who created a climate of mistrust. Japan has been through a similar crisis 20 years agao and following that, has changed the laws, so today Japan is the nation with the most potential to help Europe in this crisis. What could be better than to send The Prince of Wales to this most important partner of the EU, a person people can believe when he says that he is not in for the fast win but for the long-term stability?

A jolly? A very necessary duty for the Prince and the right one at the right time. Or should he stop doing engagements because he wants to save money? Spending his time instead cleaning his home and growing vegetables on his own on sending his staff out into the street? And that stupid propsal from a paper who has no qualms sending people to all corners of the world to follow celebs or report about fashion shows? Come on!

Did Amanda miss out the bit about the Foreign Office having asked the PoW to undertake the tour, despite the costs as it was considered to be of strategic importance?

I do accept that the PR surrounding Camilla's missing out on the Indonesian leg of the tour should have been handled better, and I hope somebody at CH is going t have their knuckles rapped.

[Little_star]

Originally Posted by Menarue

I really don´t blame her for not going if she isn´t up to it, what I do criticize is the excuse that was given. They could have said anything that would have been acceptable, "she had to leave early to have a nose job?" No, perhaps not that one. This is bad PR entirely, a lack of "finesse" as she has had some criticism in the past, either rightly or wrongly, for not being as enthusiastic about royal duties as she is expected to be, something a bit more than the heat and upcoming parties would have been better. I think they just told the truth and sometimes it is better not to be so frank. Just a PR problem nothing else.

Excellent post, Menarue. Irrespective of the past, in her role as Charles' wife Camilla does her job well (imo). However this recent event has been handled badyl and as a result it ends up reflecting badly on Camilla.

[Al_bina]

Does Duchess of Cornwall genuinely care about how some of her actions reflecting on her? I doubt it. Duchess of Cornwall skips the final leg of the trip due to arduous conditions in Indonesia. So what? Is she going to be punished or rebuked? No. Definitely she is no stranger to the unfavourable public opinion. One more or one less... why should it bother her..?

[Skydragon]

Originally Posted by Al_bina

Does Duchess of Cornwall genuinely care about how some of her actions reflecting on her? I doubt it.---snipped---- One more or one less... why should it bother her..?

Indeed, why should she let some nasty remarks and judgments by strangers bother her or the spite that emanates from some publications? Those that helped make the decision know the reasons, (not the Mail though, they must be peeved that they weren't informed or consulted), including HM. No major outcry from her future subjects either, from some, sympathy and understanding.

[Al_bina]

Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, will begin a five-day visit to Japan tomorrow as part of celebrations to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Amity and Commerce.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20081026/BREAKING/81026087/-1/RSS01

As reported in this article Sympathy turns to scepticism as courtiers whisper princess does not do her duty - Times Online, Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako will give a private dinner party for Prince of Wales and his wife. It is a truly good news.

[ada]

Originally Posted by Skydragon

Indeed, why should she let some nasty remarks and judgments by strangers bother her or the spite that emanates from some publications? Those that helped make the decision know the reasons, (not the Mail though, they must be peeved that they weren't informed or consulted), including HM. No major outcry from her future subjects either, from some, sympathy and understanding.

Yet another press release on the D of C badly handled by CH

[milla Ca]

Prince and Duchess tour Far East
October 27

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall fly into Tokyo to begin their official 10-day tour of the Far East.
Later on Monday Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito will greet the Prince and Duchess at the airport before escorting them to Tokyo.

The Press Association: Prince and Duchess tour Far East

[Skydragon]

Originally Posted by Al_bina

As reported in this article Sympathy turns to scepticism as courtiers whisper princess does not do her duty - Times Online,

I'm afraid your link would not work for me and I could not find the article in The Times regarding Charles and Camilla!

As it turns out, it is an article regarding the lovely Crown Princess Masako,

[BeatrixFan]

And they have arrived. Both look extremely jet-lagged and Camilla is in a blue shapeless thing, suitable for travelling though so we'll let her off.

[milla Ca]

Originally Posted by BeatrixFan

And they have arrived. Both look extremely jet-lagged and Camilla is in a blue shapeless thing, suitable for travelling though so we'll let her off.

And here they are:

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall arrive at Tokyo Airport
October 27

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[Skydragon]

Thank you milla Ca, I do like these!

Camilla

and Charles and Camilla

I wonder what Crown Prince Naruhito said to make her laugh?

Camilla and Crown Prince Naruhito

[BeatrixFan]

So is the state dinner with the Emperor and Empress tonight?