I sincerely hope that by the time Charles becomes King that Camilla will be accepted as Queen Consort.
I think so, though it may not be that far off in the future as people imagine. I am acutely aware of the Queen's personal position. If she has successfully embedded herself in a support system of daughter and daughters-in-law and grandchildren, then that may off-set what is looming - the death of Prince Philip.
I've mentioned this before - keeping in mind that life and death can never be predicted - couples who have lived their lives entwined as long as these two, have deep connections. With the death of one the other would not be far behind, especially at their ages. The left behind does not have the life forces to withstand the shock and at these ages would (often times) begin to fail fast. This is what I have observed with older couples like the Queen and Philip. In fact, with Philip's current situation I would not be surprised if the Queen is beginning to manifest a more pronounced decline herself (to her intimate circle).
With Philip's exit - and there will come a point when he will not 'be there' for her even in life (he may not be already) - the Queen will have lost her last personal support from the past. Her mother and sister are also gone - she alone remains of her generational family. If this were any other couple with this history of working together, I would say that with Philip's passing, the Queen would shortly follow. However, there are key elements that I am not privy to, so my surmise cannot be taken seriously - of course.
Just like in the lives of infants, weeks and months and a year or two have far more significance (the difference 3 years can make between a one year old and a four year old), the same starts to hold for the very old. Three years is huge and the progression of aging begins to speed up as the physical systems - and the will - begin to fail and flag. That is what is beginning with Philip - that is what I see in pictures of Philip - it has been evident for quite some time, actually. (When I saw the 'officiall' couple picture taken last year with the Queen and Philip for the Jubilee Year - I flashed that they - doctors, family - knew that they had to photograph back then rather than later because the awareness is there that he is failing fast. I can't look at those pictures and not be aware of how close he is to passing. The Christmas event was likely not a surprise to his doctors. Three years would be a gift. A year is possible.)
Anyway, my point is, the reality of a death - and watching Charles and Camilla step up to the plate more and more - I really hope that with a death of a regent there would not be a repeat of the disturbed public life in England the observing public from elsewhere was forced to watch so many years ago. Enough is enough in so many ways - and watching the continuing hatreds unspool endlessly around Charles and Camilla - having the temper tantrums of a few foot-stomping for continued 'revenge' govern the sane progression of life moving on - should not be allowed, as much as anyone has power over these things.
In the sadness of death - first Philip, then the Queen - which may not be that far away as people suppose - I really wonder that some people would take the event as an opportunity to yet again vent the animosities of a long ago time. What disrespect to the memory of a Queen that so many purport to love and respect in life, as we speak.
I would hope that Charles ascending the throne would be respectful, and that Camilla would be respected. That would be the greatest act of respect for the current Queen it would seem to me. In fact, she might be able to forestall some unpleasantness if the Queen makes it known what her wishes are regarding Camilla's title. Wouldn't that be a gift to her son. She really should consider it. Hope she does do some gesture to steady the succession. Maybe mention in a formal speech about 'the next King and Queen' - that would be generous (though perhaps doing so would bring out the haters and start it all up when it need not yet be an issue).
LATER: I am ambivalent about this post and came on to delete it but then waffled. I don't think its particularly 'nice' to talk about the death of someone - but my gut feeling is that it is looming at least for one individual (after a long and fruitful life) and will have ripple effects that will impact Charles (as much as the Queen). However, if a moderator thinks its a post that needs amending or deleting, I would understand. Thank you.
