The Windsors and Europe

[Dman]

I agree; it's almost as if the Queen says, oh, just send Edward and Sophie again, everyone else has more important things to do!

At least that's the impression I get. At least send Harry occasionally, or the Cambridges. It will look better!

I know right, it just all seem odd to me that the heir or the heirs heirs don't go to these foreign royal events. Then a lot of people got all bent out of shape, when it appeared, William and Harry didn't recognize the Swedish Princes, Daniel and Carl Philip at the 2012 London Olympics. They would know their royal counterparts well, if they were sent to represent the Queen at foreign royal events.

 

[Skippyboo]

To me it seems that the BRF is more on the Commonwealth than the other royal families of Europe. Other than 2 briefs stops in the US, all of the Cambridge tours have been to Realms or Commonwealth members.

I don't think the foreign royals attended any of the post wedding receptions for WK. The GGs and PMs of the realms did the BP afternoon one and were introduced to W&K. So it's totally possible that the British Princes who never met the Swedish ones would not recognize them.

In the same games, Will&Kate were hanging with the Al and Charlene at the swimming pool but they would have met before at the Windsor lunch for other monarchs as part of the diamond jubilee.


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[Osipi]

Let's face it. Most of what we see the British royal family doing is the stuff in the public eye and part of what they do as members of the family for the Firm, their charities and patronages and in general, stuff that relates to the Crown and spotlighting issues and causes that affect the UK as a whole. Its what they do. Their private time is their own and they spend it as most of us would with family and friends of their own circles. Interactions between the different royal families of the world occur and for the most part, the royals from other countries are invited mostly I would think as a courtesy rather than out of a friendship or close familial relationship.

I don't think it'd even cross the minds of a royal wedding couple in Europe who the UK representatives (if any) were there. I don't think they care that it would "look" better if so and so was there instead of him and her and all the little crap we're fussing about here. These are people that lead busy, public lives and the "show" part of it all is something they grin and bear with and are used to.

 

[yvr girl]

I think Edward and Sophie attend the weddings for the most part because the are closest in age to the other crown princes/princesses. The are friendly with them. It isn't just a duty.

 

[Queen Camilla]

Edward is also the son of the Queen.

 

[PetticoatLane]

I agree; it's almost as if the Queen says, oh, just send Edward and Sophie again, everyone else has more important things to do!

At least that's the impression I get. At least send Harry occasionally, or the Cambridges. It will look better!

Or maybe no-one else in the BRF actually wants to go? I'm sure if anyone other than Edward and Sophie put their hands up HM wouldn't say no.

Ultimately this whole thing comes down to a choice - do they really want to socialise with very distant relations abroad or would they prefer to do other things? Clearly the need to foster closer personal relationships with other RFs is just not among their priorities.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

How often do you want to repeat that pure speculation that the Queen had no "excuse" not to attend?!
She DOES NOT NEED an excuse not to attend anything she doesn´t want to! Do you really think she would care about people being upset about her being somewhere or not? The Queen will never know these things because she reads newspapers, watches television and that´s that. She´s not dwelling in some funny royal watchers social media to learn what people think of her. Just wake up!

Your guess is as good as mine. Sitting in the Highlands for two long months, a King suddenly dies but madam refuses to make a few hours free. No way, my guess is as good as yours: she felt she had no excuse ('busy agenda, does not fit in longstanding engagements, the schedule is too tight'). She had a sea of time and no excuse not to go.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

They have visited but they haven't attended any of the royal events other than the Dutch Inauguration.

Maybe I'm alone in wondering why The Queen don't send her own heir and his wife to the foreign royal events. If not them, she could send the second in-line to the throne and his wife.

The blame was the "splendid isolation" of the Windsors. As we have seen, there is no isolation at all. Charles and Camilla are just in a different position, also because of the age gap with the other Heirs. Where Willem-Alexander, Felipe and Frederik, etc. more or less share the same generation, Charles could have been their father. Also that is an element for possibly less frequent contacts with today's Kings/heirs.

 

[MARG]

Charles & Camilla really don't do of foreign royal events. They attended the Dutch Inauguration but that's about it. I'm just saying, instead of always sending Edward & Sophie, the second in-line and his wife could be sent.

They have visited but they haven't attended any of the royal events other than the Dutch Inauguration.

Maybe I'm alone in wondering why The Queen don't send her own heir and his wife to the foreign royal events. If not them, she could send the second in-line to the throne and his wife.

As with most things of earthshattering import, the easiest answer is often the right answer. HM sent her youngest son and daughter in law to most of the weddings as they are of an age. Over the years they have built up a rapport, they have things in common, not least the age of their children.

How often do you want to repeat that pure speculation that the Queen had no "excuse" not to attend?!
She DOES NOT NEED an excuse not to attend anything she doesn´t want to! Do you really think she would care about people being upset about her being somewhere or not? The Queen will never know these things because she reads newspapers, watches television and that´s that. She´s not dwelling in some funny royal watchers social media to learn what people think of her. Just wake up!

There are some people to whom the obvious escapes them as they pontificate at length about our Queen's "responsibilities" and how she is really bone idle.

I agree; it's almost as if the Queen says, oh, just send Edward and Sophie again, everyone else has more important things to do!

At least that's the impression I get. At least send Harry occasionally, or the Cambridges. It will look better!

See what I mean? Judging on the unscripted meetings at the Olympics, etc. they are not "mature" enough to carry on a simple conversation, that is if they even recognised the foreign royals.

I think Edward and Sophie attend the weddings for the most part because the are closest in age to the other crown princes/princesses. The are friendly with them. It isn't just a duty.

Edward is also the son of the Queen.

Do not dispair. See, there are still some logical people around here!

Your guess is as good as mine. Sitting in the Highlands for two long months, a King suddenly dies but madam refuses to make a few hours free. No way, my guess is as good as yours: she felt she had no excuse ('busy agenda, does not fit in longstanding engagements, the schedule is too tight'). She had a sea of time and no excuse not to go.

And so, when faced with unfailing logic, many members having laid it out in front of you and explained it in words of one syllable, you find youself resorting to to the plain old insults. You sir are no gentleman, nor are you an historian or record keeper of the House of Windsor. Your opinions are as good or as bad as any other member. However, that does not give you leave to throw your toys out of your cot and insult our Queen. It says so much more about you than it does about her!

 

[Mbruno]

To me it seems that the BRF is more on the Commonwealth than the other royal families of Europe. Other than 2 briefs stops in the US, all of the Cambridge tours have been to Realms or Commonwealth members.

I don't think the foreign royals attended any of the post wedding receptions for WK. The GGs and PMs of the realms did the BP afternoon one and were introduced to W&K. So it's totally possible that the British Princes who never met the Swedish ones would not recognize them.

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There was a buffet lunch at the Palace immediately after the wedding ceremony, which I believe all foreign Royal guests attended.

I find it hardly surprising though that William and Harry wouldn't recognize Daniel and Carl Philip. Princess Madeleine was once asked about the rumors of a possible arranged marriage between Prince William and herself, to which she is said to have replied that she didn't recall ever meeting any of Diana's sons.

Finally, it is understable that the BRF should prioritize the Commonwealth and, especially, the Commonwealth realms over Europe. It is already hard enough to persuade large sections for example of the Australian or Canadian populations that they should keep a foreign Head of State living far away in London. If none of the Royals ever showed up in Australia or Canada, it would be even harder.

The British monarchy is índeed somewhat unique in terms of being the last "multinacional" monarchy in Europe because of the Commonwealth. Other European monarchies, however, which in the past had imperial status, also emphasize their relations with formar colonies. For example, Felipe de Borbón as Prince of Asturias and now as King has attended most inaugurations of Latin American presidents I can remember.

 

[tommy100]

I've always had the impression Edward and Sophie go to most of the events because they are friends with most of the Crown Prince/Princesses of Europe so would probably be going as friends of the family anyway. I also think they are the closest in age to most of the Prince/Princesses of Europe when Charles and Anne were actually closer in age (and certainly I'd say in behavior/outlook) to the King/Queens. For example didn't Anne and Tim as well as Edward go to King Harold's 70th birthday? I think part of it is just circumstances in that the QEIIs children are older than most of the other European kings/queens children.

 

[Mbruno]

Or maybe no-one else in the BRF actually wants to go? I'm sure if anyone other than Edward and Sophie put their hands up HM wouldn't say no.

Ultimately this whole thing comes down to a choice - do they really want to socialise with very distant relations abroad or would they prefer to do other things? Clearly the need to foster closer personal relationships with other RFs is just not among their priorities.

I disagree it is always a matter of choice. I agree that the Windsors are not obliged to send high-level representatives, or indeed any representatives at all, to the wedding of a king's second or third child. However, the wedding of an heir apparent , as CP Victoria, or the funeral of a dowager Queen, as was Fabiola's case, are State events, and not sending a high-level member of the BRF to attend it, or no member at all (in Fabiola's case), is actually a major diplomatic gaffe .

 

[ROYAL NORWAY]

I´m not sure wether this explanation is fabricated because the media do not know the reason themselves. I guess this lies in the nature of human-being: If you don´t know the reason for something, it has to be found something.

The british Queen also didn´t go to the funerals of the former dutch royal couple Juliana and Bernhard, and there was nothing such as a Gulf-war.
Juliana knew "Lilibeth" since her early childhood days, Bernhard fought in the british army during WW2. The relationship after the war between the 2 royal couples had been excellent.

I have now seen through old recordings from 1991.

The day after King Olav's death, Buckingham Palace said in a statement to Norwegian media that either The Queen or The Queen Mother would attend the funeral.

Just before the funeral, Buckingham Palace said in another statement to Norwegian media that The Queen would not attend the funeral due to the tense situation in the world and said that the Prince of Wales would attend in her place.

 

[Dman]

All I'm saying, the younger royals could be sent to the foreign royal events. I think it's a good thing to allow them to attend and get to know their royal counterparts too.

 

[Marty91charmed]

I very much agree with Dman! Especially since they seem so estranged and like fish out of water in suh occasions... unlike their young european counterparts...

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

[...]Your opinions are as good or as bad as any other member.

Ha... that is noted, thanks.

However, that does not give you leave to throw your toys out of your cot and insult our Queen.

Can you explain the "insult" ? My opinion that Queen Elizabeth did attend the funeral of King Baudouin of the Belgians because she had no any excuse not to go? (With the note that any other opinion is as good as mine). Is that it?

Boy, if you even manage to classify thát as an "insult" then I think Her Majesty will give me the prize for the most courteous, velvet-like Court Jester ever...

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

I very much agree with Dman! Especially since they seem so estranged and like fish out of water in suh occasions... unlike their young european counterparts...

We are disappointed that the British royal family managed it not to send one member, not one, to the funeral of the late Queen of the Belgians. In my eyes that was a serious gaffe but allez... "estranged" and "like fish out of water" is really not the case. I gave proof that the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have visited all European monarchies except Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Monaco. At no any royal visit or event I have seen uneasiness, awkwardness or estrangement. On the contrary, the contacts of Charles/Camilla, Edward/Sophie and Michael/Marie-Christine with the continental royals seem close and genuine.

HRH Prince Michael of Kent and HRH The Prince of Orange do an event together (2013)

A student in Wales says hello to the Prince of Wales (1985)

The Duke and Duchess of York join Benelux royals in Zealand (1986)

Prince William and Prince Harry join Queen Beatrix during a concert (1989)

Etc... So that "isolationist" label... mwoah, not justified.

 

[AristoCat]

The thing is, that this is why the BRF is paid via taxpayer money and essentially allowed to sit idle all the time, so they will be available to go to events like funerals and weddings on short notice. Not just to open factories and cut ribbons, but to be ready at a moment's notice to go to events like this.

HM is supposed to be available and as for the trip, she's cosseted in privilege so she doesn't exhaust herself as easily. A private jet trip (or first class cabin) and the other perks are so she can handle the trip in comfort and less stress. Harry could have gone, or perhaps one of the more idle royals that live well at HM's expense.

 

[Osipi]

We are disappointed that the British royal family managed it not to send one member, not one, to the funeral of the late Queen of the Belgians. In my eyes that was a serious gaffe but allez... "estranged" and "like fish out of water" is really not the case. I gave proof that the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have visited all European monarchies except Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Monaco. At no any royal visit or event I have seen uneasiness, awkwardness or estrangement. On the contrary, the contacts of Charles/Camilla, Edward/Sophie and Michael/Marie-Christine with the continental royals seem close and genuine.

HRH Prince Michael of Kent and HRH The Prince of Orange do an event together (2013)

A student in Wales says hello to the Prince of Wales (1985)

The Duke and Duchess of York join Benelux royals in Zealand (1986)

Prince William and Prince Harry join Queen Beatrix during a concert (1989)

Etc... So that "isolationist" label... mwoah, not justified.

This is another example I've borrowed from polyesco's post in Prince Harry's Invictus games thread.

"HRH Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark will be attending the Invictus Games in London on September 10-11
together with the Danish Minister of Defence Nicolai Wammen and Chief of Defence, General Peter Bartram.

Frederik is patron ofthe foundation 'Soldaterlegatet' /Soldier's Grant.
"The purpose of the foundation is to support military personnel and civilians of Denmark posted in military missions abroad, and who during missions for the Danish defense suffers physical or psychological harm that fall in war or war-like conditions or who die in some other way.
review benefit purpose of the foundation. "
HRH Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark attending Invictus Games"

 

[Osipi]

The thing is, that this is why the BRF is paid via taxpayer money and essentially allowed to sit idle all the time, so they will be available to go to events like funerals and weddings on short notice. Not just to open factories and cut ribbons, but to be ready at a moment's notice to go to events like this.

HM is supposed to be available and as for the trip, she's cosseted in privilege so she doesn't exhaust herself as easily. A private jet trip (or first class cabin) and the other perks are so she can handle the trip in comfort and less stress. Harry could have gone, or perhaps one of the more idle royals that live well at HM's expense.

I really really hope that's sarcasm I'm smelling here.

 

[Mirabel]

I think Edward and Sophie attend the weddings for the most part because the are closest in age to the other crown princes/princesses. The are friendly with them. It isn't just a duty.

Honestly, I don't believe that age has anything to do with it.
The Wessexes don't seem on very friendly terms with other royals at all.

I think these are not considered important or desirable functions to attend and so everyone who is more senior opts out.
Edward and Sophie seem to have fewer invitations (for tours, etc.) and fewer calls on their time, and so they are the ones delegated to go. JMO.

 

[tommy100]

Honestly, I don't believe that age has anything to do with it.
The Wessexes don't seem on very friendly terms with other royals at all.

I think these are not considered important or desirable functions to attend and so everyone who is more senior opts out.
Edward and Sophie seem to have fewer invitations (for tours, etc.) and fewer calls on their time, and so they are the ones delegated to go. JMO.

I think they seem very friendly with other royals IMO and thats all we can go on, what people think because truly no one knows. However Edward is, for example, Godfather to Joachim of Denmark'd eldest son and no that long ago attended his confirmation, Sohpie went along to. Why bother doing that if they aren't friendly?
I think people need to remember that (despite the media trying to make it sound like they do) that we don't know what goes on behind closed doors and in private.

 

[XeniaCasaraghi]

I agree; it's almost as if the Queen says, oh, just send Edward and Sophie again, everyone else has more important things to do!

At least that's the impression I get. At least send Harry occasionally, or the Cambridges. It will look better!

I agree that's how it looks to me as well, the BRF may send somebody but why is a it a 3rd tier royal when the other monarchs send more important membersweddings and gatherings.

 

[JR76]

I disagree it is always a matter of choice. I agree that the Windsors are not obliged to send high-level representatives, or indeed any representatives at all, to the wedding of a king's second or third child. However, the wedding of an heir apparent , as CP Victoria, or the funeral of a dowager Queen, as was Fabiola's case, are State events, and not sending a high-level member of the BRF to attend it, or no member at all (in Fabiola's case), is actually a major diplomatic gaffe .

Camilla and Charles was if I remember correctly set to go to Victoria and Daniels wedding but then Charles injured his foot or something so he had to stay at home.


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[miche]

I found it funny that people consider the Queen grandson more senior than the Queen own son

 

[Mbruno]

I found it funny that people consider the Queen grandson more senior than the Queen own son

William is third in line to the throne , which makes him more senior than his uncle Edward, who is only eighth.

 

[Mirabel]

William is third line to the throne , which makes him more senior than his uncle Edward, who is only eighth.

I think William is second in line, George is third.

(And Edward will drop back another place when the new Cambridge baby is born).

 

[Nice Nofret]

I found it funny that people consider the Queen grandson more senior than the Queen own son

Well, also some of the Kings / Queens Sons found it not so funny and hard to digest - as history has shown But, that's the way it is.

 

[Mirabel]

I found it funny that people consider the Queen grandson more senior than the Queen own son

It depends on one's place in the line of succession.
William is in the direct line, while Edward isn't.

 

[Roslyn]

But he's still in the line of succession and he is the Queen's son.

If position in the line of succession is so important, Beatrice should be sent to these events instead of Edward. But Beatrice does not perform official Royal duties.