Charles at 65: Will Prince Charles make a good King?
Charles at 65: Will Prince Charles make a good King?
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Originally Posted by Charles Moore writing in the Telegraph this morning
On her 21st birthday in South Africa, in 1947, our present Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, famously broadcast to the Commonwealth and Empire. She dedicated “the whole of my life, whether it be long or short”, to its service. It has been long. Next week, in Sri Lanka, the Prince of Wales will spend his 65th birthday representing his mother at the conference of the Commonwealth that she still serves. It will be the first time he has stood in her stead for this task.
As he reaches what most people think of as retirement age, he has still not stepped into the role that his mother assumed at the age of 25. His position is unique. Even Edward VII, Queen Victoria’s eldest son, did not have such a long apprenticeship. Prince Charles has been the heir to the throne since 1952.
When the time comes, as it eventually will barring unforeseen circumstances, Prince Charles will become King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand and various other realms across the world with Queen Camilla by his side. Uniquely, however, and not seen since Edward VII will a King and Queen of such old age have come to the throne - the present Queen, as Charles Moore notes, came to the throne as a tender age 25.
The question is, do you believe a future King Charles III will rule as a good monarch? Critics of the Prince of Wales make the charge that he constanty meddles in the affairs of government - from environment to religion to architecture. Others argue that he is simply following his interests and that for him to remain silent whilst not King (despite being 65) is an incredibly long time to expect a man to act as a Monarch when he is not the Monarch. Supporters will also say that it is good that Charles in his role as part of a constitutional monarchy is keeping the politicians in line and on their toes.
So what do you think? Not that you have any choice in the matter as it is a monarchy, but do you think Prince Charles will make a good King or are you dreading the moment he becomes sovereign and why?
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