The Unofficial British Royal Family Pages

Friday 30 April 2004

Game on!

It’s the Jester’s job to keep an eye on what is going on outside the court so as to advise his sovereign accordingly on the mood of the crowd. So many times in the past I have cringed when reading about members of the Royal Family and how they have been portrayed in the world’s media. How much better certain issues could have been handled if only their public relations advisors were out to do what was in their masters’ best interests and not in their own.  

It seems to me that the media got away with a great deal because it banked on one critical point- Buckingham Palace considered replying to what was printed, or reported, to be beneath them. It was not in their policy to comment. And because of that the media, the UK’s in particular, have been literally getting away with character murder for years.  

Take the Prince of Wales’s case for instance. Ever since his unfortunate association with Parker Bowles was revealed to the world he has spent the last twenty years trying to restore his reputation while his sons have suffered in silence for the sins of both parents. The current British government is not-too-subtly attempting to lessen the Crown’s influence in their policy-making and laws. Charles was brought up to be one thing and one thing only- The King. He has to fight every day to regain the respect he has lost (and in the eyes of many will not as long as Parker Bowles remains in the picture). More often than not those he chose to act on his behalf made things worse; even more so by those who acted without his knowledge. There has been no truly effective way to prevent former employees from exposing his personal family matters to the public for their own gain. Even his recent attempt to waylay a potentially damaging ‘revelation’ from the Diana files was not done as effectively as it could have been. 

But the Jester is feeling more encouraged now because I believe Prince Charles made a wise move when he hired Paddy Harverson as his new communications/press secretary. And jealous too. Not only does he have the Jester’s prized job, he is approaching it the same way I would. Instead of the old whimpering and cowering policy of dealing with the media after the fact, he’s coming out swinging. At long last Charles seems to be fighting back smarter! 

A hard-nosed professional, used to dealing with the sports press, Paddy immediately set out his game plan for Team Wales- offence, offence, offence. Those who choose to attack Charles, William or Harry without just cause or proof are going to find themselves challenged. He has probably laid down the law to Charles’s staff that their protective wagon-circling no longer works. Hopefully reporters who launch personal attacks will be dealt with a swift iron glove.  

And you know what? Whether its just shock that may soon wear off, or a real breakthrough, he seems to have gained the royalty press’ respect. If it sticks it can only mean a regaining of respect for Charles down the line as Paddy works to keep the focus on what Charles accomplishes and wants to do. The closer William gets to graduating from university and begins to take his place in performing royal duties as well as his own life plans, the more he will need someone in his corner who will protect his private life and help him cope with his public one. Harry is becoming a responsible, caring young man who wants to carry on the humanitarian work of his mother, and this is to be encouraged and admired. There are always those who will choose to ridicule, dishonour and mistrust their motives just to be bloody-minded. If Paddy does his job well both the numbers of these detractors and the degree they are read and believed will diminish as emphasis is placed on the value of the princes’ services to people worldwide. 

As they are only human Charles and his sons will continue to make mistakes. There may be republican forces working against them fully prepared to use the media in their campaigns. Not to be too simplistic, at least for the moment there are signs that a more level playing field is being laid down for Wales United. So, Paddy, if you ever feel the need for an assistant Jester- you know where to find me!

Anon til we meet again!

- The Court Jester