Charles the People's View

Wow! Did I get an earful. Thanks to all of you who were kind enough to write and share your views on Prince Charles. I'm sorry that I taunted you, but I believe it was the catalyst for your responses - which were well worth receiving. So worthy, in fact, that I'm including them in this column. With the last Charles column I received more letters from readers who agree with my sarcastic take, (33 with me and 3 against me at the final tally). This time, thus far, I've received a greater number of "for" letters than the last. In an effort to create a more balanced view - the goal of this column - I will include all the "for" letters. I'll start with two examples of how people who don't agree with my criticism of Prince Charles' behavior write only to insult me.

Let's begin with Betty's one line contribution, "You are, indeed, an idiot."
"Your true colors shine through. It is evident that you are a person of little learning." This observation from Roy is followed by a suggestion of how I "should" end my own life (preferred method included). Thankfully, the second of my personal commandments is "Beware those who would "should" upon you."

Now on to some of the brilliant responses I received in support of Prince Charles.
"Charles speaks to his plants because he believes in what he does. Give the guy a break and report something of substance." Charles not only talks to his plants; he has reportedly partnered with the University of Westminster to use Highgrove, his country home in Gloucestershire, to cultivate medicinal plants. An excellent way to put his resources where his heart is. Good point Pat, now if we could only find as easy a solution for me reporting something of substance…

Sally writes, "Your Prince of Wales is a smart fellow, well read, well educated; he simply lacks style and persuasiveness in speech-making." Well said. His heart seems to be in the right place. Where are his advisors to help him match thought with action?

"Please lay off the Prince. He's had enough to bear in this life, starting with his early years with his Dad, his schoolmates, his wife! He is only Prince of Wales, not God." Point well taken, Alicia…read on.

"…I get very sick of how you talk about His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. His Highness is human and makes some mistakes, just as you, and the rest of society do but it seems that you have something against him." Guilty as charged. I believe he has enormous potential and needs to find a way to exploit that for the good of his future subjects and the continuation of his throne.

The most eloquent, well-documented letter I received in support of Charles was from a reader who signed herself, Naomi (member of the "Prince Charles Fan Club"). "Pr. Charles has shown a strong interest in environmental matters all his adult life - and he has done a lot more than just make speeches about it." She then cited several ways in which Prince Charles' actions have supported his words. In response to my accusation that he is "out of touch" she shared this, "In 1986 he was quoted as saying, 'Care for the environment is often hard to put across to people who are unemployed and see little hope in the future.'"

This observation I'm putting in the middle as it's neither for Charles nor against him, but it did make me laugh. "You seem to prefer the dead ones (David and Diana) to the living royals."

Now on to the best examples of those who believe, as I do, that Prince Charles needs to find a way to translate his good intentions into positive actions before he can earn the respect of the people.

Pete shared this, "I fully agree with your opinion regarding his public statements. They are always made to captive audiences in situations where there is no opportunity for other conflicting opinions to be aired."

Here's J.'s take on Charles' pontificating, "Were he to have His way, their would be a fifth Gospel; that of Saint Charles."

The best one line letter came from Anne. "He does employ 4 people to get him out of bed and dressed mornings."

Notes Katherine, "There are times when it seems he opens his mouth only long enough to change feet!"

After learning of his speech and the forum in which it was delivered Tina observed, "… I agree with you wholeheartedly on the latest article. I did read of his speech and thought it was ill timed."

Kathleen agreed, "Instead of spouting he should be helping."
Lynn reflects, "He is truly living in a different century, perhaps on a different planet…he has shown over and over again that he is out of touch with modern times, out of sync with the reality of every day life in the UK and else where."

A livid Blythe made this statement, "What makes me angry about his ranting and raving is that he didn't donate one dime to any rescue fund or organization but has 100,000 pounds to splash out for yet another present for Camilla." Combine the last two statements and you will have my issue with his relationship with Mrs. Parker-Bowles. It seems to be a recreation of his great-great grandfather's, Edward VII, relationship with Mrs. Alice Keppel, great grandmother of Camilla. The 100,000 pound item was reported to be the second purchase by the Prince of Wales of a piece of Mrs. Keppel's jewelry for Mrs. Parker-Bowles.

Here's a comment that came as a nice surprise. Catherine wondered, "Why doesn't Prince Charles hire you as his PR person? Your great observations could quickly raise the public's opinion of him." Actually, it sounds fun, but after last week's column I'm probably on Scotland Yard's "watch list" not Prince Charles' "recruitment list". ;-)

This last opinion is from an unsigned letter. "As the heir to the throne we in the commonwealth will become his subjects. The fact that most of us will not like what we get could spell the end of the monarchy." This is my greatest fear. For I would certainly miss the House of Windsor.

Hopefully, this article was well balanced showing there is more than one opinion of Prince Charles. Again, I do not hate him. He seems to be a man with good intentions that go awry. Though I understand he has had a hard life in many ways, I believe he needs to be more than a survivor to keep the throne his mother now occupies for himself and his progeny. U.S. President Thomas Jefferson once said something like, in matters of principle stand like a rock, in matters of taste flow like a stream. This is what I believe has made Queen Elizabeth the beloved and respected monarch that she is and what Prince Charles needs to heed if he is to maintain the legacy that is his birthright. Selfish, maybe, but I want my grandchildren to see the House of Windsor as a continuing entity not an entry in their history books.

Thank you for writing my column for me this week. Your beliefs are at least as important as mine and I respect your courage in airing them. Your willingness to share them reminds me that no matter how different or alike we may think, our ability to hold our own opinions and express them freely is a most precious gift.

I'll close by saying that next week I may just write about Princess Margaret.

All the best,