The Monarchy Today

This week I felt torn about what to write. Shall I write the fact that it is now four years with still no appropriate memorial to the late Diana, Princess of Wales? Shall I write about Prince Harry's 17th birthday and how much more we know about him this year than we knew about him last year? Shall I write about the Queen and the apathy surrounding her Golden Jubilee? Shall I write about Prince Andrew and his recent interview now available on the "Official" British Monarchy website? Shall I write about Edward and Sophie Wessex and how they have managed to take the 'fun' out of dys 'fun' ctional family? What I ended up realizing is that all of these topics have a common theme. They are elements of the state of the House of Windsor today. How they affect our views of the royal family and the perceived need for one in this day and age cannot be dismissed.

As for Prince Andrew he recently retired from the Royal Navy and is looking towards his next meaningful role in life representing British Trade International (BTI), which promotes UK trade overseas. Though he continues his unorthodox living arrangements with his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, he seems to receive less negative press regarding that relationship than he endured during the marriage. In the interview that is appearing currently in the Royal Insight magazine Prince Andrew states, "From a personal perspective, I will always stand by my family. Separation taught me that and I will always remain that rock for them." Here's a member of the House of Windsor who seems to appreciate the value of family and is fun. His qualities seem the type that will be commended for their consistency over many years. That's why I'm shocked there is not more interest in his retirement from HM Navy.

So…how about that Harry? He is something else. He has grown into a confident young person who enjoys sports, his friends and family. This year we have had the privilege of seeing him romping with friends - many of whom are female - on the polo field and elsewhere. We have seen him proudly playing polo along side his father and brother. We have seen him spending time with his former nanny, Tiggy Legge-Burke, and her newborn son. We've seen him dressed in cool clothes with hip shades and the attitude to carry it all off. Harry, once a boy lost without his beloved mother, has emerged into an athletic, personable and compassionate teenager. He appears at home in the world and it is refreshing. As he prepares to celebrate his 17th birthday on September 15th, he is the embodiment of a positive, healthy future for the monarchy.

Sadly, the shining light of Harry and William is greatly over shadowed by other events. One that stands out for me - especially after passing the fourth anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales last weekend - is the fact that there is still no suitable memorial. It is outrageous that resources are not allocated to establishing a memorial worthy of a woman whose compassion and devotion to people continue to inspire. It is a grave disappointment that the House of Windsor still has not come to terms with their personal feelings for Diana the family member in order to pay tribute to a woman who made a tremendous impact on the way we view others and their differences; a woman who cared enough to become a goodwill ambassador without bringing along a political or monetary agenda; a woman whose death brought the country to a halt for an entire week; a woman who - with and without her HRH - was the embodiment of royalty for the world over. This decision to ignore the impact of Diana's life is contributing to the apathy that is felt about the House of Windsor in general.

Another factor that contributes to the apathy toward the royal family is the behavior of the 'minor' royals. Edward and Sophie Wessex seem to go from low to lower after each newspaper report since the News of the World's 'sting' on the Countess and her PR firm. We were lead to believe that new restrictions would be placed on the members of the House of Windsor who chose to work. This never happened. Edward and Sophie continue to earn their livings in businesses where their status as members of the royal family plays a great part in their success. Sophie continues to play a crucial and increased role in the running of R-JH, her PR firm it's just not as visible. It was also reported that Sophie has told Charles' spin doctors to stop their vicious attacks on her and Edward. Are they vicious attacks or are they just bringing facts to light?

The next report we get is that the couple has gone on strike and will not be taking on any other official engagements for the rest of the year. This is a supposed punishment to we the public for not appreciating all they do. This behavior isn't making me appreciate them more. It's actually had quite the opposite affect. Their calculated performances during their minimal public appearances is not endearing to me. The fact that the Queen pays Edward 141,000 pounds a year for his part-time 'minor' royal role - 60,000 more than his company pays him for his full time duties - makes me shake my head. The couple's answer to this PR debacle, I understand, is to have Sophie become pregnant. Now there's a good reason to bring a child into the world, to deflect negative feedback. What is fun or romantic or personable about this couple? Inquiring minds want to know. They are another source of the increasing indifference that is surrounding the royal family.

What I wish for the House of Windsor and especially for the Queen, who will be celebrating 50 years as sovereign, is the continuation of the establishment. For with all the controversy and attitude problems of her children and even with her blatant ignoring of a proper memorial for her former daughter-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales, I certainly do not believe that she is deserving of such indifference. Let us not forget that her children were born into this world with the same free will that all human beings are born with. Even God himself couldn't prevent his children, Adam and Eve, from disobedience. I don't think the fact that her children (with the exception of Andrew) do not share her love of family, her devotion to duty or her work to preserve the institution that she inherited nearly 50 years ago is necessarily a reflection on her parenting style or ability. I do think that the current monarchy could use a breath of fresh air but I'm willing to look to Andrew, Sarah and the girls to provide that. I'm also willing to allow William and Harry to live in peace a few more years before looking to them to help to overcome the indifference that their family now endures.

What do you think about the state of the monarchy today? Do you think that some of its members are helping to destroy the people's desire to keep it? Do you find the Queen 'getting what she deserves' with regard to her children and their up bringing? Do you think Edward and Sophie are the most boring royals ever? Do you think William and Harry the most engaging? Please write me for this week's Speakers Corner.

By the way, I've gotten so many wonderful responses to the Paul Burrell article that I'm thinking of using it as the basis of next weeks 'Muse' column.

All the best,