Prince Charles: A Man Whose Time Has Come?

For the regular readers of this column I'd like to preface it by saying it is me writing, not a ghostwriter. Hard as it is to believe, I have been determined to write one positive article about Prince Charles to prove, mostly to myself, that I do see the man as a complete human being with strengths and weaknesses. Though admittedly his weaknesses are more apparent, I believe I have found a strength that I wish to dedicate this week's column to. The strength I believe is combating terrorism through not only showing dignity to all people, from all cultures and all religions, but to applaud these people for their differences. What I hope to accomplish is to show that Prince Charles has long enjoyed his trips abroad wherein he has been privileged enough to spend time experiencing native ways and how I believe that his visit to Sighthill, Glasgow and his statements after the September 11th terrorist attacks are genuine, heartfelt, rational, uplifting, wise, prudent, positive things.

When we look back over Charles' life we see a little lost boy with impeccable manners who matures into a seasoned world traveler who seems comfortable where ever he lands no matter what he is expected to wear, to eat, to perform, etc. We've seen him smiling with a black smudge on his face inspecting London's underground Jubilee railway line. We've seen him trudging through snow in Canada's frozen wasteland. Planting a tree in the West Coast of Africa among the people in their colorful, traditional garb. Sporting the traditional attire of the people of Ghana (albeit over his 'western' clothing) during a visit there that also included having the title of honorary chieftain, Naba Charles Mampasa, bestowed upon him.

While visiting Canada in 1977 the Kainai tribe also bestowed an honorary title upon him, that of Chief Red Crow. "Complete with buckskins, feathered head-dress and war-paint, the new chief joined in the tribal dances in honour of the Sun, the Moon, the Grass, and in explicably, the Chicken." * One that is particularly memorable for me was that of Charles dancing the Samba with a native dancer in Rio who was described as 'wearing little more than shredded tin foil'. * In 1978 he made his first visit to a communist country when he was a guest of Yugoslavia's President Tito.

During his marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales, the couple and their young son, William, toured Australia. The couple made many other memorable visits abroad during their marriage including stops in India, Egypt, Korea, Canada, Spain and the United States. Though many of the duties he performs while abroad are perfunctory obligations, there is always some time spent enjoying the local arts and entertainment that surely are an intricate part of every society's culture. Here he does seem to make the most of his hosts' kindness in treating him to an insider's view of what has meaning in their day-to-day lives.

This is all the background, the foundation that has been laid after many years of official duties throughout the commonwealth and the world. It has apparently given Charles a respect for the sameness of people in their differences. He obviously believes that people have the right to live their lives in the mores of the culture in which they were raised or find suitable to them. This he has shown in several ways since the disaster of September 11th. First, it was in his actions, which I believe speak volumes over 'official' statements. On Wednesday, September 12th Charles stopped at the embassy on his way back from Somerset and was the first person to sign a book of condolence. He then spent time speaking with members of the staff who knew some of the victims of the tragedy.

The following day, which was an official day of remembrance, Prince Charles gave a personal message to Geoffrey Smith, a New Yorker, whose sister was affected in the attacks on New York. This was a day when the National Anthem of the United States of America was played during the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. It was also the day of the services at Westminster Abbey in honor of the victims of the terrorism. Prince Charles was a prominent presence throughout.

On Saturday, September 21st, Princes Charles and William visited Scotland and in particular Sighthill, Glasgow, home to approximately 1,500 asylum seekers who had been suffering from racial tensions and the death of a young, Turkish Kurd about a month before. His visit was, I thought, very poignant in that it drove home the points that we don't have to fear differences, that this is not a religious war for us - it is a war against acts of terrorism and now more than ever we must practice tolerance towards one another. We cannot allow fear to cause distrust or further violence. One of the roles of the monarchy is to 'influence' and I believe this visit went a long way in supporting the government's position as communicated by Prime Minister Tony Blair. It also was very human, very compassionate and a wonderful lesson for William.

Prince Charles also attended the memorial services in London for the victims of Cantor-Fitzgerald, the company who sustained the greatest loss of life during the terrorist strike. Later he visited a mosque where he said, "I very much wanted to come here ... to show how much I minded about and care about the Islamic community in this country, particularly at a time when it's so difficult for everybody. "And also to show, above all, my support for all those people of whatever faith who utterly reject violence. "And, at the same time, to show my support for those who believe more than anything else in the overwhelming importance of tolerance, compassion and understanding - and I hope we can get that message across." 

Well, I for one think the message is coming across - loud and clear. 

How do you feel about Prince Charles' stepping to the forefront on this issue? Do you believe he is right to preach tolerance? Do you believe he is playing a key role in supporting his government's initiatives to take the terrorist to task? During WWII his grandparents and parents earned much respect from the people for standing by them. Do you think Charles' standing up in this grave time will also earn him the respect he seeks from the people? I'll be looking forward to hearing your opinions on all this.  ;-)

All the best,