Enough with the jubilee already.

BlueSky

Agree with Volver, Charles could very well be like Edward VII after Queen Victoria’s long reign. Being of similar age, I like to remember him young, in that iconic photo on Bondi beach being kissed by a girl in a bikini!

Perhaps she is on Gransnet now.

I agree with volver and GSM. Our Head of State needs to be able to perform the duties of state, not just let the next one in line get on with it. She’s clearly a very stubborn lady. And yes, this could go on for several more years, and there is absolutely not a jot anyone can do about it.

Well I'd like a HoS that actually does something please.

The others can still call themselves what they like, but I want somebody who does the job we pay them for. Doesn't just "exist".

To be the monarch you don’t have to do, you just have to be.

I agree volver. I can’t imagine what duties she is going to perform for the remainder of her reign.

Callistemon21

I agree Aveline.

He has been undertaking quite a lot of the duties of H of S for quite some time.

So a bloke who isn't actually HoS is doing all the HoS stuff?

This isn't a grown up country, not at all... ?

...then quietly hand over to Charles. She won't abdicate, as she took the vow of service for life, and duty comes above everything for the queen.

I know it can't just be me that sees the innate contradiction in this?

She may quietly hand over to Charles, so Charles will do all the "work" including the bits with actual responsibilities, not just the ceremonial bits, but she still wants to keep the title because she thinks it's her duty to be Queen? What service will she still be performing?

Aveline

My suspicion is there are more complex factors around the Queen's withdrawal from some lengthy appearances. She's 96. Lots of potential physical problems.
She's very obviously and elegantly handing over to Charles without a big hoohaa abdication. This feels much more natural.

You could be right.

I just wish Charles didn't look so pensive!

I agree Aveline.

He has been undertaking quite a lot of the duties of H of S for quite some time.

Aveline

My suspicion is there are more complex factors around the Queen's withdrawal from some lengthy appearances. She's 96. Lots of potential physical problems.
She's very obviously and elegantly handing over to Charles without a big hoohaa abdication. This feels much more natural.

I agree with this. At 96 and having lost her husband, I think she will want to get the Jubilee events over with and then quietly hand over to Charles. She won't abdicate, as she took the vow of service for life, and duty comes above everything for the queen.

Agree with Volver, Charles could very well be like Edward VII after Queen Victoria’s long reign. Being of similar age, I like to remember him young, in that iconic photo on Bondi beach being kissed by a girl in a bikini!

Surely the celebrations are about the people who want to go them considering she doesn't seem in good enough health to enjoy them herself? and by health I mean she is 96, most 96 year olds struggled to go out once a week I imagine, let alone a knees up for days on end. Those that are still alive, that is.

In an odd move for a committed Republican I think that Charles could be the breath of fresh air the Monarchy needs. We know what he's like because he has had opinions on a lot of things, and talks about them. He won't be subject to the fawning attention from the "because he's been around all my life" brigade.

I seem to remember reading that there wasn't much enthusiasm for Edward VII after Victoria's long reign, but he was a pretty good King and the Edwardian era, although short, was quite lively and forward thinking.

Come on Charles, show us what you're made of. He'll have to dump the over the top uniforms, though.

She could go on for years like this. I feel sorry for Charles.

Well if she’s handing over to Charles, she should do it properly and let go of the status and kudos being Queen brings with it. Now’s the time, straight after the jubilee. But she won’t!

And I agree too Henetha and Aveline. My 103 year old aunt puts in a very good show when visitors arrive, and she has none of the activities expected of the Queen, but in reality it exhausts her.
Handing over gradually to Charles is a good move.

Henetha ?

BlueSky.

henetha

I agree Aveline. I think there is more going on with the Queen's health than we know about. And the gradual hand over to Charles is exactly as it should be.

Again I agree with you Henetha.

volver

^Here you are son, you do the job^.

^But you'll have to just do the bits I don't fancy any more. But I'll keep the job title, free money, the power and the palaces.^

???? you are so funny Volver. A quote for every occasion.

I agree Aveline. I think there is more going on with the Queen's health than we know about. And the gradual hand over to Charles is exactly as it should be.

Here you are son, you do the job.

But you'll have to just do the bits I don't fancy any more. But I'll keep the job title, free money, the power and the palaces.

My suspicion is there are more complex factors around the Queen's withdrawal from some lengthy appearances. She's 96. Lots of potential physical problems.
She's very obviously and elegantly handing over to Charles without a big hoohaa abdication. This feels much more natural.

Exactly my thoughts Dickens. I don’t think physical discomfort from sitting in a wheelchair is the problem as she sat in a car for some time at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and toured the Chelsea Flower Show sitting in a buggy.

Mollygo

I'm sure many of us donate to various causes but don't say. As do many of those who are contributing to the celebrations

I'm sure you do, but I was answering your previous comment.