Was Prince Charles right to make his views about the Rwanda plan widely known?

Anyone who’s happy with Charles speaking out on this should consider how they’d feel if he gave a speech in support of the government. This is why he needs to keep his opinions to himself, even when he’s right.

Charles is good friends with Middle East dictators, he’s not a human rights champion. The issue here isn’t this policy but the danger of an unaccountable king interfering in policy. It’s easy to be on the right side of this issue, but what happens when he’s on the wrong side?

I'm happy with him speaking out as a non-political Head of State with an interest in maintaining the rule of law internationally, and representing the interests of the people of this union. Its a good example for how Heads of State should behave.

He's not giving a speech in support of, or against the government.

Traditionally, royals have stayed away from airing their political views, but I have a feeling that Charles won't let that stop him, either now or when he becomes king.

He holds some deeply entrenched views and is quite capable of letting people know what they are. It will be interesting to see what kind of job he will make of kingship, when it happens.

I completely agree with Grany. If you are happy with him speaking out on this then you need to be sure you would be happy about him speaking out on other areas on which you may not agree with him.

Whitewavemark2

Traditionally - no

Morally - right

Legally - nothing stopping him.

But don’t forget that we don’t really know what was said, or indeed if anything was said.

Agree with 1, 2 and 3 but, as you say, he may not have said anything.

This "report" could be the usual stirring from our so-called "news" papers. Some unnamed person told another person that he said this in a private conversation and, of course, all those with a wicked tongue will love making something out of nothing.

I agree with Grany and Galaxy. It’s fine whilst Prince Charles speaks out on something everyone can agree with, but what when the subject matter is not what everyone agrees with? It’s either all or nothing, and in my opinion it should be nothing.

DiamondLily

No. Politicians are elected, royals are not. They should stay out of politics - whatever the subject.

... I understood it was a comment during a private conversation (don't know if that's true).

If it wasn't for public consumption then I don't see a problem - surely Royalty are allowed private opinions?

If it wasn't for public consumption then I don't see a problem - surely Royalty are allowed private opinions?

Goodness me, you would think, No!! ?

In fact Charles has said that, should he become King, then he wouldn't be able to express such views.

maddyone

I agree with Grany and Galaxy. It’s fine whilst Prince Charles speaks out on something everyone can agree with, but what when the subject matter is not what everyone agrees with? It’s either all or nothing, and in my opinion it should be nothing.

So tell me maddyone where he "spoke out" and what he said?

He is not King yet, and I am glad he has supposedly expressed his views.He has a heart, and can see how alful this is for people already suffering.

What it is thought he said is that the discussion on deportations to Rwanda might overshadow the upcoming visit by Charles and Camilla to Rwanda later this month to attend a meeting of Commonwealth leaders.

Why shouldn't he express this privately?

I think he’s entitled to his opinion. Shame he can’t trust anyone he speaks to. Regardless of Prince Charles’ rights to speak about political matters, I’m just wondering about this.

If you passed an opinion in private about some management actions going on at work, and you arrived the next day to find your comments were common knowledge and you were being slated for having said it, would you consider yourself in the wrong for having said it?

It would depend on the rules relating to my employment. If it was confidential information I would expect to be in a bit of trouble.

You are right Mollygo. To me, the story is that someone has reported a private conversation, that was generated by concern about Charles and Camilla's forthcoming visit. Someone should be sacked.

The rest is froth.

maddyone

I agree with Grany and Galaxy. It’s fine whilst Prince Charles speaks out on something everyone can agree with, but what when the subject matter is not what everyone agrees with? It’s either all or nothing, and in my opinion it should be nothing.

I agree. I hadn't actually thought of that.

nadateturbe

maddyone

I agree with Grany and Galaxy. It’s fine whilst Prince Charles speaks out on something everyone can agree with, but what when the subject matter is not what everyone agrees with? It’s either all or nothing, and in my opinion it should be nothing.

I agree. I hadn't actually thought of that.

But not everyone agrees about everything.

nadateturbe

maddyone

I agree with Grany and Galaxy. It’s fine whilst Prince Charles speaks out on something everyone can agree with, but what when the subject matter is not what everyone agrees with? It’s either all or nothing, and in my opinion it should be nothing.

I agree. I hadn't actually thought of that.

So he can't look at the upcoming visit and discuss what questions may arise?

Can you tell me what "opinions" he express - with at least a little proof it ever happened.

Is he wrong to speak out on what is essentially a humanitarian issue?

I don't think so. He is not the Sovereign.

You could just as easily say he has been wrong to speak out about environmental issues. I have no problem with anyone with integrity speaking their mind, whether I agree with it or not, as long as I can speak mine too. That’s democracy. He isn’t king yet.
Isn’t that why the queen said she was proud of him last week?

I remember the carbuncle remark! ?

Didn’t many cross to the other side? Prince Charles is only acting like the Good Samaritan by expressing concern about immoral and inhumane treatment of others.

No decent person can stand by and let this happen. Nothing to do with politics.

I’m a fully paid up member of the Conservative Party. I’d say I’m right of centre but I won’t stand by and let this happen. I’ve written to my MP and will not vote Conservative again if this policy happens.
Prince Charles is right to be concerned and should say so publicly. Not politics, just basic humanity.

I see another Archbishop has spoken out against the transportations.

LauraNorderr

I’m a fully paid up member of the Conservative Party. I’d say I’m right of centre but I won’t stand by and let this happen. I’ve written to my MP and will not vote Conservative again if this policy happens.
Prince Charles is right to be concerned and should say so publicly. Not politics, just basic humanity.

That is so heartening.