Prince Charles Head of the Commonwealth?

There is already a thread on this at www.gransnet.com/forums/news_and_politics/1247435-Head-of-Commonwealth Trisher

Maybe the threads could be merged.

I'm not sure why you think they settled for someone nobody really wanted, trisher. Charles has grown up with the commonwealth and has played an active role since his teenage years. I cannot think of anyone more qualified.

The belief that Royals are special and prompt a desire to 'bend the knee' is outdated now and modern monarchists are probably relieved that a lot of the medieval customs will die out with the Queen. That doesn't mean there will be less respect though.

Why do you think the role to be a poisoned chalice?

Have you had a text from Camilla?

Sorry about the other thread, I just wanted this to be light hearted so didn't look at News and Politics properly.
merlotgran I thought perhaps the negativity about Charles might exist in Commonwealth countries as well so maybe they wouldn't want him? -I could be completely wrong of course.
The "bending the knee" is of course s metaphor but I wonder if the Queen backing hiim and the meeting being in the UK influenced people.
I think it's a bit of a "poisoned chalice" because of the length of HMQ's reign when she has held it together through massive world changes and that it may not hold when she has gone.
I think Camilla is probably repeating "For better, For worse" quietly to herself and wondering about both

I live in a Commonwealth country ( Australia) and despite what the trashy magazines might have you believe, the monarchy is highly respected here. Everyone has their own opinion of course - and Australians don't "bend the knee " to anyone - but The Queen and Prince Charles, and all the Royals , are popular and respected. Prince Charles and Camilla were recently here for the Commonwealth Games and were overwhelmed with cheering crowds and well-wishers. He has been involved with the Commonwealth all his life so he seems like the perfect person to be the head when the time comes.

Cannot see why PC wouldn’t have been chosen tbh, as others have said at least he knows what the role entails. Obviously I am completely thick but what would happen if a politician head of state of a commonwealth country had been chosen, when in the future they are cast aside who would end up with the job then? The original political party or some other choice?

Camilla already accompanies Charles on commonwealth visits. Pity the press doesn't cover her work for charities but I suppose she hasn't chosen charities which will bring dramatic camera shots. Osteoporosis. Silver Line. Battersea Dogs Home. Banardoes. Refuge. Womens Aid. Several charities supporting Literacy for children , 90 charities plus supporting Charles in his work. So unfair that she is criticised by some.

What’s not to like,PC is ideal,most of us won’t even give it a second thought in a few days .

Charles is the best possible choice why not? he’s an intelligent compassionate man who has grown up with the commonwealth
All of this negativity about him and Camilla makes me annoyed she’s a perfectly good person to be by his side she keeps out of the limelight unlike young Di who courted it and hated it in equal measures, she seems very level headed
Why on earth would you say they settled on someone no one really wanted imagination running wild or is that a projection of your feelings Trisher

I agree Annibach, that would be too pleasant & boring for the press.

I agree Bluebelle

A very good choice imho.

And thankfully Camilla doesn't hunt out photographers , queenie never has, Anne never has, Sophie doesn't either , good for them.

As for Charles, he visits every part of this country where nature has struck with floods, he was an enviormentlist before it became 'the in thing to be ' and was mocked by the press . The .princes Trust has helped many young people.

What is in it for his bank balance ? Sod all.

PC is able to represent the whole Commonwealth in one person as the Queen does. I do wonder if they chose one of the other countries leaders they would be able to exert their influence without being accused of self interest. I think the best choice for a difficult job.

I am sadly a bit of a yawner when it comes to this Head of the Commonwealth business, although if our Queen truly thinks her Charles is right for the position,I will bow to her better judgement.
Somehow I cannot see his Camilla will be that pleased.......all those air miles are just not "her thing!!"

“Bend the knee” “poisoned chalice”!!. Move on....Is there anyone better qualified than Prince Charles to be Head of the Commonwealth. Did you really mean it to be light hearted and do you really think they settled for someone no one really wanted. Why ever would you think this. I also happen to think that Camilla is the perfect person for him to have by his side.

For someone who it is claimed -air miles are not her thing' how did she get to Australia this year , the countries she visited with Charles last year , boat ?

May I politely request that in future any remarks I make about Camilla with a attached are intended to be taken in a light hearted vein?

I am NOT criticising her or her charitable works.

The Royals have a sense of humour. What a pity some gransnetters don't dig deep enough to find theirs.

thank goodness my son has never needed me to tout for a job for him.. and Queenie did it .in public .Ridiculous situation they could hardly say no! I truly dont understand this facsination with royalty..were they not born the same way as everyone else...and they will die just like us too ...so what makes them "special" .Thankfully I see on MN that most young people aren't like the GN bend the knee generation.Hopefully they'll have the sense to send the "royals" packing.

merlotgran I thought it was funny and tried to keep things light hearted. And I agree about the lack of humour.
Nice to see a post from Australia and that Charles is popular there. I did wonder if the Charles/Diana split in the public was as obvious there as it has been here.
It is strange how some people take umbrage at anything said about the Royals that isn't suitably deferential. It does reinforce the idea that a Royal is special in some way. And I haven't decried anyone's charity work.
I suppose one could have an elected head, perhaps serving a 4 year term. It would certainly mean other countries could get a look in. Perhaps an ex-politician- Tony Blair anyone?-or perhaps not

Tony Blair trisher..............* I think not*.....said through gritted teeth.

Tony Blair!
Please, NO.
He is one of the main reasons for keeping the royal family.
Otherwise we would all be curtsying to Cherie Blair.
(Actually, haven't heard much of her lately)

Tony Blair? Heaven forbid!

Tony Blair!
Well, trisher did say this is a light hearted thread, and there’s a bit of humour for a start.
Prince Charles will probably do a very good job.

Could be the Australians are not as gullible as some in this country