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Tomorrow, King Charles will mark a milestone in his tenure as monarch: outliving the most maligned of his predecessors, Richard III.
Although Charles is considered a bit of a novice, Robert Hardman’s brilliant new biography reminds us that he has been active in public life longer than almost anyone else, since that first official walk in Caernarfon in 1969.
His first visit to the White House was in 1970 and he launched the Prince’s Trust in 1976, before most current Labor ministers were born.
Not only have few monarchs worked harder or longer in the service of their country, but Charles has always been driven by the feeling that he needs to prove himself worthy of the great privilege he enjoys.
Not only have few monarchs worked harder or longer in the service of their country, but King Charles has always been driven by the feeling that he needs to prove himself worthy of the great privilege he enjoys, writes Sarah Vine.
The same goes for Queen Camilla. Going from the role of lover to that of royal consort has taken decades. Of course, there will always be those who can never forgive her for Princess Diana’s betrayal (especially, one senses, Prince Harry), and that’s understandable. But if there is one woman who has earned forgiveness through hard work, humor and dedication, it is Camilla.
The job of monarch is not easy, despite the superficial pitfalls. Doing it well requires wisdom, flexibility and pragmatism, something Charles’s mother had in abundance.
Robert Hardman’s book offers a fascinating insight: it reveals that not long before she died, the late Queen had discussed with officials the idea of changing the Order of the British Empire to something more in line with modern sensibilities.
He no doubt knew that this would upset traditionalists, but as always, Her late Majesty was more concerned with safeguarding the future of the Crown than with clinging to the past. He understood that sometimes it is worth granting minor victories to achieve much greater ones.
After spending time in his company, Sarah Vine has witnessed how Queen Camilla somehow manages to lighten Charles’ heavy load.
In much of her decision-making, she was advised by Prince Philip, a man who in many ways exemplified the role of royal consort. He recognized his status and knew that he should always be two steps behind. But he was not easy to convince either. He used his position wisely and, as his wife so poignantly put it in 1997 on their golden wedding anniversary, it was his “strength and permanence.”
I would venture to say that Camilla has filled a very similar role for Charles over the years of their relationship. Having spent time in her company, I have witnessed how she somehow manages to lighten his load.
I know this!
The contestants on ITV’s upcoming show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! seems intriguing. As well as Coleen Rooney, left, are former boxer Barry McGuigan, Strictly’s Oti Mabuse, journalist Jane Moore and Radio 4’s Reverend Richard Coles. For once, genuine celebrities rather than Z-listers, and someone for everyone.
Coleen Rooney, wife of soccer great Wayne, is heading to the Outback to star in this year’s series I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
Charles can be anxious, a little irritable at times, and she has a wonderful way of easing any tension. She softens those edges, lifts spirits (including his), and calms everyone around them. She’s a hot human being, with maybe just that extra shot of whiskey.
Later this month, a new ITV documentary will shed light on her work as Queen, particularly her involvement with domestic abuse charities, including SafeLives, of which she is a patron. It will feature interviews with a number of high-profile women, from Cherie Blair to Theresa May, as well as actors and celebrities such as Helen Mirren and Patrick Stewart, all united under one banner: ending domestic violence.
Containing moving testimonies from survivors and their families, the documentary illustrates the heartbreaking magnitude of the problem, but also offers new insight into the personality of the woman for whom the king may have risked his reign and reputation.
What viewers will see is a person with remarkable tenacity, vision and unwavering compassion, who is determined to use his position for good.
Someone who works quietly in the background, who doesn’t seek the spotlight, who is happy to let her work speak for itself and support others rather than putting herself center stage. Someone who is not eager for recognition, who does not demand it but who is willing to earn it, little by little.
Now that Charles is king, this kindness, generosity and strength of character have gradually begun to manifest themselves. People are finally waking up to what others have known for a long time: that Queen Camilla is an intelligent, thoughtful woman who, despite a rocky start, brings so much to the royal table.
It is no less than what he deserves.
If Rachel Reeves is successful in her goal of putting our farmers out of business, I wonder how she thinks the country will be fed. Or do ministers mean it literally when they say “eat the rich”?
Congratulations to new Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. Theirs is a difficult job, but someone has to do it, especially as without an effective opposition the damage that Labor will do knows no bounds. Of course, Sir Keir Starmer’s party has never had a female leader, let alone a black female leader. Kemi will no doubt love to show you how it’s done.
As soon as Kemi Badenoch is announced as the new Conservative leader, Labor MP Dawn Butler posts a vile tweet calling her “the black face of white supremacy.” We should be grateful that Badenoch is not also Jewish.
Carli not so cuddly
Why do so many teenage girls dress like prostitutes on Halloween? It’s true that sex work is a pretty horrible life, but what’s wrong with being a pumpkin?
And speaking of sleaze, it boggles my mind why Kamala Harris wanted to be endorsed by rapper Cardi B, left, whose contribution to the cultural landscape is an album called WAP, which stands for Wet-A** P***y. . There is no judgment here, but I have a hard time seeing the relevance to Harris’ ability as a potential president.
Sarah Vine can’t understand why Kamala Harris wants to be endorsed by rapper Cardi B, whose contribution to the cultural landscape is an album called WAP, which stands for Wet-A** P***y.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed says British farmers will have to “learn to do more with less” after the Labor budget’s attack on their livelihoods. Is this the same Steve Reed who was seen strolling around in a pair of handmade Le Chameau wellies worth £420, gifted by (you guessed it) Lord Alli?
How long will we ignore the plight of Afghan women?
In its latest folly, Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban regime has banned women from “listening to other women’s voices.” In effect, this means that women can no longer engage in any kind of conversation, under penalty of imprisonment. Women are already prohibited from playing sports, looking at men they don’t know, having a smartphone, going to the park, singing, attending school or university and many more everyday activities. Are we going to let this gender apartheid happen, or is it time for the West to take note and come to their rescue?