It was a little startling to see a picture of the Queen on his desk, just as she often had a picture of King George or Prince Philip on hers when she went on television. It was a smart touch, sharing the moment with her.
He had already done the right thing by greeting mourners at Buckingham Palace, shaking hands rather than sweeping past them in the Rolls-Royce. In his broadcast he sought to soothe the upset felt by the nation, and, after a fashion, to indicate that he is only too well aware that his mother is a hard act to follow.
He spoke plainly, directly, and with some considerable warmth, about his “darling Mama”, himself and the people. His bereavement is far deeper than ours, after all, and more consequential. He’s lost another parent; but he has also lost a somewhat enjoyable way of life with Camilla by his side a rather jolly elderly couple perfectly at ease with themselves. At 73 and pootling along nicely, he’d be forgiven for not wanting to rush to the throne, if he ever really did.
This story is from the September 10, 2022 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the September 10, 2022 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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