Saturday, March 24, 2007
ROYAL SUCCESSION
The suggestion that Charles, Prince of Wales, will be passed over in favour of his son William to ascend the throne of Great Britain upon the death of our current Queen has been circulating for sometime.
I believe such an eventuality will remain idle speculation and never come to pass. Why?
The British monarchy and the British constitution rest, above all else, on the continuance of tradition, custom, and historical precedent. Since the beginning of the reign of the House of Hanover with the ascension of King George I in 1714 the succession of the British crown has proceeded orderly and with little controversy. The Glorious Revolution left behind all the violent uncertainty that plagued the Crown under the Tudors and Stuarts.
While The Tiger notes that Charles is a bit "dippy" the monarchy will certainly endure his potential mediocrity rather than undermine the centuries of tradition guaranteeing an orderly succession.
The only way that the Crown would pass directly from Queen Elizabeth to Prince William is if Elizabeth outlives Charles. However, given the longevity of the women of the Royal family, that case may not be out of the realm of possibility.
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I know he has lived a life of wealth and entitlement that I can only dream about, but I would not want to switch places with Charles. I feel somewhat sorry for him.
I couldn't imagine a life being groomed for one thing, being in the public eye during the entire process, and face the possibility of never achieving it because your mother may outlive you.
Even if she were to die today (knock on wood, she doesn't) Charles reign would be so short and viewed with public disdain that if it were me, I would be utterly depressed.