The Briefing Room
General Category => World News => Topic started by: happyg on January 20, 2014, 01:24:47 am
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Her Majesty to hand duties over to Prince Charles in an historic job share which experts say marks a gentle succession
It is being dubbed the “gentle succession” – as the Queen gradually begins to relinquish some of her traditional duties as monarch.
As she approaches her 88th birthday in April after almost 62 years on the throne, she has agreed to hand over part of her workload in a historic “job-share” arrangement with Prince Charles.
In a royal first, he will be taking on more head of state-style responsibilities as
the Palace starts to make tentative plans for his eventual succession.
Courtiers yesterday described the softly-softly move as “wise” – and “just plain common sense”.
The first sign of the partial power transfer will be the merging this week of the Queen and Charles’s press offices.
In future any announcements concerning the monarch and her 65-year-old
eldest son will now come from the same source. Palace sources insist the switch will be entirely seamless.
Princes William and Harry will also play their part in the new set-up, with both assuming far more responsibility since they relinquished their military roles.
One aide said: “This is about passing the baton to the next generation.
“The Prince of Wales’s diary is chock-full. Even he realises with the best will in the world he can’t go on like that.
“This is not going to be a sudden shift. It is a gradual process which will be borne out over the next few years.
“It’s a gentle succession.
“It’s important to note that the Queen is still working very hard. Every day you see her with the red box of Government papers and giving audiences.
“Charles will be doing less of his campaigning and the things he likes to do and more of the head of state role.
“While the Queen is still in excellent health, she is inevitably becoming a little more frail because of her age. Charles and Camilla will be doing much more of the public work on her behalf.”
Her Majesty is already the oldest ever British monarch and will soon overtake Queen Victoria’s longest-serving record of 63 years.
But it was stressed yesterday that the changes do not mean she is planning to take a back seat.
The Mirror can exclusively reveal she and Prince Philip will go to Rome later this
year for a visit that was postponed in 2013.
They will also visit Normandy, along with Charles, this summer to commemorate the
70th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
The merger of Palace press offices is likely to see Charles’s new spin doctor, the
highly respected former tabloid reporter and BBC Head of Communications Sally Osman at the helm of the new operation
A senior insider said: “It is expected that she will be Press Secretary for both main players – The Queen and the Prince of Wales.”
The fact that the Queen’s age is being widely discussed in senior circles was made clear in an award made in the New Year’s Honours List.
There was a second knighthood for her private secretary, Sir Christopher Geidt – for “a new approach to constitutional matters... [and] the preparation for the transition to a change of reign”.
Charles, who swore to be his mother’s “liege man in life and limb” just like his dad Prince Philip, is being her back-up should she need him.
But there is one area where the prince will not be joining in – her weekly
briefings with the Prime Minister.
Royals attend Christmas Day church service Heir and spare: Wills and Harry
One former member of the Royal Household believes this would be a step to far. He said: “Those meetings have to be strictly private. A change for the PM to unburden himself without fear of favour. No notes are taken, there are no minutes. It is strictly off limits.”
The source added: “The problem for Charles is, unlike with the Queen, some ministers could see fit to leak the contents of these meetings and suggest that the prince is becoming ‘too political’.
“However that is not the case, he is within constitutional rights. His role as heir to the throne is today purely formal – although he maintains the right ‘to be consulted, to encourage and to warn’ Her Majesty’s ministers via regular audiences with the PM and the ministers themselves.”
Another royal source said it was widely expected that the Queen would no longer be going on long-haul flights to distant lands on diplomatic missions.
But he said she would not be giving up on key royal engagements altogether – even if they did involve a fair bit of travelling.
The involvement of other royals in the revamped system is also being seen as an important factor.
In the modern media world they – the younger generation of William, Kate and Harry – naturally steal most of the headlines.
But it is no accident both William and Harry have quit their roles as helicopter pilots to focus more on their royal duties – although Harry has, of course maintained his position as a captain in the Household Cavalry.
The source said: “What you are seeing, albeit very subtly, is a monarchy in transition. The participation of all the players, particularly Charles and William, is crucial in making things work.”
He revealed: “There are a few noses out of joint – particularly the Queen’s other children, most of all Prince Andrew – who all think they have a part to play.
“But Charles has always believed that a slimmed-down, more cost-effective Royal Family is the best way forward for the 21st century and beyond.”
Pictures at link: Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/queen-hands-over-reigns-prince-3039892#ixzz2qtiMmGxi
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(http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article3039696.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/I140119_175930_17001613oTextTRMRMMGLPICT000028885342o-3039696.jpg)
Gawd, can't she skip a generation...
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Send in the clowns..
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Best thing Charles could do is abdicate early to one of his sons who not only looks better than him, but also has much better choice in wives. Between Camilla and John F'ing Kerry (D. Viet.), it is difficult to decide who has the better horse face. Kerry has tried to compensate with intensive botox therapy but all he has accomplished to date is ensure his pupils no longer dilate.
How about it EC?? I have never heard a Brit properly dump on Camilla, so please don't sugar coat anything, and tell us what you really think about her......
:beer:
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(http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article3039696.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/I140119_175930_17001613oTextTRMRMMGLPICT000028885342o-3039696.jpg)
Gawd, can't she skip a generation...
No kidding....... :thud:
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Charles is very politically left and unpopular. The queen is not dumb, doing this will not upset many as William is busy being a new father.
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Charles is very politically left and unpopular. The queen is not dumb, doing this will not upset many as William is busy being a new father.
Is Chuckles a Muslim or not??
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(http://24.media.tumblr.com/c48959703bb381d0e1cde51ffcda208d/tumblr_mqd5otnqBx1qlrtq2o2_500.jpg)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_hxdnntF5Nso/SxBIWDVQTEI/AAAAAAAAGXY/xHrNlCbfRTk/s1600/Camilla_Parker_Bowles.jpg)
(http://ll-media.tmz.com/2008/12/18/1218_camila_parker_bowles_getty_02-1.jpg)
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Is Chuckles a Muslim or not??
Who said he was a muslim? 9999what
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Those pics are a hoot, gazoo
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Best thing Charles could do is abdicate early to one of his sons who not only looks better than him, but also has much better choice in wives. Between Camilla and John F'ing Kerry (D. Viet.), it is difficult to decide who has the better horse face. Kerry has tried to compensate with intensive botox therapy but all he has accomplished to date is ensure his pupils no longer dilate.
How about it EC?? I have never heard a Brit properly dump on Camilla, so please don't sugar coat anything, and tell us what you really think about her......
:beer:
Well - I actually like her. She's got a hell of a temper on her and gives Charles something he badly needed - she tells him no and when he's being a dick (much less frequently since they got married - noticed?).
She's certainly no oil painting, but then again he's no major prize in the looks department either. The best point about her is she stay out of the limelight, mostly.
I doubt Charles will abdicate in favor of William any time soon, despite the fact he'd infinitely prefer that - he'll be taking up the job he's been trained for all his life at an age when most of us are kicking back and relaxing after a life well done. William is, to be blunt, not ready. Seems a nice enough lad on the surface, but he's an arrogant and entitled SOB on the quiet. Commands people - fine in an officer, not so good in a monarch.
I'd far prefer Harry as King. He's got the people skills needed and, more importantly, the sense of humor needed.
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Did everybody else miss "courtiers"? Courtiers? Wearing those neck ruffles, caps with feathers, the "pantaloons" that puff out like thigh garlics and the curly-ended slippers that come to a point?
Do they still use the clarions when "Majesties" enter the room or am I a victim of excess cartoonary (cartoonery?)?
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Did everybody else miss "courtiers"? Courtiers? Wearing those neck ruffles, caps with feathers, the "pantaloons" that puff out like thigh garlics and the curly-ended slippers that come to a point?
Do they still use the clarions when "Majesties" enter the room or am I a victim of excess cartoonary (cartoonery?)?
Courtiers - literally "Those present at court." Most on them are idiots, but some are advisors. Think Valerie Jarret. She rarely wears ruffles or feathered pantaloons. :laugh:
The trumpet call is only used in high profile ceremonies. While it is neat to think of the Queen sweeping into the room to the strains of the Imperial march, it rarely happens.
Fun fact - The King of Saudi Arabia is not hugely popular here, yet tradition states that the entrance of a monarch from another state is accompanied by music. They played the Imperial March for him. He loved it. You might just recognise it - the King did not :laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bzWSJG93P8
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Who said he was a muslim? 9999what
There was talk that Chuckles is a closet Muslim...
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I'd far prefer Harry as King. He's got the people skills needed and, more importantly, the sense of humor needed.
And then there's the bonus for the ladies that he might get drunk and expose his naughty bits. :nono: :whistle:
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Seriously. Harry is a lovable mug, but King? Are you freakin' kidding me?
Meanwhile, here's what very classy William did on Christmas day:
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02778/Madison-Lambe-will_2778840b.jpg)
'You can't beat a good selfie on Christmas Day', says Prince William as he poses for photo
Duke of Cambridge took 12-year-old schoolgirl Madison Lambe's mobile and posed with her for a selfie after she visited the Sandringham Estate on Christmas Day
Prince William stunned a 12-year-old schoolgirl by taking her phone and posing with her for a selfie.
The grinning heir to the throne took star-struck Madison Lambe's mobile after she was too stunned to press the buttons herself.
The Duke of Cambridge took the snap after she visited the Sandringham Estate on Christmas Day to watch the Royal family walk from their house to church.
Madison is now the most envied pupil at her school after posting the image of herself standing with the future king on Facebook.
She said: "I couldn't believe it when William came over to me and I asked for a picture. He just said to me 'you can't beat a good selfie on Christmas Day' and took the picture.
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"It was really good, I didn't expect it.
"He was really nice and I was so excited. I've put the picture on Facebook. My friends think it is really good and they have been commenting on it."
Madison had travelled with her mum Paula Scrupps, 38, from their home in Boston, Lincolnshire, to Sandringham on Christmas morning.
Single mum Paula, who works for tractor dealership John Deere, said: "We got up early on Christmas morning and opened our presents and then drove down to Sandringham to show our support for the Royal family.
"Madison took some flowers for the Queen and the children line up near the church wall.
"Parents aren't allowed to go so she asked if she could borrow my phone so she could try to a 'selfie' with the Queen.
"I didn't really expect her to get any pictures but certainly didn't think she would come back with a 'selfie' with William."
Last month Prince Charles proved he was a good sport when an unnamed lad asked him to pose for a selfie during a visit to the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in Stevenage, Herefordshire.
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LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!
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I have to believe Harry would pull an Edward VIII rather than give up the life he has now. Why would he want to strap himself with all the pomp, etc. when he can just slide off and party all the time?
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Interesting.
Looking at it from across the pond I think William will make a good king. I find it refreshing he loves his wife and seems to get along with his inlaws. I understand his standoffishness with the media given he saw what they did to his mother - who he adored.
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Interesting.
Looking at it from across the pond I think William will make a good king. I find it refreshing he loves his wife and seems to get along with his inlaws. I understand his standoffishness with the media given he saw what they did to his mother - who he adored.
Give him a few years to season - and yep, he'll be a decent king. Probably not one of the greats, but good. I'd give him my fealty, happily. (We swear to the King or Queen and their heirs and successors - not to the the constitution, as you guys do. Different strokes.)
Right now though - he's pretty shy, a little petty (he's only young yet and few people say no when he needs it) and not hugely experienced. Not good in a monarch, who is supposed to speak out to his ministers and, in a way, be the avatar of the country.
Don't forget - every single minister, priest, Governor General, Lord and MP serves at the monarchy's pleasure. It is not often invoked, but the right is still there to be used. The most important Royal engagement of the week is the meeting with the PM - where the Queen acts as the PM's confessor and guide.
Kate has been good for him, she treats the media attention as a mild annoyance that is part of life. Defuses it, if you like. She's smart, tough and good with people. Yes, like most here I am slightly in love with her.
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Remember, the current Queen was very young and very inexperienced when her father died... She was a quick study and has been a good monarch. I find William much more appealing than his father and shudder at Camilla as Queen.
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Camilla can't be queen.
She is the Royal Consort and will remain that when Charles takes the throne. It's happened before. Albert was Prince Consort to Queen Victoria. He got the title Prince from his own rank, but had no official duties and no input into policy.
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She will still try to act like she's queen. I have no love lost for Camilla........ what Charles saw in her escapes me - then I look at him and wonder how Diana was so enamored with him.
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Well - Diana was a sweet kid, reasonably pretty, but about as bright as a burnt out match. Charles, despite the jokes about his ears and his obsessions with architecture and organic farming, is damned smart.
Not a lot of compatibility there. To be mildly crude, eventually you have to get out of the bed and talk to each other.
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LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!
I agree. When she finally departs this earth, many people are going to start to realize what they lost.
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I agree. When she finally departs this earth, many people are going to start to realize what they lost.
Indeed.
Even from this side of the pond, Elizabeth II is a treasure.
I hope she out-reigns Victoria and stays in the best of health while she's doing it.
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Personally I don't much care who comes after this Queen. I really like Queen Elizabeth she had to grow up fast and she did with grace and intelligence but I am not to fond of any of her children I think they ended up spoiled brats. Diana I really liked as a celebrity but I wasn't married to her and agree with EC she didn't seem to have common sense which even if your smart you won't come off smart if you don't have it and her petty cripes probably drove Charles mad. Charles just turns my stomach when I look at him but I do like him a bit more as a father than I did when he was married to Diana he did take up the task and did pretty well with it when she died. I think Camilla has been good to his sons at least they say that whether it is true or not. I really don't care what happens to her or Charles. I think William would step up to the task whenever it is asked of him he and his wife Kate seem to be two mature intelligent adults.
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Prince Harry 'drank champagne out of a prosthetic leg and told 'filthy' jokes that shocked Hollywood actor Dominic West' while others danced naked around the South Pole during polar adventure
Prince Harry appeared at Walking With The Wounded press conference
He appeared at event without the beard he grew during the charity trek
Prince started to grow beard during his three weeks on the ice
Walking With The Wounded aims to help wounded and injured soldiers
By Rebecca English
PUBLISHED: 06:56 EST, 21 January 2014 | UPDATED: 08:14 EST, 21 January 2014
Prince Harry told some 'eye-wateringly rude jokes' and drank champagne out of a prosthetic leg at the end of a marathon polar challenge, actor Dominic West has revealed.
The Wire actor, who was part of the Commonwealth team walking with Harry as part of the Walking With The Wounded trip, described him as a 'fantastically nice chap' and revealed a few of the prince's hidden talents - including building the team latrines.
The 29-year-old royal appeared at the 'welcome home' press conference in London today minus the increasingly famous beard he grew during the charity trek.
At the event, West described the prince as 'a really cool guy, very much part of the team'. ...
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2543236/Grizzly-red-perfect-no-Prince-Harry-appears-fresh-faced-clean-shaven-following-return-polar-challenge.html#ixzz2r2Sj80fK