A Republican Royalist!

A Republican Royalist!

November 20, 2018

After a round of golf last year, with two of my closest friends, we got into a discussion about the royal family. 

It’s a subject that is quite divisive amongst many.  Me included.

It’s one of those subjects where my opinion is completely conflicted.

On the one hand, I fundamentally believe that no-one should be born into a life of privilege, paid for by us: the taxpayers.

On the other hand, when you look at the work that some of the royals do, it’s difficult not to be impressed by the difference they make.

James (one of my golfing friends) pointed out the work that Prince Harry does with the Invictus games. 

If you watch any of that, you can’t help but be impressed and inspired by those that have paid a high price to retain our freedoms.

Wind forwards a year or so, and I’m watching “The Prince of Wales at 70”.

Now, just to be clear, I didn’t set out to watch it. 

In fact, it is one of those programmes that I would actively avoid! 

But Mrs JT wanted to watch it (she’s much more of a royal fan than I am)…and , well, when Mrs JT wants to watch something….

Anyway, Prince Charles.

What do you think of him? 

If you haven’t watched it yet, have a look on catch up.  Genuinely, it was a fun watch and really interesting.

What really piqued my interest was the bit where Charles was talking about plastic in the ocean.

In 1970.

Yes 1970.  Prince Charles was highlighting this issue 48 years ago.

That’s some vision right there.  And he’s been talking about it since.

Roll forward to 2018 and his passion on the issue is undiminished.  His frustration at successive governments ignoring the science behind the problem was palpable.

But his good work in this area will come to an end at some point. 

We don’t know when that point will be precisely, as it will be when the Queen passes away and the Prince of Wales becomes King.  At that point, he needs to become entirely impartial in all areas, so his normal outspoken self will all but disappear.

And it seems that William and Harry will have their own issues to focus on (and worthy they will no doubt be too).

I’m still conflicted in my view of the royals.

But one thing is for sure – my respect for the Prince of Wales increased exponentially after watching the documentary.  His passion for the environment is clear, his respect for science is clear, and his views in those regards are entirely congruent with mine.

Hats off to you sir.

Oh, and what really struck me too, was that he has a great sense of humour – who knew?!




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