English Royalty

  • The King & his people: Not at home

    The news that the King and Queen might not live in Buckingham Palace at all isn’t a problem, but it reframes it for some people. These are those who believe that Royalty fits into a place that’s a part of the larger framework. Maybe it’s just a struggle to see it all from a distance.

    But this is exactly the point. No site that’s precious to King Charles himself is off-limits to the public. He’s just a different sort of person. We know the Queen likes comfort, too, so it makes sense for them to keep their living quarters away from view.

    I’m told the King likes a Monarchy to be on display, and it’s also his response diplomatically to the unique characteristics of other nations. Living in the same places isn’t a life that’s suited to anyone. Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth the 2nd did so to stay close for an Emergency.

    The King is in no such fear for the UK, and would also like to stick closer to other matters to make his Monarchy a more modern affair. This is to make things work for everyone, to keep interest alive, and to resist a temptation to give up. It’s admirable to have a work ethic like this.

  • King Harry

    We’re due a Royal visit from a small number of overseas VIPs. They’re coming from America. They live in California. They come bearing … at least one English accent.

    Does this sound right?

    I suppose King Harry never really had anything else in mind. It’s how he planned it.

    The strangeness is that we get to see him flying in, rather than stepping out of Buckingham Palace.

    A change that puts us off-guard, you might say.