PERSONAL: Long Live the King?
Personally, I'd consider stepping down.
Long Live the King?
(March 17) - Let me start by asking you a question.
Who is Australia's Head of State? No? Then who is the Head of State of New Zealand? Still no?
Let me make it a bit easier for you then - a question closer to home perhaps -- who is Canada's Head of State? Well, the answer to all three is, and this might surprise you -- our Queen - Elizabeth the Second.
Yep, even in 2006 the Empire lives on, and our British Queen still heads up all three countries and several more obscure ones besides. It's something she has done through her entire reign and probably will do until she dies.
But what after that? What will these countries think of our slightly odd Prince Charles becoming their Head of State? And what choice do they really have?
The British Act of Succession puts Prince Charles next in line to the British throne. He's waited a long time for it and it is his by birthright - but should he take it?
The Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard - a staunch supporter of our monarchy - was, only the other day, heard to say that a British Monarch remaining head of state of his country was assured only until Queen Elizabeth dies. This is a definite change in attitude - the first indication, perhaps, that Prince Charles may not be a welcome replacement.
And if Australia ops out, how long will it be before our royals are voted out of the other countries I've mentioned? The problem is that constitutionally Charles must become king unless he (and he alone) decides to step down and abdicate the throne.
And be aware that there are those who believe that if the monarchy is to survive, Charles must not become king. To save the institution, they say, he must step aside and allow his son, the more popular, younger, more handsome Prince William to be crowned instead. Imagine how cool that would be for the younger generation.
But surely it really doesn't matter? So what if Prince Charles does become an unpopular king? They are just figureheads, anyway. But in order to prolong this undeniably murky and rocky Royal future path, the term 'Long Live the Queen' has started to take on a tone of desperation!
Copyright 2006, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
[Click Here for Original Link]
Long Live the King?
(March 17) - Let me start by asking you a question.
Who is Australia's Head of State? No? Then who is the Head of State of New Zealand? Still no?
Let me make it a bit easier for you then - a question closer to home perhaps -- who is Canada's Head of State? Well, the answer to all three is, and this might surprise you -- our Queen - Elizabeth the Second.
Yep, even in 2006 the Empire lives on, and our British Queen still heads up all three countries and several more obscure ones besides. It's something she has done through her entire reign and probably will do until she dies.
But what after that? What will these countries think of our slightly odd Prince Charles becoming their Head of State? And what choice do they really have?
The British Act of Succession puts Prince Charles next in line to the British throne. He's waited a long time for it and it is his by birthright - but should he take it?
The Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard - a staunch supporter of our monarchy - was, only the other day, heard to say that a British Monarch remaining head of state of his country was assured only until Queen Elizabeth dies. This is a definite change in attitude - the first indication, perhaps, that Prince Charles may not be a welcome replacement.
And if Australia ops out, how long will it be before our royals are voted out of the other countries I've mentioned? The problem is that constitutionally Charles must become king unless he (and he alone) decides to step down and abdicate the throne.
And be aware that there are those who believe that if the monarchy is to survive, Charles must not become king. To save the institution, they say, he must step aside and allow his son, the more popular, younger, more handsome Prince William to be crowned instead. Imagine how cool that would be for the younger generation.
But surely it really doesn't matter? So what if Prince Charles does become an unpopular king? They are just figureheads, anyway. But in order to prolong this undeniably murky and rocky Royal future path, the term 'Long Live the Queen' has started to take on a tone of desperation!
Copyright 2006, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
[Click Here for Original Link]