'12
Call me crackie, but I really don’t know why this story is making international headlines this morning. Prince Charles has been waiting to be king since 1952, when he was just four years old. That’s when his grandfather, King George VI, passed away and Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne. Charles is now 64 years old, and his mother is 86 years old, having just celebrated her Diamond Jubilee this year (marking 60 years on the throne). Over the years, Charles has made reference to his mother dying before, but this time… this time, it’s a “thing”. But why? Isn’t the whole point of having a monarchy to discuss what happens when the monarch dies? Besides all of that, it really doesn’t seem like Charles was actually being morbid or macabre – he was actually talking about renovations on his house!
Is the man who would be king tired of waiting his turn?
Speculation reigned in Great Britain this weekend after Prince Charles spoke of his “impatience” at an event to promote his 64th birthday at Dumfries House, a once-stately residence that the royal has worked to rehabilitate and save for his country.
“Impatient? Me? What a thing to suggest! Yes, of course I am,” joked the Prince who passed his great-great grandfather Edward VII as the longest-waiting heir in his nation’s history. “I’ll run out of time soon. I shall have snuffed it if I’m not careful.”
His mother, Queen Elizabeth, has served her country for 60 years and remains in good health at 86. Her own mother lived in be 101 in a genetic predisposition for longevity that could see Prince Charles cooling his heels for years longer as his sons, Princes William and Harry, grab the spotlight.
Although the Prince made his remarks as he was commenting at the Dumfries House gathering, royal observers say while he has praised his mother’s longevity, it isn’t the first time the prince has quipped about ascending the throne while he’s still youthful.
British newspapers, in reporting his Dumfries House comments, noted that in 1992, when Prince Charles attended a funeral for his then father-in-law Earl Spencer, he confided to his brother-in-law Charles Spencer: “You are fortunate enough to have succeeded to the title when still young.”
I guess it’s noteworthy because Charles is acting like he’s concerned (jokingly concerned) about his own mortality. And honestly, there’s a good chance that IF Charles ever makes it onto the throne, he’ll be well into his 80s. But there’s no reason to think that he won’t be a spry 80-something – look at his father!
The Today Show ran an interesting take on this story too – apparently, there was a recent poll in Britain, asking the people who they considered the “most well-liked” royal. The Queen and William are the most well-liked, and Duchess Kate (The Duchess of No Work Ethic) even came in with higher numbers than Charles. Which is horrible, IMO. Say what you will about Charles (and truly, I think he’s probably an a–hole), but he works his ass off and he always has.
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Written by Kaiser
Posted in Prince Charles
- Mariah Carey lip synced on American Idol [CDAN]
- Colin Firth is looking good [Lainey Gossip]
- Internet celebrity charged with murder! [D-Listed]
- What is Paz Vega wearing? [Go Fug Yourself]
- New bachelors on The Bachelorette [Reality Tea]
- Goodbye to The Office [Pajiba]
- Bachelor Sean’s fiance cheats on him [Evil Beet]
- Britney Spears out with her man [Popsugar]
- Nina Dobrev works it [Popoholic]
- Cindy Crawford needs to lay off the ‘tox [Celebslam]
- Who said it: Carrie Bradshaw or The Dalai Lama? [Buzzfeed]
Charles is a total sh!t. I pray his mother outlives him
Report this comment as spam or abuse
Thank you Shitler. I’m with you.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
In my mind, I’ve always kind of assumed that the queen will out live Charles and then when she dies, William will take over. I have no idea why, but that’s how I think it will go down.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
Does anyone think the Queen will ever retire or will she hang onto her throne until she dies? It might be nice to see some new royals take over the throne, even if it is Charles instead if the more popular William & Catherine.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
There is no retirement for Queen. She will be the monarch for as long as she live, she might cut down her engagements but she will never retire.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
The Queen has expressly stated she will never abdicate. It’s really lovely, actually, I remember reading a biography about her and she sees it as her duty to serve the country until her dying day.
I think this is being blown out of proportion – there’s a bit of a running joke that Charles will most likely have an extremely short reign, I’m fairly certain he was just taking the Mickey.
I’m ticked off that Waity came in above Charles; he does a TON of work raising awareness for environmental causes – banning fox hunting, stamping out battery farmed geese for fois grois etc.
I grew up in Cornwall (the Duchy) and met him once on a Royal visit when I was about fifteen. He was a really nice, quiet man, it’s a shame he gets forgotten at times.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
@Amelia – it’s people who see him ONLY as bad husband to Diana that refuse or won’t see beyond all of that to his achievements.
And funnily, whilst she couldn’t wait to bad mouth him to all who will listen, he has never, ever uttered a bad word, at least in public, about her nor has he ever sanctioned any of his friends to do the same.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
LAK, I was trying to think of anything Charles has said publicly about Diana (just to prove you wrong, of course) and I’m blank. You’re right. He’s kept his mouth shut.
Although I will take issue with the “hasn’t sanctioned his friends” bit. He had a friend, whose name is completely excaping me — was it Westminster? — who did slag Diana at the time.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
@Bluhare. Hi!
It was Nicholas Soames. He really, really hated Diana. He took every chance to say bad things about her. I think we can thank him for the whole ‘Diana is insane’ diatribe. Charles distanced himself from him for awhile until he stopped talking about Diana.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
Marrying a woman he didn’t love, cheated on her with the woman he always loved, then married his beloved mistress later when his wife died… Tossed around like a puppy waiting for his Queen Mother instructions… The only thing he worked his ass off for was to jerk off and produce two heirs (and father duties included)…
Report this comment as spam or abuse
I’ve thought it must be awful to be in a postion where a parent has to die before you come into your own. I’d hate it.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
I think he’s being sarcastic? Haven’t seen the video yet, but he seems like someone with a very dry wit.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
I haven’t read the piece yet, just scanning the pics … and good god! Jughaid and the Queen of Hearts!
Report this comment as spam or abuse
works his ass off? how exactly??
i know you guys are alwqays ripping on kate, but seriously, what do any of these people do other than live off their countries money and fly around and make appearences places and maybe speak at the odd charity event/$10000 a plate dinner?
work? not exactly…
Report this comment as spam or abuse
Well he clearly swam down to the bottom of the ocean for that necklace… Or stole it from Britney. That is something, right?
Report this comment as spam or abuse
He recruited Lindsay Lohan to steal Britney’s necklace when they were partying years ago. Sadly Lindsay developed a taste for theiving and partying hasn’t been the same since.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
I always feel bad for him that he will be like his great grandfather Edward VII, who was also POW for 60yrs but only 8yrs as King.
However, he has been the best POW we have ever had so at least he can be proud of that.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
I’m not too fond of Charles. He seems kind of…icky. Only word I could think of….I really think Wills takes after him, personality-wise, etc. It seems like Charles has looked old for a long time. The queen isn’t giving up the ghost, though!!
Report this comment as spam or abuse
Charles should never be king- not only did his affair forever compromise his future position as head of the church of england (which while is only as a figurehead, doesn’t set the best example) he also has a rather annoying habit of meddling with the elected british govournment. Prince William as part of the younger generation will probably adapt to the role better. Especially because he seems to work harder and his marriage so far is a sucess.
jus sayin
Report this comment as spam or abuse
hahahahahaha
That is too funny.
nevermind that the CofE was established to facilitate a divorce. And really if you look at all the past POW, he is practically a saint in behaviour. He is the first POW to create that position into what it is. The rest simply indulged themselves to point one abdicated for pleasure!!!
As for PW working???!!!! hard???!!! who told you that? He has the lowest number of engagements that aren’t premieres or galas. All the other royals treat premiers and Galas as tyhe cherry on top of their charitable engagements but W considers it work. I guess you haven”t heard about all the problems he has caused for the military. HIs commitment to all his jobs is less than stellar. If either Charles and the Queen were to drop dead tomorrow, we would have the most unprepared POW/Monarch in history in William.
POW is supposed to engage the government. As an example, He was talking about organic farming long before it became the norm. If someone of his profile doesn’t ask questions as he is allowed to do, what is the point of having him in place. He will be muzzled soon enough once he is monarch, so for now, he is exercising his right as a citizen to ask questions of govt, just like you have that right.
He has the money to be a playboy in the grand tradition, or stay away from the public just like William does. Instead he chooses to exercise his privilege within the limits of it and people still don’t see how much good he has done. 60+yrs he could have sat on his behind enjoying the spoils of his position whilst waiting for his mother to die.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
Great post, LAK
Report this comment as spam or abuse
FINALLY, something came up that I could expound on eloquently, and you beat me to it!
What LAK said.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
+10000!
Report this comment as spam or abuse
Meh. He often says things like that, kind of his joke. I think he was once very concerned his kingship and image, but, at this point, it is clear to him that even if he does get the crown he only hold it a few years.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
He always seemed like a wimp and a real tool.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
I know it’s unlikely but I do think Harry would make a great king if ever it were to happen. He seems to have that natural ease with people, particularly kids and he has the ‘spark’ that William doesn’t have. I’m probably misreading the two princes so I guess William would make a good king someday. Same goes for Charles.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
well except for that whole, randomly getting drunk and nude with random women in Vegas thing.
Harry is adorable but he seems much better suited to be the younger brother of the king than the king himself.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
i guess you’ve never seen pics William’s drunk in bars groping random women…..
And William urinating in public [ps:- that Kate is a lucky girl
or William's public drunkenness at his own 30th birthday party [held at a restaurant]
If we are going to judge by public behaviour, i think we should also judge William…oh wait, you can’t because William’s behaviour is the subject of a media ban which is very rarely circumvented.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
I like Charles but I also think Harry would be a good king
Report this comment as spam or abuse
So it’s a slow news day across the pond too? Talk about making a mountain out of a dirt pile, not even enough to be a mole hill.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
“I’ll run out of time soon. I shall have snuffed it if I’m not careful.”
In what world is this not simply joking around? Mountain meet mole hill.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
I like Charles. He’s dapper, polite and he doesn’t go around putting his foot in his mouth. He also doesn’t sound whiny/childish like William does sometimes. He works his a$$ off. He’s also never done anywhere near the caliber of stupid %&$* Harry has. People are so thankless toward him. And he is old! People are reading way too much into this quote.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
Poor character is poor character. If he was stupid enough to lie and cheat while with Diana he’ll be stupid enough to lie and cheat as king. His mother knows that she’s raised a simpleton.
I think William will be king as well.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
Diana was equally stupid to lie and cheat And denigrate her children’s father for all eternity so really who is better????
Charles made a mistake. As do 50% of people if divorce statistics are true. Are all those people of poor character because they made bad marriages???
Report this comment as spam or abuse
Charles wanted to marry Camilla before he met Diana. The ‘Firm’ wouldn’t let him as Camilla was a divorcee so Charles’ marriage with Diana was set up. The stupidity was in preventing the future king marrying the woman he loved, and instead arranging a marriage with somebody he had nothing in common with. I think the situation is sad, and everyone (especially Diana) would have been a lot happier if CHarles had marries Camilla from the beginning.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
People hate Prince Charles for what he did to Diana, not for what he said about her. It was his own cowardice, stupidity and selfishness that destroyed his marriage to Diana. Those are not the qualities one would hope for in a future king, even if said king is only a figurehead. The good PR job done for him in England since Diana’s death has not overly impressed the English, it seems, nor will it ever sway Americans one iota. As the English used to say (do they say it still?): Prince Charles is a bounder. Even if what he said about his mother is a “joke,” and I have no doubt that it isn’t, it’s still in bad taste and he deserves whatever grief he gets from it (and a whole lot more to boot).
Report this comment as spam or abuse
Judging a man [or woman] on their failed marriages is so suspect because by that measure all divorced people shouldn’t be trusted. And there are many divorced people in positions of power so Charles is hardly unique.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
P.S. And I hope the Queen lives to 400, as Edina’s mother on Absolutely Fabulous hilariously asserts as a fact.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
He ruined everything by breaking Diana’s heart and the world will never forget. He should’ve married Camilla in the first place he would’ve had a better chance. Karma don’t mess around
Report this comment as spam or abuse
What happens if the Queen develops a mental disorder, which is not unusual for people her age. Would the palace cover it up or would she then be retired?
If Charles had married Camilla in the beginning, there would be no William and Harry. Would be a shame, wouldn’t it?
Report this comment as spam or abuse
Charles’ birthday fell on the Solar Eclipse this year on Nov 14. It denotes a year of significant change for him. Whatever that may be.
Report this comment as spam or abuse
Mooncat, If the Queen went barmy, so much the better. The English prefer their monarchs that way anyway. A horse face is also a plus.
Report this comment as spam or abuse