To believe the Queen shouldn't be pushing her son forward?

[counterpoint]

I know this is mumsnet and the Queen is a mum and who of us have not at one time or another pushed our little darlings forward to prime position in any school/other activity?

But, this is the British Commonwealth we are talking about. A legacy from the British Empire. An attempt to equalize the status of those countries we pillaged, divided and even destroyed (?).

So, am I being unreasonable to think the Queen has gone too far to put forward Charles to take her place in this non-hereditary position of Head of the Commonwealth when so many more deserving, struggling countries have talent to help make a real difference going forward?

Without Charles as it’s head it would either fall into insignificance; or the countries would get even worse with their abuses against human rights. He needs to be there to transition.

I don't like Charles personally but think he would be a good choice for this as he would give some stability

Charles is in such a weird position. He’s at an age when most people are retired or thinking about retiring but he still hasn’t got the job.

I assumed that this was to prepare people for Charles being king.

Charles is the man for the job.

HMQ is allowed to have an opinion now and again.

But surely monarchy is all about putting your family forward for the job?
Whether as monarch or as anything else, they think they are better.

I'm a Republican, but I don't blame the Queen for putting her son forward. She's said it's her 'sincere wish' for him to become head, which is a reasonable and natural opinion for her to express.

I think my DS should be head of the Commonwealth actually. He's ever so chatty and loves a fancy dinner.

Tiger parenting eh?

Doesn't the whole conceptbof monarchy rest on pushing your eldest son forward?

I'd have put Harry forward personally.

But he's can see why she'd recommend one of her own. Don't most families pass their businesses down through the generations. It's just the same sort of thing.

"Hello Commonwealth. Please give my son a job because he is 71 (ish) and has had no gainful employment in his life and I might go on another 10 years or so yet"
"By the same token, and on the plus side, he won't ever need to do another driving test as is so beloved of MN, as he has several chauffeurs at his beck and call. Thank you subjects"

I actually think she is trying to pave the way for him to take over while she is still alive rather than waiting until she dies. Charles is in a very weird position.

She must be feeling her age and want to put her feet up and chill out with Phil.

I totally disagree. Who should she be putting forward if not her son? Apart from anything else, the majority of member states would expect her heir to assume the role.

She's not just some random pushy mum - its ridiculous

But surely monarchy is all about putting your family forward for the job?

Yes. It's called hereditary privilege. And it fucking stinks.

She's said it's her 'sincere wish' for him to become head, which is a reasonable and natural opinion for her to express.

It's my sincere wish that my dd becomes the head of state and looks after a democratically elected position, globetrotting and maintaining positive relationships by eating the finest foods, being looked after by the finest doctors and living the finest life.

Unfortunately or fortunately!!, She isn't of hereditary privilege, so tough shit for me and every other person that isn't born into that one, specific bloodline.

@DannyLaRuesBestFrock

It's my sincere wish that my dd becomes the head of state and looks after a democratically elected position,

You've expressed a wish just as the Queen has. It's not the Queen's right to express an opinion that should be challenged, but the system of monarchy that gives her wishes more chance of being granted than yours.

Erm, I know. That was kinda my point.

@KindergartenKop - best thing I’ve read all day!

Would your DS consider job share?
My DS is rather good with maps and foreign languages.

I'm sorry if I've misunderstood you, DannyLaRuesBestFrock. The format of your post suggested you were disagreeing with the assertion that it was reasonable for the Queen to express a wish.

I honestly think no one really cares. The Commonwealth is an irrelevance no matter what anyone says. The whole thing is a total embarrassment at the moment when we've done our best to give their members the heave ho.

It's a hereditary monarchy. Obviously she is going to put her son 'forward'.

Otherwise we'd have a president!

Why shouldn’t he be put forward? Charles has been taught from birth, his role in life is to serve. Anyone else is going to see it as a paying job, they simply aren’t going to have the same mindset the Royals do. So, I say Charles Is the man for the job. I know the anti-royals think they are scrougers. However, look at the Queen, 92 and still working. Her life is not her own. Having to socialise and make small talk with strangers every day of her life, regardless, if she feels like it not. I wouldn’t be a royal for love nor money.

I honestly thought it was just a matter of rubber stamping him into her vacant position.

If you had really wanted to keep the Commonwealth together as one big happy family, then you should never have abandoned us to go play with the kids next door - your traditional enemies.

YABU to use the shite, officey "going forward"