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Original poster

Imagine getting the hardest job of your life aged 73 and having to do it till you die.

358 replies

MrsMarlowe · 19/09/2022 21:11

Just watching the ‘highlights’ of the day (if you can call it that).
I’m not a monarchist. But I really feel for Charles. He looked much older than I’ve seen him look before, so sad (naturally) and utterly exhausted.

Most people are retired aged 73. Imagine being that age and only just getting started on your hardest job. And not being able to decline the role (without massive fallout) and having to do it till you die.

And think about what motivates the rest of us in our jobs: the prospect of increased reward, status, respect, and finally more downtime as we reach retirement to enjoy the fruits of our labour.
Obviously he has all the wealth, status etc already … but then where can any motivation come from? He just doesn’t have a choice - it’s duty. Talk about a gilded cage.

I felt quite emotional watching Charles, William and George in the wake of the coffin. Knowing that it will come to them one day. Knowing their destiny is already set, whether they like it or not. What a life, to be royal.

OP posts:
InWalksBarberalla · 19/09/2022 23:03

Didn't his dad die April 2021, so a year and a half ago. Of course it's sad but hardly a tragic traumatic event when your 90 year old parents die within a couple if years of each other.

Crosswithlifeatm · 19/09/2022 23:03

The crystal glasses made me laugh,6 for £19.99 on Amazon.
You should have gone for gold goblets!
I think their upbringing as heirs must screw them up but I'm not sure how you sort that.
As for Camilla,she looking tired and won't be able to escape back to her own house now.Shes older than Charles.
I think William and Kate will have to step up as they have since the Queen's needed help.
I think Charles will be slimming down the royal family,opening up the palaces and Balmoral more to pay for their up keep and overseeing the reduction of countries in the Commonwealth .
And let's hope he keeps banging up n about climate change!

PleaseGoDontGoAgain · 19/09/2022 23:04

Kanaloa · 19/09/2022 23:01

I have a place to live. I don’t have multiple palaces to live in. I do donate when I can afford to and volunteer with a local charity that helps those who have less than me.

This is an argument that’s often used to beat down those who point out uneven wealth distribution - oh so why don’t YOU give the clothes off your back to anyone who has less. Because I have only just enough. I can’t pay somebody else’s energy bill - some months we can only just pay our own. I give what I can while keeping what I need. I don’t hoard extravagant wealth while others sit in poverty. That’s the difference.

Show quote history

You also don't have to provide events that the whole world watches or host dignitaries or maintain properties that you didn't buy but are now responsible for.

Neither do any other fabulously wealthy British families who ARE hoarding wealth.

Cazziebo · 19/09/2022 23:05

I'm not a monarchist. I work with many family businesses - mainly second or third generation. Many of the "heads" describe the assumption they'll take over the reins as a burden - they had no real choice, despite having many privileges that wealth brings. Very many tell me they would be disappointed if their own offspring follow that route.

I feel that's the case for the royal family. They have no choice. Their path is set out for them. Just look at Harry - turned his back on it and he is cast right out in the cold - by the family and the public.

it's not all about the riches. I'd much rather my own DCs felt fulfilled and happy rather than being bound by duty. I have every respect for the Queen. She chose a life of duty and service and fulfilled it well. I feel sorry for Charles - 73 before he gets his dream job. Hopefully, by the time George and William reach that step this will be a different world.

Kanaloa · 19/09/2022 23:06

PleaseGoDontGoAgain · 19/09/2022 23:04

You also don't have to provide events that the whole world watches or host dignitaries or maintain properties that you didn't buy but are now responsible for.

Neither do any other fabulously wealthy British families who ARE hoarding wealth.

Show quote history

Right. So they put on parties/weddings that go on TV (bit like the Kardashians) and host other rich people at their many homes. They do this in exchange for unimaginable wealth. So there’s really no need to feel sorry for them. This is the ‘work’ they have accepted in return for the wealth they want/need.

TerryChoc · 19/09/2022 23:09

@Purplefoxes
I make the comparison of the “well it’s simple, he can go”.
My point didn’t mean to be money, although granted I did use that as an example. I meant the comparison of it’s your job, your vocation, what you’ve worked hard to be there for but if you’re not happy… then leave.

OneFrenchEgg · 19/09/2022 23:09

I thought Charles had a day at Highgrove to be alone in between the duties since his mum died?

PleaseGoDontGoAgain · 19/09/2022 23:11

Dotcomma · 19/09/2022 22:58

Does anyone actually know why the Queen has stayed on the throne for so long? I know she was made of incredible stuff, and had she abdicated at 73 years old then Prince Charles would have reigned since he was 50 years old in 1999 (quick maths)! So I think therein lies the answer as to why the Queen has reigned for so long. Her Majesty has had no end of her grown up kids' bad behaviour and it's not over yet by any means is it.
Sentiment and who is in line for the throne should have been addressed long ago, yes we all make mistakes but they are in the public eye and can't behave - their morals are shocking and we're all supposed to ignore it.
Charles wants his time on the throne - the family and country are in mourning, why doesn't he just step aside. The Harry issue is still rumbling on and that's never gonna end well, nor the Prince Andrew malarkey.

Because that's how long she lived? Because that's how the monarchy works? You are on the throne till you die.
Abdication is not an option, that's why it was such a big deal when it happened that one time, it threatened the whole status of the Monarchy. I wish people would stop throwing abdication around as if it's a tick box on a form and no-one would mind.

Gymnopedie · 19/09/2022 23:13

Does anyone actually know why the Queen has stayed on the throne for so long?

Because she believed that it was her duty, that the vows she made when she was crowned were for life. To her it wasn't something you gave up just because you didn't feel like it anymore.

I know this might sound radical, but how about giving Charles a bit more time than the 10 days after his mother died to see what sort of a fist he's going to make as king?

PleaseGoDontGoAgain · 19/09/2022 23:14

Kanaloa · 19/09/2022 23:06

Right. So they put on parties/weddings that go on TV (bit like the Kardashians) and host other rich people at their many homes. They do this in exchange for unimaginable wealth. So there’s really no need to feel sorry for them. This is the ‘work’ they have accepted in return for the wealth they want/need.

Show quote history

No the parties aren't on tv? They do this because it's expected of them by the rest of the world, They are not given the option of accepting anything.

But they are rich and some can't see past that.

Wauden · 19/09/2022 23:15

Some lack of basic sympathy and compassion on on this thread.
Anyway, I think that he will be a good King especially with the support of his family and staff. There are lots of people rooting for him.

Creameggs223 · 19/09/2022 23:16

NCforthis864 · 19/09/2022 21:16

I sometimes wonder how Kate feels knowing George has to serve that life, never being free enough able to do what he might want - be a lawyer, train driver, gardener, whatever. I would find it hard knowing my child had no choice.

But he will have a choice he can leave like uncle Harry they don't have him chained up!

Carrotzen · 19/09/2022 23:17

Surely almost everyone goes through the traumatic death of their parents dying? Many within a year of each other

Its sad when your parents die, but again if my parents lived to their late 90s, in comfort without spending many lonely years, with all their faculties. I genuinely couldn't wish for more for my parents.

Many people don't have to go through the event of their parents dying so publicly, but equally Charles has known his whole life this would be the case

GabriellaMontez · 19/09/2022 23:18

He absolutely has a choice.

He's exercised his right to choose throughout his life.

Carrotzen · 19/09/2022 23:20

If being a monarch is so traumatic for Charles and the thought of passing it onto his child worse then perhaps ethically we should accept that it's had its day. Perhaps abdication would be no bad thing

Kanaloa · 19/09/2022 23:20

PleaseGoDontGoAgain · 19/09/2022 23:14

No the parties aren't on tv? They do this because it's expected of them by the rest of the world, They are not given the option of accepting anything.

But they are rich and some can't see past that.

Show quote history

Oh, I presumed you meant the weddings and other televised events. Okay, so they have private parties and invite people to stay at their many homes (where those people will be catered to by an entire staff of servants, Charles won’t be running up to whip the guest bedroom into order). I’m still not seeing anything to be feeling really sorry for? I also have to do many things at my work? None of them with a full staff to facilitate for me. And I don’t get or want sympathy. I’d hazard a guess the royals don’t really want our sympathy over them having to throw parties and invite people for heir home either.

KingCharlespen · 19/09/2022 23:25

The Queen looked so much healthier at Charles's so who knows what life has in store for this reign. A strong point for our new king is that he does seem to adore his wife and she may influence his future. It was interesting to see how polished William was at dealing with the public when he did a walkabout yesterday.

CapMarvel · 19/09/2022 23:28

Wauden · 19/09/2022 23:15

Some lack of basic sympathy and compassion on on this thread.
Anyway, I think that he will be a good King especially with the support of his family and staff. There are lots of people rooting for him.

Why should they get sympathy?

If Charles or whoever doesn't want to have to wave at a few people and turn up to a few parties in exchange for a life of unimaginable wealth and privilege he doesn't have to.

Meanwhile, there 14.5 million people below the poverty line in the UK who I'm quite sure will very gladly swap places with him.

The royals deserve fuck all sympathy for their position.

SwordToFlamethrower · 19/09/2022 23:30

Is this a joke post? The guy lives in disgusting wealth and privilege. He doesn't have to loft a finger to do anything besides wave at people and sign his name on stuff. Oh and throw parties for other disgustingly wealthy and privileged people.

He has never worked a day in his life and never will.

PleaseGoDontGoAgain · 19/09/2022 23:32

The televised events are only televised due to public interest, we don't see all the dull as dishwater bits because we don't want to.
They are seen as public property which means we think we have a right to see the events. In todays world you can't shut off roads in London for a funeral which has attracted crowds of thousands and not have cameras there.

Musti · 19/09/2022 23:33

He’s a very wealthy and privileged man, I would save your concern for the countless people suffering.

wonderstuff · 19/09/2022 23:39

I’m sure he’ll manage. QE2 did it for 70 years after all, giving him far more time and freedom than she got. He’s got security that most people would dream of and people around him to do an awful lot of the difficult stuff and keep him well prepared for all his diplomatic work. He’s done an awful lot this week, but that’s been done to sure up his position, it’s all in his own interest. He has enormous wealth and influence.

Toddlerteaplease · 19/09/2022 23:43

My closest friend is also 73 and still in a high level job/ vocation. He can't have in his resignation until he's 75. He has always known this but didn't expect to be top level, he's really struggling. Just hasn't got the energy anymore. I can't imagine how Charles feels.

Wife2b · 19/09/2022 23:50

I can think of much harder jobs…

Nobody forced the role, he can decline where he wants. Being in the position that he is has afforded him a lifestyle of luxury a lot of people can only dream of. Now he can choose to abdicate or be the king he was destined to be. That being said, I have felt sorry for him the past few days, he looks tired and heartbroken. Probably would have been better for him to step aside for William who is much younger and would have a far longer reign.