Do you want a "Meddling Prince" or do you just want him to be silenced?

[paulaplumpbottom]

here

Expat the handsome part was referring to Wills, not Charles.

I would like to confirm that, being of sound mind, I do not think Charles is good looking! That bit of the convo was about Wills!

Margaret Thatcher converted me to the monarchy because anything is better than having her as head of state.

I realised that having a head of state who is permanent, bred up to the position but has no real power is not such a bad idea. They observe a lot and can offer advice based on that. Prnce Charles is ahead of his time, always a difficult role. He is also said to be arrogant and wasteful, just like the people who criticise him then

He did'nt ask to be a Prince, he was born in to it. And yes he's had his share of personal life problems - who has'nt. But being who he is everyone thinks they are entitled to an opinion.

I think he is doing a great job. He's nowhere near as embarassing as his dad is, and much more useful to the nation than his brothers are. Yes one or two comments are a bit contraversial, but he's not out to win friends, he's out to save the planet!

He and Diana set good examples to thier boys - no matter how they were to one-another, and a a result I believe this country will only benefit from his rule and that of William, both of whom seem to have the interests of their fellow man at heart!

There - I've said it! But dont tell DH as he is a complete anti-royal!

He isn't ugly though and he is always very well dressed.

Sorry Tamum, meant Kathy

"he didn't ask to be a prince"

no, but he could abdicate if he didn't like it. until then, he should stay well out of politics.

SP....Why should he, if he is going to rule this country why should'nt he have his say. It's not like he hangs people if they disagree (although I could see where that would interesting) - he's entitled to his opinions like everyone else.

And why should he abdicate - just cos he did'nt ask for it doesnt mean he has to refuse it either

More importantly if he is going to rule this country don't you want to know what his views are?

'They are all, without exception, quite appalling and should be got rid of pronto instead of living it up on my bloody money.'

As usual, MI sums it up brilliantly.

I don't get that whole 'title' business. Who the hell cares?

Paula - that is a good point; however one of the problems raised by that programme was that as political correspondence with the royal family is secret, he gets to do a lot of lobbying without us being allowed to know what he is saying.

Why is it secret? Thats insane?

All politicians lobby in secret. So do businessmen (who arguably have far more influence than Charles - Rupert Murdoch for starters). It's the way of the world. And I do think PC is pretty open about his views. If he isn't going to express them (or doesn't bother having any) then he should abdicate - there would be no point in him being head of state. And the thought of TB being head of state instead - or Thatcher .

Ah, but he doesn't rule the country, or rather won't rule the country.

Our elected politicians do that.

But I think the point is, we would choose the head of state. I mean, I think Prince Charles , but there's bog all I can do about it. At least I can vote against Blair/Thatcher. Even if I am in the minority.

Nice to think we live in a democracy, but if we did then we wouldn't have gone to war with Iraq.

he is brilliant
most of what he has said in the past has proved to be right
his prince's trust work is fantastic too
he brings in far more money than he costs
his duchy of cornwall stuff makes a fortune for charity.

Yes but Nearlythree now you have the option for not voting for that party again.