Tom Bower: QE represented everything that was good about the UK!
Queen Elizabeth | Tom Bower discusses late monarch's legacy and the future of the Royal Family
There are some good points raised by Tom Bower although it must be remembered that it's unrealistic and unfair to expect anyone to take Queen Elizabeth's II's place, as the Monarch she was......she reigned for 70 years and most of us grew up with her in our lives, in her position as our Queen. She held, and holds, a unique place in our hearts and our memories which she earned throughout those decades.
KCIII is a separate and different person and character and we must all adapt to this. A recent poll showed 62% in the UK are in favour of the Monarchy; that's a healthy figure and shows that a good majority of people are reasonable and not against Charles because he isn't Elizabeth. Of course, this figure also includes William and Catherine, Anne, Edward and Sophie who are all popular.
Tom Bower touched upon Camilla's health; I agree with him because I've read that she does suffer from some ailments and I should imagine that, in your 70's, a lot of standing and walking around is hard. Being on show, making small talk, photographed, appearance being picked at, travelling, research, briefings etc etc. That is a lot and, I've mentioned it before, being a Royal is not all butterflies and roses, there is a LOT of preparation and planning for each event, no matter how small and I don't think that I, and many others, would cope too well with the constancy and relentlessness of that even though I'm quite a bit younger!
KCIII has been involved in environmental issues for decades, and was scorned for it, long before the current eco-warriors. It's unfair to say that he hasn't been seen to do much in his first year; he's been working on that particular issue for decades and seems to me to be being seen out and about quite a fair amount. He's in his 70's, too, so expectations need to be managed. QEII enjoyed exceptionally good health, thankfully, but not everyone is as fortunate.
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