The Unofficial British Royal Family Pages

Friday 3 December 2004

Wilful Replies: Your Letters

Dear Readers, it appears that the last column may have been a bit controversial. (Cough).  Clearly, your spirited replies demanded early attention.  Here is a sampling of your varied, and strongly held opinions on the subject of Prince William. Some have been edited for space:

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1. I'm a bit puzzled as to why you are so concerned about HRH Prince William of Wales. Both his father and grandmother agreed that he would not enter 'public life' until he is finished with university.  I really feel you are being too harsh; (He) has done nothing so far to warrant such criticism.  I do agree that something is up with that branch (of 3) of the Royal Family...I've said for a few years that I would not be surprised if all three eventually renounce their rights and leave Britain.  Hope not, but I wouldn't be surprised.  That is why I keep telling people, (to little avail so far), to keep their eyes on the Duke of York and his eldest daughter…Oh, and only the senior members of the Royal Family (who are colonels) are 'on the ground' at the Cenotaph ceremony; they review several parades of soldiers at various times around Remembrance Sunday.  They don't just mill about afterward (there are too many people) and the security is a nightmare (if a bomb went off the ENTIRE British Establishment would go); I understand William went right to the airport and back to Scotland.  My question about all this: Why the interview in the first place?  It would have been more appropriate for after he's finished university, when he actually has something to say...but there you are.   Meanwhile, keep observing. 

Thomas R.  

EWK: Another brilliant email from you Sir. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

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2. …I'm not exactly sure what you think they'd ask a 22 year old that they haven't asked before. He's already made it very clear he isn't going to answer questions about his personal life, which I think is incredibly smart, and something he should NEVER do considering the trouble his parents got into and caused when they did.  And presuming that he would lead men into battle really isn't a presumption. If he went to Sandhurst, he would be an Officer, and therefore would be leading men. Though I doubt he'd ever be allowed to lead them into battle, just as Charles was never allowed near any conflict. 

Tamara R. 

EWK: Prince William is not yet trained for combat, let alone an officer.   Yet, he discussed his intentions for his role in a position which he has not yet been awarded.  As a man born into another role which coincidentally he also did not earn, it would seem that he of all people would be especially motivated to earn his military stripes before wearing them.  On another note, for a fellow who claims not to want to cross any bridges before he comes to them, it seemed to me that he prospectively crossed an ocean with that one.

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3. …As far as him not attending the luncheon "for his mother" as they say, GOOD
ON HIM. Just because some certain people such as yourself (sic) are caught up on
the dead women, doesn't mean the rest of us- again, including William- should
be.  

Anonymous

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4. Ah, at last, someone has noticed that the "little emperor" of the British Empire
is wearing no clothes and has been kind enough to list exactly what garments he
is missing.  Keep up the good work. 

Joan

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5. I know the first thing William’s comments triggered in me was a comparison to the future Edward VIII’s, during World War I, where he told the commanding general that he was expendable as he had four brothers, and thus should be allowed in the front lines.   The general responded that he wasn’t worried about Edward getting killed, but getting captured.  And THAT I think is what will keep William off the front lines in any future war.  Don’t know why you didn’t bring that up…but generally, I prefer an “ours not to make reply, ours not to reason why, ours but to do and die” towards Royals’ personal decisions.    

Louis E. 

EWK: Interesting historical footnote. Thank you for your insight.  As to the last part of your email, if I were to follow that strategy, I would be out of a job doing online commentary.

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6. I think William is much like his adored Mother, and enjoys the game. He learned from both his parents about manipulating and hiding from the press. I would hope that he does soon step up to the plate and begin official duties now and then. The people of Britain deserve to see something of the man who would be their King. If he wants their support, he'd better get busy and make plans to ensure they get their wish. 

Anonymous

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7. Your crack about Jecca's dress was so funny! I saw a photo of it in Hello; the hat made it a really bizarre choice for one of the top weddings in that country. I too think it cannot be easy for Kate if she has feelings for William - they are living together - to see him with other girls. Not fun!  

Dakota 

EWK:   I do wonder how likely it is that he will ever again have an opportunity to quietly get to know a young woman over a three to four year period without the prying lens of the media.   But, whether or not he and Kate Middleton are now or ever were dating is somewhat beside the point, right?   He sees a benefit to himself arising from any story that causes public confusion regarding his personal life, so he says nothing to rebuke Miss Middleton’s unflattering media portrayal.  Of course, he is not consistently silent when it comes to all stories on all friends.  It seems that the Prince’s willingness to speak out for a friend is in direct proportion to what he thinks he will gain from it.  The converse is also true.

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8. I liked the first part of this piece very much - it is insightful, controversial, and brave in view of the fact that William has been presented as the answer to all the Monarchy's problems. In my opinion, it lost momentum in the second half where there was too much about William's involvement with Kate Middleton. At only 22 he cannot yet be expected to get engaged or married…I realize that the episode with Kate was used as an example of how William has been manipulating the Press, and his own image, but it's clear that he is obviously far from ready for adult emotional commitment… His youth does not excuse him from attending important National occasions though. The people expect it and are dismayed when it doesn't happen…Keep the thought- provoking columns coming.

Name Withheld Upon Request

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9. Why write about the royals when you dislike them so much? 

Deanna N. 

EWK: Actually, my previous columns belie your assertions, most especially with respect to Prince William.  But if you are looking for a cheerleader who ratifies everything that the Prince does, you are reading the wrong columnist.

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After the past week I can say with certainty that the Royal Family is fortunate to have so many web-logs (“blogs”) with intelligent contributors like you weighing in.  It makes it a joy and a privilege to pen this column, and I am very, very thankful to those of you who wrote in; a special thanks to the impassioned critics who wrote angry blogs on various websites about the column, and to those who responded in spirited defense.  I am now wearing my Kevlar vest wherever I go.  So, let the debate begin.  And to those who think I was especially hard on Prince William, take heart.  At the ripe old age of 22 (!) he may still have a slight window of opportunity to prove me wrong. ;-) 

- Elizabeth W. King