Two Royal Couples in Contrast

There’s a lot of news the past week about the public appearances of Britain’s most senior royal couples.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a thanksgiving service, and a sentimental visit to Malta, where they spent some of their happiest days, from all accounts. While there, Prince Philip displayed his wry sense of humor, by playing a practical joke on a ITN’s Romilly Weeks. The royal couple then went to Uganda where the Queen opened the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

In all their appearances, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were met warmly. The strength and stability of their long marriage is never in doubt. After 60 years of marriage and decades of service, they know their role and are confident and happy to fulfill it.

Prince Charles and Camilla were also in the limelight the past days. The heir to the throne and his wife were likewise at the CHOGM. The public’s reception of the Prince of Wales has been warm, yet there are instances where it is obvious that he has yet to achieve his mother’s ability to command attention and respect. At an official banquet held in the prince’s honor, a number of expected guests were no-shows, and many more (including Britain’s own Gordon Brown) were late. I cannot imagine the same thing happening at a banquet for the Queen.

The Duchess of Cornwall and her position in the royal family has come into recent scrutiny, because of two separate incidents.

The first was during the state banquet in Uganda, where the Duchess wore a tiara and a 5-strand diamond necklace, loaned to her by the Queen. The ensemble is seen as part of a “major behind-the-scenes rebranding exercise by Clarence House to bring Camilla to the attention of the world as the wife of the future King” (source). Camilla’s rightful position beside Charles has not yet been cemented in the public mind, hence the need for her image makeover.

The other incident was not of Camilla’s doing. Sarah Brown, the wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, curtseid to the Duchess when they met in Uganda (source). Royal protocol dictates such a gesture, but I can see how it could stir up those who do not want to see a “Queen Camilla” beside King Charles someday.

What a contrast these two couples present. The Queen and Prince Philip have had success in their relationship and official duties. They have 60 years to their name. Prince Charles and Camilla have some ways to go before they (hopefully) garner the same respect and affection. Their success will be as much a product of their own work as the concerted management of public relations by Clarence House.

Tags: royalty, British royals, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall