William, Prince of Wales

[lallybroch]

I got to read the Globe (US) today at Wally World (yay, long lines!) and it had a story about William and Kate wanting to elope, with Charles trying to stop them, and Camilla terrified that the Queen will skip Charles in the line of sucession, since William is popular and will have a pretty young princess by his side. There were photos of Kate trying on a wedding dress, or a long white gown that curiously resembles one.

[nuharoo]

I see her as an opportunist, because she made a remark to reporters. Basically, she said if she stopped for a photograph, they'll always ask for one, or something along those lines. She said this while she parade around the palace grounds with her mother.

I don't see that as opportunistic, but as arrogant and already with a sense of entitlement. Furthermore, being royal, or a major part of it, is being photographed, either while performing duties or posing with the royal family for official photographs. Furthermore, ticking off the press with that attitude is not in her best interest.

Something about her statement just rubbed me the wrong way.

She kind of rubs me the wrong way to be frank. She seems too, I dunno, comfortable and presumptious.

There were photos of Kate trying on a wedding dress, or a long white gown that curiously resembles one.

Jeez, already she sees herself as Princess of Wales. if William marries her without the permission of the Queen, he'll get booted out of the succession regardless as to how popular he is with the public.

[foxfair]

if William marries her without the permission of the Queen, he'll get booted out of the succession regardless as to how popular he is with the public.

Oh, I wouldn't worry about this. If either of those Windsor boys is going to make a "rash" decision romantically, I don't think it's going to be Wills. I suspect he's had the rash-decision-making capabilities worked out of him somehow.

I don't dislike Kate Middleton at all and I forgive her if she's made some dumb remarks (she's young and almost by definition out of her depth in the situation she's in - dating the future King) but she does remind of Wills with her apparent seriousness. Harry's much more fun - yay for loose cannon royals!

[dutchninja]

Besides, I don't think the Queen can alter the rules of succession based on who someone marries -- unless they're Catholic! It's the eldest son, regardless of what they do.

Hurrah for monarchs divinely appointed!

[nuharoo]

Besides, I don't think the Queen can alter the rules of succession based on who someone marries -- unless they're Catholic! It's the eldest son, regardless of what they do.

Well, the rules are that no member that is in any way in line for the throne can marry without the sovereign's specific permission. So technically, no the Queen cannot alter the succession, neither can William or public opinion.

[dutchninja]

Good point; I'd forgotten that. But I can't imagine it getting to a situation where the Queen refused permission if that's what William really wanted. It would be very damaging for The Firm.

[nuharoo]

Good point; I'd forgotten that. But I can't imagine it getting to a situation where the Queen refused permission if that's what William really wanted. It would be very damaging for The Firm.

If the Queen refuses for whatever reason whether or not it's reasonable, then William will have to deal with it. He has a duty to his country, he should be reminded of that more often. Furthermore, Kate should get a little less arrogant or presumptious. Her behavior with the press in a way shows her expectations.

[peachesandcream]

The monarchy is so weak at this point that I think it would be devastating publicity if the public found out that the Queen put the kabosh on William's choice for a bride.

(Unless said bride ate babies or kicked puppies.)

[nuharoo]

The monarchy is so weak at this point that I think it would be devastating publicity if the public found out that the Queen put the kabosh on William's choice for a bride.

You never know. To be frank they've dealt with worse and survived. The Queen is still respected enough and deferred to, surely she and her courtiers could get the public to understand why.

I see her as an opportunist,

As much as William likes Kate, I wonder if she is really herself. She never put a foot wrong and hasn't as far as I know. She comes across as too perfect, honestly I wonder what she'll be like as a wife and princess. I mean, will another she is on the honeymoon? The same happened with Diana, I'm sure you know that.

[nuharoo]

I agree. Especially since the monarchy is already seen as being kind of backward.

I don't understand why people think that way. How modern does the monarchy have to get? The concept of monarchy is the idea that they represent, embody, and practice traditions in a continuing cycle.

I think her interfering with someone he wants to marry would be too much.

It's the sovereign's prerogative if she doesn't like Kate and doesn't want the marriage to go through.

But, like I said before, he seems way too boring to want to marry anyone inappropriate.

You never know, it's always the quiet ones they say.