Posted on 03/11/2007 7:47:17 PM PDT by blam
Angry Charles attacks Channel 4 claims that he is unfit to be King
By Caroline Davies
Last Updated: 2:19am GMT 12/03/2007
The Prince of Wales yesterday launched an unprecedented and pre-emptive assault on claims in a TV documentary suggesting he is "unfit to rule" as his aides stressed he would carry out his role as King in a completely different way to his role as heir-in-waiting.
In a detailed dossier his most senior official set about systematically demolishing controversial claims in a Channel 4 programme to be aired tonight that Prince Charles's political "meddling" and "abuse" of power threatened the future of the monarchy.
The Prince of Wales with Tony Blair: the Channel 4 documentary accuses the prince of secret lobbying and political interference
The robust rebuttal - which runs to 21 pages excluding appendices - was released in advance of the Dispatches documentary Charles - The Meddling Prince.
The decision to attack before the programme was broadcast was taken after discussions between the Prince and his PR advisers within Clarence House, and marks a new initiative by the prince and his aides in defending him against what they see as unsubstantiated and unfair criticism. Chief among their concerns is the programme's assertion that if the prince continues his alleged meddling and secret lobbying of Government ministers, he could plunge Britain into a constitutional crisis.
Lord Wedderburn, QC, a life peer and Emeritus Professor of Law at the London School of Economics, tells the programme: "If, in fact, nothing changed and he became King, then there would be a most almighty fuss and controversy, and eventually the whole fabric of the constitutional monarchy could be threatened".
But in a point-by-point response to the programme-makers, due to be posted on the prince's own website today, his principal private secretary, Sir Michael Peat, hit back.
"His role and the way he contributes to national life will change when he becomes King," he wrote.
"It is misconceived and entirely hypothetical to suggest that problems will result if the Prince of Wales fulfils his role in the same way as King. He will not".
Oh, nevermind. It's obvious somebody already beat me to it.
NOTE TO ELIZABETH WINDSOR: SKIP OVER YOUR SON, APPOINT YOUR ELDEST GRANDSON AS KING AND REGAIN SOME COMMON SENSE TO THE BRITISH THRONE!
Off with their heads.
Let them eat cake.
So this says even if Prince Charles is an idiot now, he won't be when he's king? I was just a girl when Queen Elizabeth became queen, but I don't recall any stories about her running around acting like a buffoon prior to becoming queen. Prince Charles seems like a doofus.
Not the eldest - the second-oldest.
Failing that, Andrew or Edward would be preferable on the throne.
Even Zara Phillips would be a better alternative.
Heck, I'd be a better alternative. I'm some thousand and something in line for the Japanese throne, with all of the Royal intermarriages that must place me somewhere in line for the British throne.
If they are beheaded first, then more cake will be left.
Dude, you're fit to be Camilla's tampon, if that! (Dream come true for ya, boy!)
All hail King Tampon! Long live the king!
I think Princess Beatrice should inherit the throne, so that we can call her Queen Bea.
He will be known as "Charles The Insipid"...
I used to feel sorry for Charles. I thought his mother was selfish for not stepping down and allowing him to rule.
I thought it was wrong that he was forced to marry Diana,That he should have been allowed to marry whomever he wanted to.
lately I have changed my mind. Charls isnt playing with a full deck. His elevator doesnt go to the top floor.He isnt packing a full sea bag.
I'm not so sure. William is much better looking and, so far, better behaved than Charles, but I just can't muster much confidence in a guy whose genes come entirely from Charles and Diana.
Poor Charles.....born with a silver Tampax up his ass.
Semper Fi
Your tan looks great! No, YOUR tan looks great!
How do they manage to get such a bronze glow in England?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.