Born To Serve?

His Royal Highness Charles Philip Arthur George, Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall and Rothesay, Earl of Chester and Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles and Great Steward of Scotland has bought a warehouse in Milton Keynes. He leases it to Waitrose (whose magazine features 'articles' by Pippa Middleton). This warehouse, and I believe it is a vast one, is just one of Charles' properties. The Duchy of Cornwall's holdings are estimated to be worth £693 million and stretch over 23 countries. He owns the Oval Cricket Ground and the freehold to Dartmoor Prison.

When, and if, Charles replaces his mother as monarch, we will doubtless be told that he is our servant. Odd servant, I feel.

When Elizabeth was crowned in 1953, it was generally accepted that she was a ruler and we were her subjects. However, I've noticed that in the last 15 years or so we have repeatedly been told of her long service to us. She serves us! I don't feel served, and I believe this use of the word 'service' is a deliberate ruse to make the monarchy appear modern and acceptable. Does she really need millions and millions of pounds, and does she really need so many grand houses and palaces, to serve us?

But if the great British public are happy to accept this strange notion of service, it serves them right.

 

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