David Frost's Program
Splodger posted a link to David Frost's program this morning which discussed Charles and Camilla's engagement and wedding. Two editors, Dr. David Starkey, a representative from the Church of England and Prince Charles's long time friend King Constantine of Greece were guests.
You can see the entire program at the link Sploger has provided, see his post #162,
http://www.theroyalforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=175850#post175850.
A few highlights:
The Spencer family (Earl Spencer and Diana's two sisters) have been invited but apparently Charles hopes they will not come. (The female editor wondered why invite them in the first place then.)
The female editor (wish I had caught her name) said that the rumours of William and Harry being disappointed with the decision or that they dislike Camilla are untrue. It's the
media who doesn't like this engagement or Camilla because they wanted another Diana who would be glamourous and sell papers. (Norwegianne's point, as stated previously.)
King Constantine's comments:
He heard the news when the rest of the world heard it, while he was in Paris for an Olympics conference.
He's delighted for them.
He thinks the marriage is a good thing for both of them and their families.
The most important thing to William and Harry that their father be happy and that that in turn brings happiness to them.
He says the marriage will make both of their lives easier because now they can always be together in public life.
He thinks that they are a great team and the best of friends.
The King describes Camilla as being full of fun, having a great sense of humour, very interested in how others are doing and asking them questions about their life.
Peace of mind has always been important to Charles.
From his own experience, King Constantine says that it's nearly impossible to do this (be a King) kind of work without the kind of support Camilla would be offering. And that such support is imperative.
King Constantine felt that Charles would be a "philospher king."
Dr. David Starkey's comments:
He feels the Duchess of Cornwall/Princess Consort title was merely a "heading off situation." For now Camilla would be the Duchess of Cornwall and Princess Consort when Charles ascends the throne. But that by the time Charles does become King they are hoping that opinons will change enough for Camilla to become Queen.
(What others have already said in this thread): Camilla
will be Queen because that is what the Constitution states
unless there is a change in parliament to make not make Camilla Queen.
He said the coronation ceremony itself is a long and tedious occasion and that for Charles it would soften the process and humanize it to have someone next to him.
On the topic of it being a morganic(sp) marriage, he siad: Women are equal nowadays so why not Camilla?