There are a number of great points in that speech - especially those about his personal connection to Scotland, the use of the mute button and the way the Church of Scotland dealt with, and is still dealing with, the pandemic.
One that struck me though was this one:
One day, it will be my responsibility to swear my own oath to maintain and preserve the security and independence of the Church of Scotland.
I don't think I have ever heard William so clearly articulate that one day he will be the King - I know he knows that but this is a statement that clearly shows that he knows what that will actually mean ... that part of his accession and coronation oaths involve swearing to protect the Church of Scotland (and of England of course).
'Scotland is a source of some of my happiest memories but also my saddest. I was in Balmoral when I was told that my mother had died.'Still in shock, I found sanctuary in the service at Crathie Kirk that very morning and in the dark days of grief that followed I found comfort and solace in the Scottish outdoors.
'As a result, the connection I feel to Scotland will forever run deep. Alongside this painful memory is one of great joy because it was here in Scotland 20 years ago this year that I first met Catherine.
'Needless to say the town where you meet your future wife holds a very special place in your heart. George, Charlotte and Louis already know how dear Scotland is to both of us and they are starting to build their own happy memories here too.'
I was impressed by William sharing his personal connection to Scotland which has been the scene of such joyful and sad moments in his life. Fortunately it appears that the happy times outweigh the sad ones and that he's happy to share this special place with his children.
I know that the BRF did receive some criticism for taking William and Harry to the service at Crathie Kirk the day after Diana died, but it seems that for William it offered his some sanctuary and peace.
Indeed. I was also impressed that William was so personal in sharing his joyful and sorrowful memories of Scotland....it’s lovely that he and Catherine are passing on their love of Scotland to their children.
Really? People criticized them for taking the boys to CHURCH?! I can see why the family would have thought there would be comfort to be found there. They are Christians. I’m glad it offered William some solace.
Communities associated with the Church of Scotland have done an incredible job to continue to support one another during the pandemic — it was great to see some of them at work today, especially Betty
(...)
However, it was ex-servicewoman Ms Magee who stole William’s attention.
As the duke took a seat at her table, she said: “It’s customary in these parts to give a lady a kiss on the cheek.”
William replied: “Oh you are sweet. You’ll make me blush.”
Betty persisted, asking him to give her a peck as William laughed.
He added: “When the rules relax more I will come back and give you a kiss on the cheek, Betty.”
After speaking to other OAPs and their families he later returned to her table as his oldest admirer tried her luck again.
William said: “Betty, I don’t know who is flirting more, me or you. Talking to you makes me blush. Is there whisky in your tea Betty?"
(...)
Yes, William is going to be a good king.
Is William generally known as "Your Grace" there, when he's a prince and a Scottish earl, or is it just as Lord High Commissioner?
Hmm, but what makes a good King in our days?
I don't want to interrupt the conversation, but doing charity and being full of charm towards old ladies... is this already enough? Really?
To see him getting involved more into science and business, that is what I would like to see from him. An example: He is now in Scotland. And the folks there basically invented to world we're now living in! The Enlightenment did lead to capitalism. And all these breakthroughs in science!
And the Duke of Cambridge is now there, in a now perhaps breakaway region, and doing what: Flirting with old ladies...
This is nice! No question about it! And the most pensioners in Scotland were voting against the Independence. But...
So, again, what makes a good King?
He embraces *all* of the people by remaining apolitical and leave those matters to the governments of the day.
he's a prince - thereforre He is "your Royal highness"
Im sure you are aware that a constitutional monarch has to avoid anyting political...Hmm, but everything Prince William and Duchess Kate are doing, is already political or will be taken as political meant. The human being is a political creature, a "zoon politikon" (Aristotle).
And in our days everything is judged by a nervous public in the social media if it is "political(!) correct". And by the regular media anyway. There is no flight from it!
But I really like your description: "a king is being in the people business"! Even if there is imho a political meta level.
It is just, that I "feel" the Prince William is playing it too safe - So, what will be the King like?
Im sure you are aware that a constitutional monarch has to avoid anyting political...
Oh, I was not talking about Prince William taking political positions. He will be a Majesty - way above the abyss of daily politics, anyway.
And I don't want William to discriminate against either the more conservative or the more progressive part of the population.
But the Cambridges have been having (?) until recently the tendency to transform everything into a children's birtday party - with shooting arrows and goals and baking cakes with the commoners... I have difficulties to imagine a Majesty doing this... And what else are they doing? Charity and the old ladies thingy...
Well.. And other members of the The Royal Forums say, that shows a good future king. Really, does it?
Oh, I was not talking about Prince William taking political positions. He will be a Majesty - way above the abyss of daily politics, anyway.
And I don't want William to discriminate against either the more conservative or the more progressive part of the population.
But the Cambridges have been having (?) until recently the tendency to transform everything into a children's birtday party - with shooting arrows and goals and baking cakes with the commoners... I have difficulties to imagine a Majesty doing this... And what else are they doing? Charity and the old ladies thingy...
Well.. And other members of the The Royal Forums say, that shows a good future king. Really, does it?
Oh, I was not talking about Prince William taking political positions. He will be a Majesty - way above the abyss of daily politics, anyway.
And I don't want William to discriminate against either the more conservative or the more progressive part of the population.
But the Cambridges have been having (?) until recently the tendency to transform everything into a children's birtday party - with shooting arrows and goals and baking cakes with the commoners... I have difficulties to imagine a Majesty doing this... And what else are they doing? Charity and the old ladies thingy...
Well.. And other members of the The Royal Forums say, that shows a good future king. Really, does it?
The Duke of Cambridge/Earl of Strathearn in Scotland paid a visit to the BAE Systems shipyard in Glasgow to see construction on HMS Glasgow today, June 29:
I did not really get it: For me it sounded like "HMS Belfast"... and that the ceremony was at the Glasgow Shipyards.
What?
I still have terrible difficulties to understand all the different British accents. And for me the Royals speak very nasal, through their nose.