What now for Princess Charlène: Duties, Roles and Responsibilities

[Duc_et_Pair]

To be fair: there were more who were alone. Rear Admiral Tim Lawrence did not join the Princess Royal, Princess Sophie did not join the Prince of Prussia, Archduchess Francesca did not join the Archduke of Austria, King Constantine did not join Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, Doña María Margarita did not join Don Luis Alfonso de Borbón, Doña Sofía did not join the Duke of Calabria, Princess Elia did not join the Prince of Albania, Princess Claire did not join Prince Laurent of Belgium, Princess Marie Chantal did not join Prince Pavlos of Greece, Etc. Etc. Etc.

 

[Somebody]

To be fair: there were more who were alone. Rear Admiral Tim Lawrence did not join the Princess Royal, Princess Sophie did not join the Prince of Prussia, Archduchess Francesca did not join the Archduke of Austria, King Constantine did not join Queen Anne-Marie of Greece, Doña María Margarita did not join Don Luis Alfonso de Borbón, Doña Sofía did not join the Duke of Calabria, Princess Elia did not join the Prince of Albania, Princess Claire did not join Prince Laurent of Belgium, Princess Marie Chantal did not join Prince Pavlos of Greece, Etc. Etc. Etc.

It's mainly the consistency of her non-attendance - and some of them had good reasons not to attend.

* Tim Laurence is the spouse of a princess and not a royal himself, so no expectation for him to attend such events (especially one that is (informally) related to the IOC-relation she had with the grand duke).
* King Constantine is not fit enough to attend, so crown prince Pavlos was so kind to accompany his mother (so no need for his spouse to also attend in support of her mother-in-law).
* Are the archduke of Austria and his wife married in more than name? If not, it makes sense that she does not attend these kind of representations.
* For several of the non-reigning royals, royal representation is what do they next to their 'day-jobs' to attend to while Charlene's job is to be the consort of a head of state.

I do think that princess Claire should have attended the funeral of her husband's uncle. Unfortunately, her absence is not surprising either as just like princess Charlene she often is a no-show.

 

[noda]

Prince Albert attended the funeral of the late Grand Duke alone in Luxembourg today and where was his consort yet again?

Not a surprise!! I can’t understand why She is not Smart to learn from his Husband what She is gonna do, one day later enough, when She could be the regent. If She is gonna Plan to ve regent. May be will be Pierre Casiraghi.

 

[Lee-Z]

Just curious what made you say that Pierre would take this stuff on, rather than Andrea, Charlotte, or some of the others. I happen to agree with you on based on a hunch, but I'm wondering if Albert has designated him as a possible regent or there's some other reason you mentioned it.

Albert will be well into his 70s before his kids reach their majority, so if Charlene is going to be regent (or otherwise have more responsibility), she'd be smart to get more experience now.

He isn't an official representative now i think, but i can imagine several years into the future there might be a need for an adult representative when Jacques and Gabriella are still too young. The reason i mentioned Pierre and not Andrea or Charlotte, is because occassionally Pierre attends events like this
http://www.theroyalforums.com/forum...art-18-august-2018-a-45315-3.html#post2214323
in Monaco, and imo he seems to mingle quite well at these functions, so he could be a good candidate. Andrea and Charlotte, i think, only attend some of the big events were the entire family attend and not events on their own (i could be wrong).
Andrea and Charlotte comes across to me as a little less comfortable on official occasions than Pierre..

P.Charlene might be a good regent in some aspects, but i doubt she will be able to take on the official representation on her own; if that would be required, she should join in more events to get "the hang of it". Should that become necessary, maybe the duties would be split amongst the extended family...

but like i said, that is just imo, let's hope P.Albert will remain as energetic as he is now, he can cover the entire world on his own, representation-wise

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

Not a surprise!! I can’t understand why She is not Smart to learn from his Husband what She is gonna do, one day later enough, when She could be the regent. If She is gonna Plan to be regent. May be will be Pierre Casiraghi.

You are aware that the principality of Monaco is managed by excellent professionals? Sparkling fresh water flows out of the taps, the Tesla cars are plugged in to suck electricity from a functional grid, the cleaners brush the Boulevard Princesse Grace, the Port Authority directs a tall ship to a pier and the carabinieri halt a drunken homeless at the railway station, etc.

With other words: no any problem when Charlène is Regentess over young Prince Jacques because - like in any modern European country - the machine of State is not depending on the person in the royal or the presidential or the princely palace.

 

[Elly C]

You are aware that the principality of Monaco is managed by excellent professionals? Sparkling fresh water flows out of the taps, the Tesla cars are plugged in to suck electricity from a functional grid, the cleaners brush the Boulevard Princesse Grace, the Port Authority directs a tall ship to a pier and the carabinieri halt a drunken homeless at the railway station, etc.

With other words: no any problem when Charlène is Regentess over young Prince Jacques because - like in any modern European country - the machine of State is not depending on the person in the royal or the presidential or the princely palace.

I think the point you side step is the traditional and ceremonial roles that the royal family play both in Monaco and representing their country abroad.
However, where I differ with some remarks here is that, providing he keeps fit and well, I can see Albert maintaining his high profile right through into old age. Similarly, Caroline and to a limited extent, Stephanie will maintain their current patronages.

 

[Lee-Z]

exactly, and i don't see P.Charlene performing those tasks as a regent should (heaven forbid) P.Albert become suddenly not be able to do these

Great mom? Yes! Raising her kids to become responsible adults? Yes! Regent to Monaco? No... (as always just my 2cts)

But i'm sure glad to know the Monaco waterworks and Tesla cars are secured... because those were my main worries when i started the talk about the regency a couple of posts ago (irony intended) ?

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

I think the point you side step is the traditional and ceremonial roles that the royal family play both in Monaco and representing their country abroad.
However, where I differ with some remarks here is that, providing he keeps fit and well, I can see Albert maintaining his high profile right through into old age. Similarly, Caroline and to a limited extent, Stephanie will maintain their current patronages.

When a situation changes: an untimely death of the Prince, possibly Charlène will be the Regentess indeed until Prince Jacques is 18. But she will be assisted by the functionaries of the palais princier. She will be advised by a Board of Guardians monitoring the interests of the young Prince. She will be guided by the Government. And yes, attending Mass and waving to the monégasques at the Fête Nationale, watching over Sainte-Devote, attending the Grand-Prix de Monte-Carlo and bring a visit to fundraiser, that will not be too problematic. I feel the capacities of the Princess are underestimated here on this board.

Clearly the Prince and Princess have found a modus operandi which works for them. They look a happy couple. More happy than the relationships of the Prince's two sisters and more harmonious than the marriage of the Prince's parents. I doubt any monégasque in that little tax-free paradise at the Méditerranée will loose a minute of sleep by the prospect of a Charlène as Regentess. That unbearable lightness of being a monégasque...

 

[Mbruno]

Prince Albert attended the funeral of the late Grand Duke alone in Luxembourg today and where was his consort yet again?

Attending to her twin children perhaps ? She seems to be a very devoted mother.

 

[Florestane]

"I doubt any monégasque in that little tax-free paradise at the Méditerranée will loose a minute of sleep by the prospect of a Charlène as Regentess."

I beg to differ - I regularly speak with quite a few Monégasques (not just the tax avoiding residents) who would throw their hands up in horror at the thought. I also don't think Rainier and Grace lacked as much harmony as you seem to suggest - they were human beings and they worked through whatever issues they had.

But as you say, there is a whole machinery in place to ensure the functioning of the state. However, that whole training that Albert got from his father, whatever their differences, will be lacking if Charlene has to be Regent. It might therefore be politic for some other family member to be there to advise in the background. Pierre is as good a suggestion as any given he is very present in Monaco life and also, appears to enjoy cordial relations with Charlene and her family.

But, really I'm hoping that Jacques has his freedom from such responsibility for many years to come - he and Gabriella are clearly loved and comfortable with both parents which speaks to a happy family life - however odd it may appear to some of us from the outside.

 

[Mbruno]

When a situation changes: an untimely death of the Prince, possibly Charlène will be the Regentess indeed until Prince Jacques is 18.

I am not familiar with the laws and the constitution of Monaco, but couldn't Princess Caroline be the Regent instead, while Princess Charlene is just a guardian ?



In the UK, the Regent is automatically by default the next person in line to the throne who is over 21, a British subject domiciled in the United Kingdom, and not disqualified under the terms of Act of Settlement as amended (e;g. not a Roman Catholic). A separate act of Parliament had to be passed in 1953 so that Prince Philip could serve as Regent in lieu of Princess Margaret should the Queen pass away before her children turned 18.

 

[Florestane]

I am not familiar with the laws and the constitution of Monaco, but couldn't Princess Caroline be the Regent instead, while Princess Charlene is just a guardian ?



In the UK, the Regent is automatically by default the next person in line to the throne who is over 21, a British subject domiciled in the United Kingdom, and not disqualified under the terms of Act of Settlement as amended (e;g. not a Roman Catholic). A separate act of Parliament had to be passed in 1953 so that Prince Philip could serve as Regent in lieu of Princess Margaret should the Queen pass away before her children turned 18.

Prince Albert has already designated Princess Charlene as the Regent if need be.

 

[An Ard Ri]

Attending to her twin children perhaps ? She seems to be a very devoted mother.

There are plenty of royal mothers who successfully juggle both duties but I do think the reluctant Princess cherry picks her events ,she is fast becoming the invisible Princess of Monaco.

Don't for one second doubt she is a wonderful mother and nice person but she could also be a tad more visible with her husband the Sovereign Prince.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

"I doubt any monégasque in that little tax-free paradise at the Méditerranée will loose a minute of sleep by the prospect of a Charlène as Regentess."

I beg to differ - I regularly speak with quite a few Monégasques (not just the tax avoiding residents) who would throw their hands up in horror at the thought. I also don't think Rainier and Grace lacked as much harmony as you seem to suggest - they were human beings and they worked through whatever issues they had.

But as you say, there is a whole machinery in place to ensure the functioning of the state. However, that whole training that Albert got from his father, whatever their differences, will be lacking if Charlene has to be Regent. It might therefore be politic for some other family member to be there to advise in the background. Pierre is as good a suggestion as any given he is very present in Monaco life and also, appears to enjoy cordial relations with Charlene and her family.

But, really I'm hoping that Jacques has his freedom from such responsibility for many years to come - he and Gabriella are clearly loved and comfortable with both parents which speaks to a happy family life - however odd it may appear to some of us from the outside.

When a young girl can be Queen and Empress and "rule" half of the world, trust me: the Regentess of a city which has 10 times fewer inhabitants than neighbouring Nice, will do fine. As devoted as she is to her twins, she will fight as a lioness for the minor Prince of Monaco, and do nothing what goes against the interests of the principality. There will be a Board to safeguard that. No problem.

 

[sophie25]

When a young girl can be Queen and Empress and "rule" half of the world, trust me: the Regentess of a city which has 10 times fewer inhabitants than neighbouring Nice, will do fine. As devoted as she is to her twins, she will fight as a lioness for the minor Prince of Monaco, and do nothing what goes against the interests of the principality. There will be a Board to safeguard that. No problem.

The British Monarch though is merely a figurehead whereas the Sovereign of Monaco has to make real decisions. Monaco may be small but many very powerful and influential people reside there at the pleasure of the Sovereign Prince which, of course, gives him a lot of international influence and power beyond that which he has by virtue of his position. People like the President of China don't make official visits there for the good of their health. On saying that, I still wouldn't be concerned if Charlene took over as Regent. There would be a whole body of people in place to run Monaco if Albert were dead and I'm sure she would be happy for them to do so. Hopefully though Albert will live into his eighties, as his father did, and Jacques won't inherit until he is well into his twenties, perhaps even 30 if he's lucky.

 

[Florestane]

When a young girl can be Queen and Empress and "rule" half of the world, trust me: the Regentess of a city which has 10 times fewer inhabitants than neighbouring Nice, will do fine. As devoted as she is to her twins, she will fight as a lioness for the minor Prince of Monaco, and do nothing what goes against the interests of the principality. There will be a Board to safeguard that. No problem.

But that wasn't what I was saying - I was responding to your comment that no Monegasques would be concerned. I happen to know that's not true, whether they are correct or not is another matter.

As to whether she wouldn't do anything to prejudice her son's chances, of course she wouldn't. I still don't think it's farfetched to imagine that Pierre Casiraghi might one day be part of that Board if needed - here's hoping it isn't and that Charlene (or anyone) is called on to be Regent (not Regentess).

 

[sophie25]

But that wasn't what I was saying - I was responding to your comment that no Monegasques would be concerned. I happen to know that's not true, whether they are correct or not is another matter.

As to whether she wouldn't do anything to prejudice her son's chances, of course she wouldn't. I still don't think it's farfetched to imagine that Pierre Casiraghi might one day be part of that Board if needed - here's hoping it isn't and that Charlene (or anyone) is called on to be Regent (not Regentess).

Yes I agree, I think the Casiraghi nephews will be a great support to Jacques as they seem to have a very close relationship with Albert. Even if Jacques comes to the throne as a grown man I think they'll be a help to him.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

The British Monarch though is merely a figurehead whereas the Sovereign of Monaco has to make real decisions. Monaco may be small but many very powerful and influential people reside there at the pleasure of the Sovereign Prince which, of course, gives him a lot of international influence and power beyond that which he has by virtue of his position. People like the President of China don't make official visits there for the good of their health. On saying that, I still wouldn't be concerned if Charlene took over as Regent. There would be a whole body of people in place to run Monaco if Albert were dead and I'm sure she would be happy for them to do so. Hopefully though Albert will live into his eighties, as his father did, and Jacques won't inherit until he is well into his twenties, perhaps even 30 if he's lucky.

Even when Albert II or Jacques turn out to be an idiot, there is a whole machinery around the throne. And Albert's power is limited. Theoretically the Grand-Duke of Luxembourg had the same powers as the Prince of Monaco. When Henri refused to sanction a Bill, the Luxembourg Government and an unanimous (!) Parliament simply stripped the Grand-Duke from his right to sanction Bills. Since then he only "announces" what Government & Parliament have decided. No royal assent needed... This to put things in perspective. When Albert II really wants to block a democratic majority, that democratic majority will find a way.



And let us keep it in perspective. I live in a provincial town in the Netherlands. Just 235.000 inhabitants. Monaco however has 35.000 inhabitants (of which around 5000 real monégasques, the rest are foreigners). Seven times less inhabitants than my simple provincial town. Charlène will be a fine mayor of this village. Pardon, I mean Regentess of course, when it will ever be needed.

 

[Florestane]

Even when Albert II or Jacques turn out to be an idiot, there is a whole machinery around the throne. And Albert's power is limited. Theoretically the Grand-Duke of Luxembourg had the same powers as the Prince of Monaco. When Henri refused to sanction a Bill, the Luxembourg Government and an unanimous (!) Parliament simply stripped the Grand-Duke from his right to sanction Bills. Since then he only "announces" what Government & Parliament have decided. No royal assent needed... This to put things in perspective. When Albert II really wants to block a democratic majority, that democratic majority will find a way.



And let us keep it in perspective. I live in a provincial town in the Netherlands. Just 235.000 inhabitants. Monaco however has 35.000 inhabitants (of which around 5000 real monégasques, the rest are foreigners). Seven times less inhabitants than my simple provincial town. Charlène will be a fine mayor of this village. Pardon, I mean Regentess of course, when it will ever be needed.

You mean Regentess if your small town in the Netherlands is stuck in the 18th century- otherwise you mean Regent. And Monaco has an elected Mayor so unlikely that Charlene would be standing for election - one of the rare jobs in Monaco that involves more than tourist level French.

 

[sophie25]

Even when Albert II or Jacques turn out to be an idiot, there is a whole machinery around the throne. And Albert's power is limited. Theoretically the Grand-Duke of Luxembourg had the same powers as the Prince of Monaco. When Henri refused to sanction a Bill, the Luxembourg Government and an unanimous (!) Parliament simply stripped the Grand-Duke from his right to sanction Bills. Since then he only "announces" what Government & Parliament have decided. No royal assent needed... This to put things in perspective. When Albert II really wants to block a democratic majority, that democratic majority will find a way.



And let us keep it in perspective. I live in a provincial town in the Netherlands. Just 235.000 inhabitants. Monaco however has 35.000 inhabitants (of which around 5000 real monégasques, the rest are foreigners). Seven times less inhabitants than my simple provincial town. Charlène will be a fine mayor of this village. Pardon, I mean Regentess of course, when it will ever be needed.

It depends who the people in the village are. Monaco has many huge movers and shakers I imagine your town dosn't.

 

[Duc_et_Pair]

There is an overestimation and an underestimation here.

Overestimation:
The Prince of Monaco does NOT play a role in the day to day business in the principality. He is not the one to appoint the new chief of the fire brigade and he is not the one to approve an underground parking in a new urban zone. Come on folks. It is 2019.

Underestimation:
The Princess of Monaco is no village idiot. She was an accomplished professional athlete which means she has proven zest and willpower to follow a spartan regime (swimming is a tough sport). In her years in Monaco she has never been an embarrassment, which we can not say from playboys, princes, bodyguards and circus acrobats which have flooded the palais princier. Give the girl a chance.

 

[Florestane]

There is an overestimation and an underestimation here.

Overestimation:
The Prince of Monaco does NOT play a role in the day to day business in the principality. He is not the one to appoint the new chief of the fire brigade and he is not the one to approve an underground parking in a new urban zone. Come on folks. It is 2019.

Underestimation:
The Princess of Monaco is no village idiot. She was an accomplished professional athlete which means she has proven zest and willpower to follow a spartan regime (swimming is a tough sport). In her years in Monaco she has never been an embarrassment, which we can not say from playboys, princes, bodyguards and circus acrobats which have flooded the palais princier. Give the girl a chance.

Who has said she is a village idiot? No-one - there's an over-analysis of other people's comments on your part.

However, it's a fact that she does not have the years of preparation that her husband received. No-one has claimed she lacks determination or perseverance or sheer guts but she is not, and never has claimed to be, an expert in constitutional affairs. Of course, she would be fine, would look out for her children, seek what's in their best interests and would have all kinds of experts to advise her.

If an unfortunate turn of events were to mean she became Regent then Monaco would continue to function, the world wouldn't spin off its axis and the succession would occur because that's how the system works.

In terms of underestimation I think you underestimate how much power Prince Albert does have - that's not a democracy he's running, 2019 or not.

In terms of overestimation I think you overestimate Princess Charlene's understanding of Monaco - she doesn't like it there, she barely speaks the language and she doesn't live there most of the time. If I were Monegasque I might just ask what kind of influence that would be on the future Prince's view of his own country.

 

[Flaubert]

If I think to Mary of Denmark, Maxima of Netherlands, Mathilde of Belgium there is non comparison. Charlene is a fine woman, but limited.

 

[sm1939]

I think it’s a shame that she isn't around more often , aren’t the children in school now , surely she could do day time events , ribbon cutting .....and stay at home in the evening with the children ....odd, she hasn’t married just any old person she has married a ruling Prince.

 

[sophie25]

I think it’s a shame that she isn't around more often , aren’t the children in school now , surely she could do day time events , ribbon cutting .....and stay at home in the evening with the children ....odd, she hasn’t married just any old person she has married a ruling Prince.

Exactly, I agree entirely.

 

[kalnel]

Andrea and Charlotte comes across to me as a little less comfortable on official occasions than Pierre..

P.Charlene might be a good regent in some aspects, but i doubt she will be able to take on the official representation on her own; if that would be required, she should join in more events to get "the hang of it". Should that become necessary, maybe the duties would be split amongst the extended family...

but like i said, that is just imo, let's hope P.Albert will remain as energetic as he is now, he can cover the entire world on his own, representation-wise

We agree on all those points! Pierre (and his wife) strike me as much more comfortable with all this stuff, too.

 

[Countessmeout]

Attending to her twin children perhaps ? She seems to be a very devoted mother.

I am sure she is. Most mothers are not with their children 24/7. Many of the other attendees have young children as well.

If this was an one time thing, and she was commonly seen with her husband at events, that would be different. The reason people comment on her and not on other spouses not being there is that in other cases (that are not explainable like Tim, Francesca and Constantine/Chantal) its the exception to the rule that they are not accompanying their spouse.

 

[Susan D]

It is possible that Princess Charlène never met Grand Duke Jean and that's why she did not attend the requiem. However, Princess Charlène and the Duke of Cambridge , separately of course, don't mingle much with Europe's royals.

 

[Countessmeout]

It is possible that Princess Charlène never met Grand Duke Jean and that's why she did not attend the requiem. However, Princess Charlène and the Duke of Cambridge , separately of course, don't mingle much with Europe's royals.

I don't see the comparison. The Duke of Cambridge is the grandson of the monarch. Charlene is the consort of the sovereign. Those are two very different positions.

The British royals though are a bit more removed from socializing with the continental royals. Its not unusual someone like the Wessexes or Anne go instead of Charles and Camilla.

I am sure when Charles is king, his sons will both be seen more at such events. Harry seems though to be the one who will be like Edward, likely sent to more of the foreign events. Where William's focus has to be home.


And again if it was JUST the funeral no one would really blink. But this is a constant occurrence.

It would be like if Philip (before he retired) or Camilla were constantly missing from major events like Trooping. There are times that senior royals miss events, but usually for some good reason. Think about the commotion made when Camilla missed Eugenie's wedding (that it was she could have missed her patronage visit for a wedding, was a snub to Eugenie).

 

[An Ard Ri]

It is possible that Princess Charlène never met Grand Duke Jean and that's why she did not attend the requiem. However, Princess Charlène and the Duke of Cambridge , separately of course, don't mingle much with Europe's royals.

Its quite possible they never met but the increasing reclusive Princess Charlène is the consort of a reigning monarch and given the high esteem the Grand Duke was held I don't think it was asking too much of of HSH to make the effort and actually accompany the Prince.