CHARLES IN CHARGE
It’s all change at the palace
Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, with the pageantry of the foot soldiers’ scarlet uniforms and the glittering cavalry, is a must on the itinerary of tourists to London. Behind the walls of the iconic 775-room building, the changing of the old guard is also a hot topic, as Prince Charles readies himself to take over as monarch.
Predictably, the heir to the throne has some rather less traditional ideas on his agenda for when he becomes king.
For a start, he envisions a different role for what he calls “the big house”, as the HQ for a modern monarchy, rather than a family home.
“He doesn’t see it as a viable future home or a house that’s fit for purpose in the modern world,” says one of his friends. “He feels its upkeep, both from a cost and environmental perspective, is not sustainable.
“What’s to say Buckingham Palace can’t be opened to the public for at least six months, while keeping the state rooms pristine for use during big occasions. That would be the modern approach.”
Royal author Penny Junor adds credence to this, insisting, “Charles and Camilla are very
happy at Clarence House, which works well as a private residence.” Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (70) in particular is said to be reluctant to move.
Surprising as this seems to generations accustomed to thinking of the palace as the monarch’s real home, it is the least of the changes being discussed in what’s been dubbed Project 70, a movement to reframe Charles’ role as king-in-waiting by the time he hits 70 in November 2018.
“Prince Philip’s decision to stand down from formal engagements has really brought home the need for a smooth and progressive change of regime,” says one of Charles’ circle.
“Philip took the decision to step away at the age of 96 and the feeling is that the Queen will want to spend more time with her husband. Plus she is 91 herself and can no longer be expected to cope with the huge burden of public duties that she has always shouldered.”
Charles’ team officially deny that Project 70 exists, maintaining that he has never asked for a more prominent role. Even so, he has gradually been taking on some of his mother’s more taxing engagements, has started to appear alongside her at events, such as the opening of Parliament and exerting considerable influence over the future shape of a slimmeddown, 21st-century monarchy that does not include the likes of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie as full-time royals.
One recent report that gives credence to Project 70’s existence suggests that Charles is preparing to take over the management of the Queen’s estates at Sandringham and Balmoral, which have been run by his father. His responsibilities would include overseeing arable, livestock and fruit farms, and parkland. He is also expected to get involved in running Windsor, part of the Crown Estate.
“His green approach to farming is well known, and his own estate Highgrove is organic and uses techniques such as rainwater irrigation,” says his friend. “He’d really like Sandringham to go organic.”
Another rumour buzzing round is that Charles was behind the resignation of the Queen’s private secretary, Sir Christopher Geidt (57), in July.
Sir Christopher had been asked to tell 500 key royal staff about Philip’s retirement and ended his speech by calling on the royal households to unite behind the Queen – a reference to disagreements between the courtiers who work for the Queen, the modernisers in Charles’ court and the very 21st-century team behind William, Kate and Harry in Kensington Palace.
Charles is said to have found this “presumptuous” and, with the backing of Prince Andrew, persuaded his mother that Sir Christopher had to go.
“He’s flexing his muscles,” says one of the Queen’s advisors. “You can see why he’d want more involvement, given that he’s been groomed for the top job for many decades.”
Even the Queen, who has ruled out abdication, is said to accept the need for change.
One source explains, “I remember her being quite alarmed at seeing Pope John Paul II sitting in a chair and dribbling, while a cleric changed his spit bowl. She does not want to be wheeled out with dribble coming out of her mouth.”
The big question is whether her subjects will be happy with her successor. Recent polls here in New Zealand, as well as Australia and Canada, have indicated that a majority would support a republic if Charles became king, while the British appear equally unimpressed. The latest poll, timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Diana’s death, found that only a third of those questioned felt he had been beneficial to the monarchy and one in four thought he’d had a negative effect.
Dickie Arbiter, former press secretary to the Queen, believes that even this will not dent Charles’ confidence.
“He will, as he has done in the past, dust himself off and continue to serve his country to the fullest of his abilities,” says Dickie.
“Have no doubt – Charles will be a great king. He always has the public interest at heart, asking the questions we want answered.
“When he ascends the throne, he will be the best prepared monarch we’ve ever had and probably ever will have. It is time we learned to cherish him.”