We hadn’t met previously, but it constantly surprises me that we all have so much in common. Our little catch-up turned into a ‘chatfest’. And we were left, in peace, by the Milestone staff, nursing our long-empty coffee mugs. There were things they wanted to know about me and mine — where the name ‘Marnie’ had come from — and Sue asked about my sign-off, ‘May it be easy’. We talked about their family, happily blended for 37 years, and discovered that their grandson is attending the Australian Institute of Music — where my grandson began his tertiary education.
I realised — as I have recognised when meeting so many of you — that this is a new friendship, which didn’t begin and end on Thursday; something I greatly appreciate.
My sincere thanks to Kristofer, the charming owner of Milestone, for his generosity — and tomorrow, I am having a chat with Bob Smith and his family about Shepparton’s long-established nursery, which is also situated at Emerald Bank.
Give Charles a ‘fair go’
I understand that some of you are saying, “What! Two royal stories within three weeks! Are you crazy, woman?”
However, I have my reasons, and here are some of them.
When the Sydney Opera House failed to light up for the coronation — supposedly to save money — the Republic seemed, to me, to be inevitable. We have coast to coast Labor governments (with the exception of Tassie, which has been shaken) and I’ve always believed we have more choices and make better decisions when there is a strong Opposition and some balance in the country.
There is change in the air and none of us are opposed to that; providing the change fixes something that is broken — or improves our lives in some way.
For many years, I’ve felt that our newly crowned King has had a raw deal. And, even today, I’m told that social media is awash with people claiming Diana should have been our Queen — and would have been if Charles had played fair. And I am heartily tired of hearing Charles’s younger son babbling that Camilla broke up his parents’ marriage. These are juvenile, shallow and ignorant statements. Perhaps, if he spent some time talking to his father and asking intelligent questions, he would stop making a fool of himself. It appears that only avid readers truly understand where and how Charles’s life went off the rails — from 1972 to 2005.
So, given all of that, I want to tell you about a meeting that took place, between two people who always claimed they had Charles’s “best interests at heart”. This story has been written and published several times. (Most recently in The Palace Papers by Tina Brown.)
Charles met Camilla, and started dating her, in 1971 — around the time he joined the Royal Navy. It has been said that she was totally unfazed by the trappings of monarchy — and had a wicked sense of humour. She was a lot of fun and popular with the young men. Among her dating partners was Andrew Parker Bowles — eight years older than the Prince and far more sophisticated.
However, Charles was falling in love — and his grandmother did not approve; nor did Lord Mountbatten.
During World War II, Mountbatten was Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, South East Asia. In 1947, he was appointed Viceroy of India and oversaw the partition of the subcontinent. After a variety of important positions, including First Sea Lord, he became Chief of the Defence Staff until 1965.
When the Queen Mother suggested a meeting with ‘Monty’, he still carried enormous influence over the Navy — and also had a young relative who, he thought, would make the perfect future Queen. They were allies in wanting Charles’s attachment to Camilla to come to an end.
Of course, no-one knows what was said at their meeting but many know the arranged outcome. Charles joined the crew of the HMS Norfolk, which was sent abroad in 1972. Separated from the young lady he loved, and with whom he was gaining ground, he was totally miserable aboard his ship.
Back home, Camilla reconnected with Parker Bowles, until their fathers had a meeting. Major Bruce Shand and Derek Parker Bowles decided it was time their children were married and, believe it or not, placed an engagement notice in The Times, before asking/telling the couple. It was 1973 and Charles was still on the Norfolk.
It was not a happy marriage. Camilla was in Wiltshire with her children while Andrew had a number of mistresses — marrying the last one very soon after the Parker Bowles divorce. Charles is godfather to their son and his friendship with Camilla continued. I have seen a photo of them attending the theatre in 1975.
And we all know what (eventually) happened. A mature 32-year-old Charles — well-read, interested in architecture, classical music, the environment and painting — married 19-year-old Diana. I wondered at the time, what on earth they would find to talk about? Charles has told the world that, when the marriage irretrievably broke down, he resumed his relationship with Camilla. I remember a visit to Glastonbury Abbey where the guard told us we had just missed Charles and Camilla. They were married in 2005.
And the list of Diana’s entanglements in the 1980s is quite long and much documented.
Once upon a time, kings married ‘suitable’ women and went about their private lives as they pleased; or they abdicated! That all changed with King George VI, who was happily married to the love of his life, before the abdication of his brother. There were doubts about the ‘suitability’ of Prince Philip — but for 70 years, a proud man walked behind his wife and did all that was asked of him, and more.
However, King Charles’s life has been micro-managed by others — particularly his doting grandmother. I have often wondered about his parents in this; were they just too busy to notice how unhappy their son was? Fortunately now, he takes on this role with a woman who makes him happy and, with that wicked sense of humour, makes him laugh.
A woman with whom he would have, could have, should have, spent his life.
God save the King.
To the Republicans among us
Your opinions are valid; you are fully entitled to hold them — and I will happily include your views if you would like that. However, this discussion is difficult. My opinions are based on emotion and yours are undoubtedly logical. One will never influence the other — and that’s okay.
However, there is also logic in my belief that this country has done pretty well for itself. I don’t believe, for one moment, that the world looks down on us for our royal connections; that is certainly not what I encountered during our travels. It seems to me that we have the respect that we deserve — and, if travelling, it pays to wear an Australian badge on your lapel. Joe Biden has said that we punch above our weight — and we do.
I’d still like to hear your views.
Please guys! I’m not an expert — in anything
In response to some text messages I’ve received recently, I am not a family counsellor — not any sort of counsellor. I cannot, will not, become involved in family disputes or problems. Your messages sadden me but there is absolutely nothing I can do. However, one tip: forgiveness is always a good way to begin.
Everyone — be safe, be happy, be grateful!
May it be easy, my friends.
Marnie
Email: [email protected]
Letter: Town Talk. Shepparton News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton 3631.
Phone: Send a text on 0418 962 507. (Note: text only. I will call you back, if you wish.)