The Princess of Wales has been doing sterling work for her early years initiative, most recently with the launch of the ‘Shaping Us’ phase. Some of the guidance may seem obvious, but frequently the obvious is overlooked. The thrust of her campaign is basically about giving children the best chance in life by developing their emotional and physical resilience and doing this through social awareness. Every child is different, so approaches will vary. It is challenging, as the princess has to navigate the political implications of the clear need for funding for deprived children and support for struggling parents.
Early years represents the kind of lifetime commitment that Save the Children is for the Princess Royal, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was for Prince Philip – and now the Earl of Wessex – and the campaign for youth and the inner cities has been for the King. Prince William’s dedication to the environment is going to be his lifetime’s work and he is currently having great success with his Earthshot Prize.
Interestingly, the Duke of York is not known for anything except his misdemeanours, which is something he is trying very hard to rectify. A Netflix film about his disastrous Newsnight interview will not help his cause and is due to begin filming shortly. Rufus Sewell will play Prince Andrew and Gillian Anderson will take the role of his inquisitor, Emily Maitlis. Billie Piper will play Sam McAlister, the former BBC producer who secured the interview for Newsnight.
Speculation about the coronation and the long weekend surrounding it continues to make news. An outline of the plans made public confirms that the historic coronation ceremony will take place on the morning of Saturday 6 May and that after the service the newly crowned King and Queen will return to Buckingham Palace in a ceremonial procession. It will be a magnificent display of the United Kingdom’s pomp and circumstance at its very best. The May issue of Majesty will be a pre-coronation collector’s edition.
Other details released include a centrepiece concert the following day on Windsor Castle’s east lawn, usually a private area of the castle grounds, showcasing talent from the world of entertainment enjoyed by Charles III. Earlier in the day millions of people will come together in celebration at the Coronation Big Lunch, individually organised street parties that the British public do so well: traditional, and as simple or as extravagant as people wish them to be, they always work.
Everyone involved knows what they are supposed to be doing as the blueprint for King Charles III’s coronation has been in place for a long time. In spite of this, plans occasionally do need to be revised and unexpected problems arise. One such ‘problem’, certainly as far as sections of the media are concerned, is whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend. When asked by ITV’s Tom Bradby in January if he and Meghan would be there, Harry prevaricated, pointing out that anything could happen in the meantime.
In one of many opinion polls on the subject, 83 per cent of those who took part believe neither the Duke nor Duchess of Sussex should come to witness the historic moment, but the invitation is by command of the King. As his son, Harry should not refuse and Meghan should support him, regardless of what they or anyone else may feel.
