Quote:
Originally Posted by Rook
Can someone from England, or educated in British Monarchy Protocol explain something to me....?
Queen Elizabeths' Uncle, Edward VIII {y'know, the guy who abdicated, giving his Brother the British Throne, changing Lineage entirely, which allowed Elizabeth to later be Queen}, was given a few ultimatums if he chose to stay with a twice divorced American {Wallis Simpson}.As King, he couldn't be with a divorce'e period, since he is the Head of the Church of England and must be living embodiment of its teachings {Let's not get into Henry VIII, yet.}, his own PM threatened to Resign, he was forced to Resign or face a political Race and damage the Monarchy, right?
Ok....
Why is Charles still heir Apparent?...
I'm aware his marriage was civil, and Diana is Dead, but Camilla's ex-husband is still alive, no?
The Queen and Prince Consort didn't attend their civil wedding, given Elizabeth's status {supreme spiritual leader in the church of England...}....
On top of that, from what I've read{I get bored easily in the libraries and dialysis} Charles isn't exactly 100% into Church of england. His Father, prince Philip renounced his Greek titles, but had a Greek Orthodox influence on Charles....
Doesn't that worry people over there...?
Why is Charles allowed this divorced wedding + Chance @ Throne{rather than renounce and give it to William}....But Edward was pretty much cornered and in a way Exiled?....
I know they won't have kiddies, but still...Edward and Wallis didn't either.
I thought of this while watching "Kings Speech"{figures, eh?}
things that make ya go , hmm, I suppose.....
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Well I think the main thing is... society has changed A LOT since the 1930/40s when Edward VIII abdicated the crown.
If Edward VIII had been a different type of person, he may not have abdicated and he may have married Wallis Simpson regardless of the PM or government's opinion. As you say, Henry VIII had no problem making up his own rules - including creating the Church of England and making himself the connection between god and the church.
But according to most historical records Edward VIII was never keen on the crown, not political, not interested in duty or obligation. The film the 'King's Speech' doesn't go in to great detail about it, but Edward (David) was incredibly reticent about becoming King.
It is true that Mrs. Simpson's marital status was considered scandalous at the time. Twice divorced was not common for anyone in the 30s/40s, regardless of class or status. BUT the British government was far more concerned with Wallis Simpson's "Nazi sympathizer" status and her connection to high ranking officials in the Reich, which is historically accurate.
As an interesting aside/ there is much innuendo and speculation regarding David and Wallis' relationship; some people close to them have said that they had a S/m relationship, in which Wallis was the Dominant. I've never read or seen anything that proves that, but it is interesting none the less.
As to the Royal Family today...
The world has changed so much, societal norms and expections have shifted very quickly over the course of the past century. What would have been scandalous in the early part of the 20th century (like divorce or marrying a divorcee) is very normal now.
Queen Elizabeth II is very conservative - socially and politically. It is said that she kept Charles from marrying Camilla back in the 70s/80s because she was deemed inappropriate (and married). She approved the marriage to Diana (19 years old and a "confirmed virgin"), despite the fact of the age differential or the fact that she and Charles had known each other for less than a year. Well...we know how that ended....
Charles and Diana's marriage was a spectacular and very public failure.
The Queen was implicated as playing a part in that, publicly.
The Queen's sister Margaret was divorced.
The Queen's daughter Ann was divorced. The Queen's son Andrew divorced.
Regardless of expectations and protocol - divorce has become a reality.
Forcing or arranging marriages doesn't seem to work so well.
In addition people the world 'round were very critical of Elizabeth II's response (or lack of response) when Diana died. She was described as cruel and cold, dispassionate, stuck in the past, not in touch with the people (as opposed to Diana who is still described as the "People's Princess").
The percentage of the British population that describes itself as "Royalist" is dwindling as quickly as the number of people who go to church (any church) each week.
The Royal Family is expendable; even more so at a time of social, political or economic crisis. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarchy is largely ceremonial. The monarchy has no legislative or governing powers.
The monarchy has to adapt to survive, and that's why Charles was allowed to marry Camilla. Why there is a generally more casual, less formal, attitude of the members of the Royal Family.