TROUBLE IN PARADISE
THEY oozed charm, showed off their fun side and dazzled the world with their glamour and grace.
But William and Kate’s tour of three Caribbean countries will be remembered for a lot more than smiles and style and waves and warmth.
The trip, in which they represented the queen in her platinum jubilee year, was fraught with controversy from the start. And now, as they settle back into life with their three children, the Cambridges will be reflecting on a tour that drove home one salient point: the monarchy is not sacred.
People in some countries in the Commonwealth realms, where Queen Elizabeth is still head of state, want out.
Royal commentator Camilla Tominey says the royals are fighting a losing battle trying to keep countries in the organisation. Over the years many nations have done their best to grin and bear it for the sake of the queen who, as William said in one speech on tour, is like a grandmother to all.
“The queen is sacrosanct among the Commonwealth because she’s dedicated her life to serving people,” Tominey says. “But her successor, Prince Charles, is a more polarising figure which could trigger the departure of other countries when he ascends the throne.”
The queen turns 96 on 21 April and is becoming increasingly frail, her every rare public appearance greeted with a sigh of relief and a tinge of sadness. No one can live forever
