Who your forefathers are count little on campus ground –
it is your academic performance that matters, and the opportunity to be
surrounded by the best and the brightest from all over the world. As
the saying goes: "You are special, just like everyone else."
Lastly, a cadre of superbly trained family members is a bulwark against penury just in case something happens politically.
After the Greek royals were exiled in the 1920s, Prince Nicholas and his wife, Grand Duchess Helen, rented out their palace in Athens and took up residency in Paris where he sold his watercolours and oils. Daughters Princesses Olga, Elisabeth, and Marina did some work including modeling and endorsements. Once Princess Raghild of Norway married her decorated war hero, Eric Lorentzen, they had to leave the country and try their luck in Brazil, where she had to figure out how to manage without a retinue.
Unlike Princess Margaret’s children, who could get by on their inheritance from their mother and Queen Mother, but still choose to work, the offspring of the Kents have nothing of the kind to fall back on and must earn their living.
The children of another Margaret, the Spanish Queen Margarita of Bulgaria, are in similar circumstances as their mother is extremely wealthy but they are in either business or medicine.
While their father, Simeon, is in Bulgaria, still in politics as former prime minister, the siblings are primarily based in Spain, one notable exception being London businessman Prince Kyril, whose wife Rosario is a muse of Valentino.
You can see why most reach the age of 30 before they can develop the 4 Wells and feel confident to take on the Family Business (or "The Firm" as it was dubbed by King George VI).
Does William have a way to go before he can be available for marriage?
Yes, Kate, it was a matter of sad timing.
This ‘program of studies’ is applicable to all who aspire to work in business, politics, or the nascent environmental movement. Let’s get equipped to make a difference.
Comment: Donovan - I'm afraid that you are correct.... but as Exploora pointed out - per person cost is low but if the princes want to be normal, it's really a 'pretend' normalcy when it's convenient. Of course, through their mother's wealth they could definitely afford that too and just hang out for the rest of their lives. I never doubted Charles' claims that he was terriby unhappy at times with his own childhood and his own experiences influenced his decisions with the princes. That said, I with that someone saw to it that the princes got more exposure - it's as if they are trapped (happily) in one social circle and sort of given something to do with their time. Diana's comment about knowledge equaling power was a loaded one, to be sure. Had she been alive, her emergence as a more Euro-savvy presence may have put the boys in situations where they might have been less isolated. How would they know what they are missing if they never experienced it? I also think that they are smarter than they are given credit and young enough to enjoy every moment of it (assuming they are at all interested. Harry is probably more up for the challenge of stepping outside of his comfort zone, than Wills. I bet if he fell in love with a French girl, he'd be fluent in a year.
Name: Donovan
Comment: The RF - Windsor-Mountbatten-Saxe-Coburg-Hanover etc,etc family has never been known for their intellectual achievements. They are not looking for success on the world stage, they have a name that will carry them through.
Name: exploora
Comment: I think the problem is, when reading an article about either Prince, the number one compliment appears to be, he was so normal.
HM was not raised to be normal, she, in many ways lives in a different world than we do, I know I am generalizing, but she has a different orientation, than a person would have, going to a Public school, mingling with friends at MacDonald's, sizing up chicks at clubs.
Yes 62p is not a lot for everyone to pay, but the opportunity cost is usually excluded from this equation.
The opportunity cost just to help Harry feel like a normal military man has not even been added up yet, I suspect.
The opportunity cost to chauffeur the boys around so they can feel normal as they go clubbing.
What is the point of having a Royal Family if all they want to do is act normal. William even wants to live in a "normal" apartment.
The boyz appear to be giving the message they would rather be normal than Royal. It is just my opinion.
If the RF is an embarrassment to the country, then it may not even be worth the alleged 62p everyone is told it costs them.
Name: Monika
Comment: Vreston…another great post! (Tell your husband I said so!) IMO, three factors have contributed to the decisions made on behalf of W&H…the absence of their mother’s influence, Charles’ desire to shield them from his own adolescent misery and, finally, Charles’ status quo approach due to “other priorities.” Given all the resources available to the RF, it is a shame that W&H have not been exposed to a more comprehensive path, both academically and from a life-experience perspective. Unfortunately, this is nothing new as far as the RF is concerned. The Queen Mother thought a happy family life and fresh air was more important for her daughters than formal lessons. Naturally, a solid family life is important, but it should be in addition to, rather than in lieu of formal education. (Having said that, I think the Queen has been a superb example of selfless dedication. I realize formal education alone is also not a guarantee of success.) When it came time to make decisions regarding Prince Charles’ education, the Queen yielded to her husband’s wish that Charles should attend Cheam and Gordonstoun. Considering Charles’ more introspective and sensitive nature, perhaps Gordonstoun was not the wisest choice. With the exception of two terms in Australia and one in Wales, Charles’ university education was English. Yes, he was the first member of the British RF to earn a degree and that was/is an acheivment to be proud of. However, IMO, with each successive generation, it is important to raise the bar even higher to keep up with the times. This is even more imperative for two young men who are destined to play significant roles on a national and international scale. During her Panorama interview, Diana said knowledge is power. How true. In these modern, and at times cynical times, it is critical for the RF to remain relevant to the average person and they can’t do that by playing polo, shaking hands and managing spin. (I am referring to CH and NOT Queen E.)
Name: exploora
Comment: I like the idea of having a RF. History would be very boring without Kings and Queens, Knights in shining armour kissing the hand of Royalty before they go to defend it's honour.
Without the ceromonies that accompany royalty, our history would possibly appear rather blood thirsty.
How exciting it would be to have the opportunity to go to different countries, learn the most important 100 words in each language and to have one's shadow graced with the prescense of a princess or prince at one's side just for a moment, possibly being allowed to give one of their horses a carrot and a pat on the nose.
I would miss the RF if they were gone.
Name: Anyacat
Comment: Interesting that an article designed to explain why Prince William is not ready for marriage should become yet another vehicle for the republican minded to cast aspersions on their favorite target the monarchy. Charles has a minimal influence on his sons, unless they get into trouble, then it's his fault--not their youthful and sometimes questionable decisions. Prince Charles has given his sons that which he was denied: The freedom to decide for themselves how they wish to lead their lives. And by the way, The Royal Public Finances annual report shows that the Queen and the institution of Monarchy cost every taxpayer just 62 pence in the 2006, that was an increase of 1 pence from 2005. Diana insisted that her sons be put down for Eaton at birth. I doubt that she would have changed her mind.
Name: vreston
Comment: I really enjoyed everyone's comments and it's disheartening that it just does not seem to be a topic that may be of such intense scrutiny to the RF. So much is at stake. To encourage change would require an admission of strategic failure by those tasked with guiding these men. Does anyone see Prince Phillip or RH jumping at the cance to do this? (Charles' influence is minimal). It would almost require a total rejection of their own upbringing, although women (it seems?) were exposed to more fine things like languages and arts as a part of their curriculum. I loved Exploora's points on multi-language thinking and the link to mathematics, emphasizing a connection between different areas of the brain, a muscle that must be exercised just like any other. Some of the greatest scientists were also accomplished writers and musicians. It took Tony Blair to force RH to acknowledge Diana's death in a proper way, and that was a sudden shock to the system. Whom will it take to convince the RH this crisis for what it is? IMO, it's no less serious to the Monarchy in the long-run, after the more respected members of the famly are gone. Luckily - there is still time, QE is in fine health and may reign for another 20 years.
Name: Tracey
Comment: I agree with everyone, Dr. Seto has given a perfect blueprint to anyone wishing to be successful on the world stage, especially future leaders of business, politics or monarchies. Pity the Windsors lack the foresight or courage to allow William and Harry to get this type of education. The reality is that in denying the boys this education for their future roles, they are also in turn denying the country great leadership. Maybe Queen Elizabeth will be the last of her kind and what follows will just be all surface and no substance, at present both boys are displaying behaviour that does not set them apart from the rest of the masses and if that is so then why have a monarchy at all.
Name: exploora
Comment: When a person can speak two languages, they also learn how to think from different angles.
I also think mathematics is a language in many ways.
Analytical thinking, being able to observe facts and draw probabilities, in a non polarized fashion, seems to be a lost art too. I am always amazed at how amazed people are when I can count change in my head.
The role of the British monarchy has been really different, than the role of the european monarchy. The Commonwealth, is the result of British Imperialism. Some of the poorest countries on this planet, belong to the commonwealth.
The RF appear to be conditioned to be a military family. They are not even expected to do well academically. They aren't supposed to dabble in business, they aren't supposed to dabble in politics,and they are encouraged to join the military. They are very limited to what they can actually do.
I think the best thing Wills can do is get his own appartment, away from the castles. I rather doubt he will ever be king. I guess he feels the same way. He doesn't act as if he really wants to be King, he doesn't appear to be taking the position very seriously, and as head of the church of England, it is almost comical to imagine Charles in that position.
And Harry allegedly having to ask why it was so bad wearing a German Uniform, considering his position. Obviously, he is not anywhere close to being head of state material.
Even if Harry and Wills took the time to learn a hundred words in seven languages even, just to show respect, it wouldn't convince me that the RF is worth the money the RF costs.
Name: M-M
Comment: The educational path followed by William and Harry has raised some eyebrows over the years . Harry (practical rather than intellectual )should not have been sent to Eton where he floundered . Both should have taken units of Political Science , both should have studied some of the time overseas , and both should have been exposed to their European relatives . And both should have had their drinking curbed . It is hard to avoid thinking that the loss of Diana was catastrophic for their development . An excellent article
Name: Kate
Comment: Really a very good article. I think to, the Trump children are excellent role models in their striving to know their Father's company and how to run it ( them)!They are all ready successful in their own right..and I'm sure they are way ahead of Harry and William in mentality due to their experiences.
Unfortunately, Charles, in his pursuit for camilla's acceptance from the masses, forgot to guild the princes too much further, she being his priority and not his sons. Let the paid help raise and guide them!!
Everything Dr. Seto pointed out, just what the princes should be doing is true. Are they going to bar hop all their lives?
Regarding Kate.. ( I don't dislike her, I just think she wasted her shot at the brass ring!!) She could have been extending her education in such a manner that would have aided her possible position as future monarch..She could have lived and worked in another country,(absence makes the heart grow fonder!) or had extended education in one of the universities in Canada or the US, to help broaden her and give her another dimension, like taking another language.. Do the princes know how to speak Spanish, or French? I wonder if any of them even read " Letters to the Editor"or 'Editorials" for that matter!!
Since they are now versed in sexual pursuits and have appeased their young healthy sexual appetites for a bit, how about getting down to work and hone the qualifications they need for their positions in life!! We want a King to be proud of, not some knucklehead like his father..
Hmmmm - maybe I over did!!
Oops - I do appreciate Dr.Seto mentioning the job offer Kate had from New York.
Name: Karmen Day
Comment: An Excellent excellent article Dr. Seto. Very well written and great information some of which I did not know. Thank you.
My only thought is why was Kate mentioned?
Name: vreston
Comment: Love the article for so many reasons! Diana's sons did seem to be coddled a bit much by the Windsor family. I've often wondered, how with such amazing resources and such a close proximity to other countries, they were not fluent in other languages. After all, it's all in how it's wrapped - tedious grammar studies or just another way to meet adoring girls overseas. I don't know why the boys never had a foreign language nanny or someone of the sort. It's so effortless to start young. Just because English is the most widely used 'common' business language, it should not preclude learning others and ought to be encouraged - regardless of one's social ranking or income. Heck, in most countries it's expected! Before they knew - they could be using the new skills for something more responsible. They were born into guaranteed, best paid government positions out there - too bad it's become more of a soap opera (though fun to watch, I admit) than a regal situation. The other Royal families seem to balance their entitlement with their duties. For the British, only a few 'Duty' stars emerge and the two leading (young) men are still floundering. No wonder Princess Michael of Kent felt comfortable enough to compare her own children's education to W & H in such a public forum. Sure, they seem to have good hearts, but that's just a foundation. More discipline and lot less bravado may be just what they need. Who would be the right person to guide them, though? The RF opportunity for well over 20 years now, and as adults they are not as easily molded and their value system is pretty much set. If the story's of Harry's naivete about the Nazi regime is true, his upbringing is a failure of an expensive education on a grand scale. It's as if their care takers didn't have such high expectations of them, and that's just terrible. If they are internally motivated, a change may happen - my question is, how long do their future subjects need to wait and see when they chose to step up and really embrace their very visible roles. William does not have to abdicate to have a satisfying life or find comfort in his likely role as a king. I would love to see him define his role on his own terms and become a great modern monarch - but he definitely needs to get his skills on an international arena in order. As Monika said, it's not an all or nothing proposition.
Name: shelley
Comment: Charles "protects" his sons because he cannot stand the competition....let's not kid ourselves.
Name: mary
Comment: Excellent points, Dr. Seto! But I would like to mention Amherst, not Brown, is the alma mater of Prince Albert of Monaco. He graduated from there in 1981 with a Bachelor's degree in Poiltical Science.
Name: Cara T
Comment: Factual correction: Prince Albert of Monaco is NOT a Brown alum - he graduated from Amherst.
Name: Trudie
Comment: Sadly it seems that Charles couldn't be bothered about furthering the educations of his son's. After Diana died about the only traveling the Princes have done was one visit to Canada and in the case of Harry to South Africa. Unless it was a ski trip the boys really haven't been anywhere to polish them off.
Name: Monika
Comment: Dr Seto has made some valid arguments. Perhaps Charles was eager to protect his sons from some of what he had to endure, but it is not an all or nothing proposition. In this day and age, it is even more important for them to be well rounded.
That said, I with that someone saw to it that the princes got more exposure - it's as if they are trapped (happily) in one social circle and sort of given something to do with their time. Diana's comment about knowledge equaling power was a loaded one, to be sure. Had she been alive, her emergence as a more Euro-savvy presence may have put the boys in situations where they might have been less isolated. How would they know what they are missing if they never experienced it? I also think that they are smarter than they are given credit and young enough to enjoy every moment of it (assuming they are at all interested. Harry is probably more up for the challenge of stepping outside of his comfort zone, than Wills. I bet if he fell in love with a French girl, he'd be fluent in a year.
