Clarence House has announced that the Prince of Wales and Duchess of
Cornwall will tour Japan and Brunei later this month.
However, while Prince Charles will then move on to Indonesia, Camilla will
return home early to - according to a royal insider - "catch her breath" ahead of 60th birthday celebrations for her husband in November.
Announcing details of the visit, a Clarence House spokesman went to unusually
exorbitant lengths to stress the value of the tour amidst the growing economic
crisis which is currently taxing the minds of government officials and economists in Britain and around the world.
According to the royal aide: "Clearly the trip takes place against the
backdrop of considerable international turmoil."
"I just wanted to say the Prince and the Duchess are, of course,
acutely conscious of the cost of these visits, but as ever they are more than
ready to do their duty at the request of the Government. And despite - you
could almost say because of the current economic situation - the Government has
confirmed it wants this tour to go ahead given the importance of the strategic
priorities which it is going to address."
Concluded the official: "In these difficult
times you particularly need your friends when you're a small island nation like
ours.”
While the government will no doubt hope this latest overseas tour results in a strengthening of
diplomatic and business ties between the United Kingdom and Japan, Brunei and
Indonesia, royal watchers may be intrigued to see what other bonuses may come
out of the tour.
On previous visits to the Gulf states the Prince of Wales and his wives – both Diana
and Camilla – have been presented with millions of dollars worth of jewels by figures such as the Sultan of Brunei.
The news that Camilla is to pull out of the tour early will likely
reignite debate about her stamina and devotion to royal duties.
Despite undertaking numerous engagements which go widely unnoticed, the Duchess continues to battle against claims that she is "lazy".
Comment: I'm very glad that you enjoyed yourself, Valmae. Yes, I to am looking forward to the POW's birthday bashes. Wish I could be there, especially the party at Highgrove!
Name: valmae
Comment: Carolyn - we came over nearly two years' ago as well as NZ. We went to Sydney and Cairns and would very much like to see more. We felt very much at home in both countries, in fact I was very sad to leave.
I don't envy royals and celebrities having to be on show in public places. However, you could say that its "celebrities'" career choice. They must spend hours or even days preparing and grooming for that all important public appearance. In some cases the clothing is so extreme that they nearly show it all!
The royals are born or married into the circus. However, they have to have a slight smile on their lips at all times, otherwise they are shown to be unhappy or miserable. We can smile most of the time but not every minute of the day.
As with everything royal I look forward to all the trips, state occasions and, at the moment, to the PoW's birthday celebrations!
Name: Carolyn
Comment: That's interesting Valmae, let us know if the disinformation does cease next year. You should extend your travels a bit further, Indonesia is a fascinating country, and you could go further and come to Australia too. Better to come in our early spring or autumn then it won't be too hot, especially in Indonesia.
Name: udyusa
Comment: That may not be all bad, Contessa. It might help 'thaw' her out abit.
Name: Contessa
Comment: I think there is a secondary reason why she is cutting short her trip. The ice running through her veins is bothered by tropical climates!
Name: valmae
Comment: Carolyn: I'm not certain, but it is possible that the trips to Japan and Brunei are in lieu of the Queen. As I said before let's see what the itinerary includes. I don't know, but the Indonesian trip might be more nature orientated? There is a lot to see there, would love to go. Only managed Bali and Malaysian Borneo so far.
I reread the article in the D.Mail and I suspect it could be traced to the Secretary who has "resigned" w.e.f. end of year. When you trace back she has been rather indiscreet in the past. If I'm correct the flow of disinformation should cease.
Name: Carolyn
Comment: Thanks, Valmae. I also think that Camilla's presence is required in Brunei and Japan as those countries are both monarchies. I expect C&C will be received by the Japanese Emperor and the Sultan of Brunei when they are in their countries. The comments about Fawcett here remind me of the time when The Queen asked that the press give Diana a break because she coudn't even go to Tetbury to buy sweets without them hounding her. Someone said, why doesn't she send a servant?. HM's reply was "what an utterly pompous remark".
Name: valmae
Comment: Carolyn - I couldn't agree more.
Name: Carolyn
Comment: Firstly if it is too hot, then surely Camilla would not be going on the tour at all. Indonesia is just as hot as Brunei. Secondly if Camilla wasn't supporting her husband, she would not do any part of the tour. Naurally one asks why? Indeed perhaps there is a real reason that we shall discover at a later date. I doubt that Clarence House would leave Camilla open to such obvious dirt throwing without a good reason, it is just too easy for the anti Camilla brigade to point score as is evidenced here.
Name: exploora
Comment: I wonder if she is pulling out for an unknown or unpublicized reason such as continuing the journey may be a strain on her health.
We still do not know why she had the hysterectomy.
I still don't understand why these "dignitaries" just chat on facebook, or on some private network, it sure would save on public money, fuel and shoes.
Name: Tracey
Comment: My thoughts exactly Contessa. As for Indonesia being unsafe, I would hesitate a guess and say that Charles would not be going near any of those remote places anyway. Nope it would be airconditioned comfort all the way.
Name: Contessa
Comment: I was thinking that she was going to quit the tour after Brunei because that was the last stop where she was likely to be given a very expensive gift.
Name: Frances
Comment: Surely the details of the visit have been well worked out by now! With her reputation of being rather work-shy, I feel that she should complete this trip to help put these observations of her work habits to rest.. WHY is she rushing home to attend the details for the party, when Mr, Fawcett is more then capable of looking after all?? I am ssure there are "First Ladies" of these countries who could entertain Camilla, away from some of the events that have been selected for the POW to do... Part of her "job", now that she is married to Princes Charles, is to be there to "support" him, through rain and snow if need be!!
If it's all right with you, I will decide myself, WHEN I wish to comment..
Name: valmae
Comment: Parts of Indonesia can be quite dangerous for visitors. I would suspect that the security people will be pulled out looking after Charles. Let's see what the visit entails and where he goes before commenting.
Name: Frances
Comment: Poor Camilla can't stand the heat!!! Has to hurry home to put the party together. Why doesn't she just leave a list for Fawcett to do. He is quite capable of putting a party together!! I think it is more important for her to be with her husband while on tour!! Diana would never give in to the hot weather...
