Groom and prejudice

The reality is that until recently there was no room in British society for both Diana and Charles to be separately happy. If Diana was alive today, British public opinion would never have been supportive of Charles’ marriage to Camilla. The ‘People’s Princess’ would have trumped the loathed prince.

When Diana went public with her marriage gripes, Camilla quickly earned the sobriquet of “marriage wrecker”. People wondered why Charles would discard a stunner like Diana. Diana turned into the priestess of Beauty and Truth. Her tragic death catapulted her to a saint-like status, making a union between Charles and Camilla appear unlikely at that point.

Diana’s tragedy is boundless. Yet, in recent history, few male figures have been as undeservingly de-humanised as Charles. Princes are accustomed to many wives and lovers. Diana was royally betrayed. Yet Charles was no seducer of Knightsbridge. His only fault was that he genuinely loved one woman. The public’s problem was that she wasn’t Diana.

Today, times are different. The mawkish fascination with Diana has waned. The British public is ready to let go of the fraudulent memory of Diana, which had held for far too long. Those who are alive — Charles and Camilla — can make a new beginning. For the first time, Charles can live for himself, without hiding or prevaricating. Still, love to Charles has come at a great cost. His marriage to Camilla probably indicates that he will not be king. Still, the British would rather have a love-swooned 56-year-old man than a stuffy royal. Let’s raise a glass for Charles.