Not exactly a 1:1 interaction but I was really pissed off as to just how late Prince Charles (now offically named King Prince Charles) was to the comissioning of the UK’s new big aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales (also his official title as the heir at the time). Don’t ask why I was there lol, I’m not in the military, long story.
I am absolutely not a fan of the monarchy, I’m a staunch republican, so I was already a bit annoyed by this part of it. So there we are stuffed into these really uncomfortable tiered seating things which were set up inside the main hanger space. Its warm, uncomfortable, and the formal dress code isn’t helping matters.
After sitting there for ages the ceremony starts, speeches from the captain and other higher-ups in the admiralty, music from the Royal Marine brass band, things are ok though.
We were rapidly approaching the bit where royal Big Ears is meant do his bit and theres no sign of him yet. Cue what felt like 2 hours of stalling, the band was running out of material, some filler speeches and stories… we can’t leave the seats because its clear he could turn up at any second and they also don’t want the public wandering around their new aircraft carrier. The chatter and noises of discontent were getting louder, people having to awkwardly shimmy in front of the whole audience to beg to be taken to the heads to relieve themselves…
Finally he turns up, says some superficial crap like he actually gives a shit, the actual commissioning ceremony happens and then he just buggers off again. Then we have to go through with the rest of the programme… just kill me now.
So yeah, not sure what his excuse was, its a massive aircraft carrier in a naval base, not exactly a last second arrangement but apparently it was justified to just turn up last second and still be late, screw everyone else’s time. Fuck the King.
Oh and not mine or bad but on the theme, my mother once shook hands and spoke to confirmed nonce (former Prince) Andrew. She’s no longer proud of that moment.
Slightly related. I had to represent my company at a fete HRH was attending. He went round the hall and spoke to folk selling craft tat then stopped by me. No joke, turned to me and said “this is all a load of rubbish isn’t it?”.
I’m not into the royals at all but I had big respect for him that day.
Not exactly a 1:1 interaction but I was really pissed off as to just how late Prince Charles (now offically named King Prince Charles) was to the comissioning of the UK’s new big aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales (also his official title as the heir at the time). Don’t ask why I was there lol, I’m not in the military, long story.
I am absolutely not a fan of the monarchy, I’m a staunch republican, so I was already a bit annoyed by this part of it. So there we are stuffed into these really uncomfortable tiered seating things which were set up inside the main hanger space. Its warm, uncomfortable, and the formal dress code isn’t helping matters.
After sitting there for ages the ceremony starts, speeches from the captain and other higher-ups in the admiralty, music from the Royal Marine brass band, things are ok though.
We were rapidly approaching the bit where royal Big Ears is meant do his bit and theres no sign of him yet. Cue what felt like 2 hours of stalling, the band was running out of material, some filler speeches and stories… we can’t leave the seats because its clear he could turn up at any second and they also don’t want the public wandering around their new aircraft carrier. The chatter and noises of discontent were getting louder, people having to awkwardly shimmy in front of the whole audience to beg to be taken to the heads to relieve themselves…
Finally he turns up, says some superficial crap like he actually gives a shit, the actual commissioning ceremony happens and then he just buggers off again. Then we have to go through with the rest of the programme… just kill me now.
So yeah, not sure what his excuse was, its a massive aircraft carrier in a naval base, not exactly a last second arrangement but apparently it was justified to just turn up last second and still be late, screw everyone else’s time. Fuck the King.
Oh and not mine or bad but on the theme, my mother once shook hands and spoke to confirmed nonce (former Prince) Andrew. She’s no longer proud of that moment.
Slightly related. I had to represent my company at a fete HRH was attending. He went round the hall and spoke to folk selling craft tat then stopped by me. No joke, turned to me and said “this is all a load of rubbish isn’t it?”.
I’m not into the royals at all but I had big respect for him that day.