The Royal Representative

Archive for the ‘Wales’ Category

People over at OurKingdom are debating about the fate of the UK. Some are suggesting an Anglo-Celtic bloc within the European Union (should the UK join), and refer to this possibility as a “decentralised Albion, with a Council of the Isles”.

Others are speaking up saying, “For England, a “confederated” United Kingdom would be nothing but gain. The obsession among Westminster politicians with keeping the union is archaic … An autonomous Scotland, a country as big as Denmark, should liberate the English parliament to enjoy a politics freed of the alien encumbrance of Scottish seats … It should also liberate England to consider its localism, its neglected Anglo-Saxon history and culture, without having to “take into account” the Scottish (or Irish or Welsh) ingredients of that curious vacuity, Britishness.”

Take a look around OurKingdom or start a debate in the British American Group

Well, not exactly, but our heir to the throne has made some good property moves. According to Hello!, the Prince has bought, sold or renovated over £200 million-worth of property in the past seven years, making a £43 million profit.

Sales of assets, which have raised £123.5 million since 2001, range from £30 million for a block of flats to £40,000 for farmland.

While dealing in property, Charles also purchased a new estate, located in Wales which I am happy to see. As Prince of Wales, it only seems appropriate. Now Charles’ only problem is trying to fit “Llwynywormwood” on to envelopes.

The beautiful 22-year-old Claire Jones has become the third person to take on the role of Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales. Jones, who has been playing the harp since the age of ten, will make her debut in the role on Wednesday at a black-tie dinner hosted by Prince Charles at Cardiff Castle.

“I’m absolutely delighted. It’s such an honour to have been given this role.” - Claire Jones

Jones, who is working on her first album, takes over from the current post holder Jemima Phillips who was appointed in July 2004. Catrin Finch was the very first harpist appointed, back in 2000. It was the first time the royal family had accorded such an honor since the reign of Queen Victoria.

Referring back to the previous post “No Longer A Scottish Queen”, I just realized why the Union is a point of contention right now. 2007 is the 300th year that England, Scotland, and Wales have been united as one kingdom.

In 1707, the three countries were combined into the United Kingdom of Great Britain by the Act of the Union, endorsed by Queen Anne.

Interesting eh? Any comments on the timing of the debate?