CHRISTOPHER WILSON: For everyone who cares about future of the Monarchy, these are dangerous times

Our Monarchy is a treasured but ultimately fragile jewel. The events of the past few days have shown that all too clearly. There are widespread concerns about the Queen’s health, while William and Kate endured several awkward moments during their Caribbean tour.

The couple returned home today having acquitted themselves with distinction, but the institution that they represent, and which has been such a key pillar of Britain’s national identity for centuries, has come under attack.

For many, the Monarchy is a refuge in times of crisis. Ugly events – war in Ukraine, Covid, the rising cost of living at home – can seem less of a threat if all remains calm and stable at the centre of things.

The Queen represents the beating heart of the nation, yet her advanced age and increasing frailty expose just how delicate the bond is between sovereign and people.

It is now increasingly clear that we should not expect to see our Head of State again at any of those traditional set pieces in the Royal year – Trooping the Colour, the State Opening of Parliament, Royal Ascot and the rest.

Yet there are no plans for a Regency, in which Prince Charles would formally take his mother’s place as Head of State. For on her 21st birthday, the Queen pledged: ‘I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service.’

In other words, she would never give up the throne.

But make no mistake, critics of the Monarchy are lining up to attack this keystone of the British state. And William and Kate’s overseas tour last week has given them more ammunition.

The Royal couple’s appearance in Jamaica, where republican feeling runs hot and strong, was a mis-step. Having tripped, they found it difficult to regain a steady momentum.

And despite an outstanding show of Royal professionalism in the harsh glare of tropical sunlight, the dependable Royal magic of old looked as though it was wearing thin.

With Barbados so recently turning its back on the Crown and declaring itself a republic, visiting Jamaica was always going to be a gamble. With hindsight, it’s easy to see the flaws in the Caribbean tour’s planning and perception.

Principally aired on social media but significantly, too, from the BBC’s Royal correspondent who described one event as ‘some sort of white-saviour parody.’

Then last night came William’s dramatic statement about the future of the Commonwealth.

For the millions who care about the future of the House of Windsor, these are dangerous times.

After her painful decision not to attend the annual Commonwealth Day service a fortnight ago, there is much anxiety over whether the Queen will go to Westminster Abbey on Tuesday for the memorial service for Prince Philip.

Quite understandably, she doesn’t wish her increasing mobility problems to be broadcast around the world.

Despite last week’s charming pictures of her in a floral dress, leaning lightly on a walking stick, things have clearly become a struggle for her.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are pictured paying their respects during a visit to Abaco’s Memorial Wall on Saturday to remember the victims of the hurricane 

In refusing to step aside and take a back seat, it can be argued that the institution she heads is in danger of growing weaker with her.

Unquestionably, too, the combined losses of Prince Andrew and Prince Harry from the Royal ranks in deeply controversial circumstances, coupled with the death of Prince Philip, leave the Royal Family at its most vulnerable since the 1936 Abdication.

Members are undoubtedly working hard in difficult circumstances, but with ageing members such as the Duke of Kent, Princess Alexandra and the Duke of Gloucester now semi-retired, the institution looks and feels less solid.

In fairness, the Covid lockdowns, which put paid to Royals meeting people on official visits, saw the House of Windsor act with unaccustomed speed to address the changing national mood.

During the pandemic, we have seen the Royals adapt quickly to the electronic world and, in so doing, have astutely found a way to make themselves more visible to many more people.

But the more high-profile the Windsor team becomes, the greater the scrutiny and the greater the chances for error.

Many believe that William’s apology in Jamaica for Britain’s slave-trading past was a colossal error, aimed at appeasing a nation unready and unwilling to be appeased.

All it did was to open an old wound and served no useful purpose beyond making British Royalty look weak.

For this, William can hardly take the blame personally – his speech will have been drafted with Foreign Office direction. But now back home, as he reflects on the events of the past few days, he may ask himself whether he and his family need better advice.

Because times are changing fast. In today’s social media age, where minority toxic views often out-shout the feelings of the majority, the concept of Monarchy is in danger of being viewed by younger generations as antiquated, unduly privileged and irrelevant.

In addition – for some observers at least – the danger to the Royal Family’s stability lies, not in dissent from far-flung countries, but from much nearer home.

For years, there have been concerns that Prince Charles, despite his lifetime of good works and cheerful patience while he awaits the top job, has an erratic side to his nature which threatens the necessary stability that has been the hallmark of his mother’s reign.

Prince Charles and Camilla are seen posing in front of a cathedral during a visit to the Rock of Cashel on March 25 in Tipperary, Ireland

Charles has pledged that, once on the throne, he will no longer interfere in politics. The so-called ‘black-spider’ memos – handwritten notes he sent to Cabinet Ministers urging them into action on his pet concerns – will, we are told, cease and, as King, he will lay down his campaigning sword. But those who know Charles doubt it.

The big question is whether King Charles III will leave the institution of Monarchy in as strong a position as when he inherited it. Or will his innate bull-headedness provide more ammunition to the Monarchy’s critics?

Looking much further ahead, and the reign of King William V, it is to be hoped that such lessons will have been learned.

The fact is that William has, as far as we know, steered clear of political intervention, and wisely, too. From reluctant beginnings, we know he now treasures the prospect of kingship.

Most impressively, he and Kate have, month upon month and year upon year, become a glittering asset of which our nation, and the Commonwealth, can be proud. Pretty much, they have followed the path laid down by the Queen, rather than the one pioneered by Charles.

Also, William, aged 39, is untouched by the heavy burden of waiting in line which has so afflicted his father, allowing his judgment on occasion to meander.

After the bruising he received during last week’s Caribbean tour, William will surely take heed. And when he has more say about the direction the Monarchy is heading, after last week’s shambles, he should be heard.

Above all, the words of another man, a titan of the House of Windsor should be heeded.

As the world pays tribute to Prince Philip at his memorial service on Tuesday, we would do well to reflect on this great man’s sense of duty, patriotism, self-sacrifice, modesty and common sense – all virtues that will guarantee that our Monarchy endures.