terça-feira, 30 de novembro de 2010

WikiLeaks give rare glimpses of how royals are viewed


London, England (CNN) -- The diplomatic cables published by WikiLeaks throw up revealing details about how the world looks at Britain's royal family, as well as highlighting the occasional episode when erstwhile-royal behavior forces its way on to the agenda of international meetings.
There is a frank assessment of Prince Charles by the political director of the Commonwealth group of countries. Amitav Banerji tells an officer at the U.S. Embassy in London that the prince does not "command the same respect" among Commonwealth members as does Queen Elizabeth, according to a cable sent on June 11, 2009.
Banerji says Commonwealth officials were trying to get the prince "more involved" in the organization, according to the cable. It goes on to report Banerji saying the issue of whether Prince Charles would succeed his mother as head of the Commonwealth would be dealt with after the queen passes. There is no rule stipulating the British monarch must head the organization, the cable notes; nor is there any procedure for selecting a new head.
Approached by CNN for a response, a spokesman for the Commonwealth said it did not comment on privileged communication. CNN