SARAH VINE: We should all honour Charles’s ‘strength and stay’

Tomorrow, King Charles will mark a milestone in his tenure as monarch: he will outlast his most reviled predecessor, Richard III.

Although Charles is considered something of a novice, Robert Hardman’s brilliant new biography reminds us that he has been in public life longer than almost anyone else, since that first official walkabout in Caernarfon in 1969.

His first visit to the White House was in 1970 and he founded the Prince’s Trust in 1976 – before most of today’s Labor secretaries were even born.

Not only have few other monarchs worked harder or longer in the service of their country, but Charles has always been driven by the feeling that he must prove himself worthy of the great privilege he enjoys.

The same goes for Queen Camilla. It took decades to move from the role of mistress to that of royal consort. Of course, there will always be those who can never forgive Princess Diana’s betrayal (not least, you feel Prince Harry) – and that’s understandable. But if any woman can be said to have earned forgiveness through hard work, humor and sheer dedication, it is Camilla.

The job of a monarch is not easy, despite the superficial trappings. Doing it well requires wisdom, flexibility and pragmatism – something Charles’ mother had in abundance.

Robert Hardman’s book provides a fascinating insight – revealing that not long before her death, the late Queen had discussed with officials the idea of ​​changing the Order of the British Empire to something more in tune with modern sensibilities.

She undoubtedly knew this would upset traditionalists – but as always, Her Majesty was more concerned with securing the future of the Crown than clinging to the past. She understood that sometimes it pays to give up small victories to secure much bigger victories.

Sarah Vine has spent time in their company and witnessed how Queen Camilla somehow manages to lighten Charles’ very heavy burden.

She was advised in much of her decision-making by Prince Philip, a man who in many ways exemplified the role of royal consort. He recognized his status and knew he always had to stay two steps behind. But he wasn’t a braggart either. He used his position wisely and, as his wife herself so movingly put it in 1997 on their golden wedding anniversary, was her ‘strength and support’.

I dare say that Camilla has filled a very similar role for Charles over the years of their relationship. After spending time in their company, I have witnessed how she somehow manages to lighten his burden.

I know a lot about it!

The contestants on ITV’s upcoming I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! look intriguing. In addition to Coleen Rooney, left, there is former boxer Barry McGuigan, Strictly’s Oti Mabuse, journalist Jane Moore and Reverend Richard Coles of Radio 4 fame. For once, real celebrities rather than Z-listers – and someone for everyone.

Coleen Rooney, wife of football great Wayne, is heading to the Outback to star in this year’s series I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

Charles can be anxious, a little irritable at times, and she has a great way of defusing any tension. She softens those edges, improves the mood (including his) and puts everyone around her at ease. She’s a nice person, with maybe just that extra dash of whiskey.

Later this month, a new ITV documentary will shine a light on her work as queen, in particular her involvement with domestic violence charities including SafeLives, of which she is a patron. It will feature interviews with several high-profile women, from Cherie Blair to Theresa May, as well as actors and celebrities such as Helen Mirren and Patrick Stewart, all united under one banner: ending domestic abuse.

Featuring moving testimonies from survivors and their families, the documentary illustrates the heartbreaking scale of the problem – but also offers new insight into the personality of the woman for whom the king arguably risked his reign and reputation.

What viewers will see is an individual with remarkable tenacity, vision and unerring compassion, who is determined to use her position for good.

Someone who works quietly in the background, is not in the spotlight, likes to let her work speak for itself and supports others instead of putting herself first. Someone who is not greedy for recognition, who does not ask for it, but is willing to earn it little by little.

With Charles now king, this kindness, generosity and strength of character gradually begin to show. People are finally waking up to what others have known for a long time, namely that Queen Camilla is an intelligent, thoughtful woman who – despite a rocky start – brings an awful lot to the royal table.

It’s no less than she deserves.

If Rachel Reeves succeeds in her quest to bankrupt our farmers, I wonder how she thinks the country will feed itself? Or do ministers mean it very literally when they say ‘eat the rich’?

Congratulations to new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it – especially because without effective opposition there is no limit to the damage Labor will do. Of course, Sir Keir Starmer’s party has never had a female leader, let alone a female leader of colour. Kemi will undoubtedly be happy to show you how it’s done.

As soon as Kemi Badenoch is announced as the new leader of the Tories, Labor MP Dawn Butler posts a vile tweet calling her ‘the black face of white supremacy’. We should be grateful that Badenoch is not also Jewish.

Not so cuddly Carli

Why do so many teenage girls dress like whores on Halloween? Granted, sex work is a pretty gruesome life, but what’s wrong with being a pumpkin?

And speaking of sleaze, I’m perplexed as to why Kamala Harris wanted to be endorsed by rapper Cardi B, left, whose contribution to the cultural landscape is a record called WAP – which stands for Wet-A** P***y . No judgment here, but I’m struggling to see the relevance to Harris’ ability as a potential president.

Sarah Vine doesn’t understand why Kamala Harris wants to be supported by rapper Cardi B, whose contribution to the cultural landscape is a record called WAP – which stands for Wet-A** P***y

Environment Secretary Steve Reed says British farmers ‘will have to learn to do more with less’ after the Labor budget’s attack on their livelihoods. Is this the same Steve Reed who strutted around in a pair of £420 handmade Le Chameau boots donated by (you guessed it) Lord Alli?

How long will we ignore the plight of Afghan women?

In its latest frenzy, Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban regime has banned women from “hearing the voices of other women.” In effect, this means that women can no longer have any form of conversation, under penalty of imprisonment. Women are already prohibited from playing sports, looking at men they don’t know, owning a smartphone, going to the park, singing, going to school or college and many more daily activities. Are we just going to let this gender apartheid happen – or is it time for the West to take notice and come to their rescue?