Quietly, uncomplainingly and earlier than planned, the Prince of Wales has returned to public duties. William, who had temporarily stepped back to look after his wife after she had surgery, will perform an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle today before attending a gala fundraising dinner for London’s Air Ambulance Charity this evening.
There was already plenty resting on the prince’s shoulders. A young family to look after, the difficult relationship with his brother and the plentiful duties of the heir to the throne — all in the context of the slimmed-down monarchy. Now, duty to his father and the royal family dictates that he must do more.
He will have support, not least from the Queen and the Princess Royal, who ought to be a shoo-in for the title of hardest-working royal should awards be handed out. But now is the time for the public to rally around William, who must feel he has the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Exodus of the Tories
The exodus of the London Tories gathers pace. Nickie Aiken, MP for the Cities of London and Westminster, has become the latest Conservative to announce she is standing down at the next election.
Aiken, only elected in 2019, joins Mike Freer, Stephen Hammond and Bob Neill, as well as dozens more Tories across the country, in voluntarily leaving Parliament. Each MP stands down for their own reasons. For some, it is age, health or simply wanting a change. But it is also a clear sign that Conservative MPs do not anticipate a victory this autumn.
Such a refresh in MPs also means a different Tory party in Parliament, possibly one that will continue its Right-ward drift. Were that to pass, it would only make it more difficult for the next leader — should a vacancy arise — to retake the centre ground and prevent Sir Keir Starmer from achieving his not-so-subtle aim: a decade of Labour government.
Commuting woe
How miserable are you right now? Londoners are the country’s unhappiest commuters, with nearly a quarter saying they hate their journey to work, according to research. This compares with 16 per cent for the rest of the UK.
The capital has an extraordinary transport network, while the Elizabeth line is a wonder of the modern world. But from roving strikes and perennially cancelled Central line trains to the longest commutes in the country, it is not difficult to see why Londoners aren’t necessarily giddy at the prospect of getting around each and every day.
Still, it could be worse. You could live somewhere else.
