Prince Charles has firmly rejected recent criticisms suggesting he is an elitist. The Prince of Wales was lambasted by the media and a government minister last week, over a memo in which he said people should not harbour unrealistic ambitions.
The note, which was written in response to an employee's enquiry about promotion prospects, provoked outrage in the British press. "What is wrong with everyone nowadays?", wrote the future king. "What is it that makes everyone seem to think that they are qualified to do things far beyond their technical capabilities? People think they can all be pop stars, high court judges, brilliant TV personalities or infinitely more competent heads of state without ever putting in the necessary work or having natural ability."
Education minister Charles Clarke broke with government protocol by adding his voice to the chorus of disapproval. But the Prince has hit back at the criticisms, insisting that his comments were taken out of context.
Speaking at a meeting of Anglican bishops in Lambeth Palace, the 55-year-old said it was a "travesty of the truth" to say he thought people "should not rise above their station".
"Ambition is a good thing and should never be constrained by a person’s starting point in life," he affirmed. "People must be encouraged to fulfil their aspirations in ways that recognise their different abilities and talents. Thank God they do and that we are not all the same." |
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