Despite baby, shades of gray still dominate British monarchy

There is no way Elizabeth II will abdicate. The memory of her uncle, Edward VIII, is likely still with her. No matter how ong she stays, she will likely never feel she did as much for her countries as did her father.

Nothing wrong with old royalty. Queenie should try and outlast Victoria.

I have always advocated the outright abolition of the monarchy, but it's difficult to criticise the present monarch personally. I remember Jeremy Paxman ( a man sympathetic to the monarchy ) once saying that she has managed to stay popular partly due to her ability to steer clear of political comments and present the monarchy as an apolitical, innocuous tradition. The problem with Charles isn't his age. He isn't an engaging character, seen by some as 'weird', and his attempts to influence politicians has led many to view him with suspicion. Charles will become king, but it will change public perceptions of the monarchy.