A Teachable Moment

Paul Chiasson, the Canadian Press

It has been well publicized how involved, introspective, curious, and concerned Prince Charles has always been on matters as diverse as the environment, architecture, art, agriculture, vegetarian-organic food, and the welfare of others.  All the more surprising that he failed to discern that he had disappointed the expectations of one female.

Of course, Prince Charles has famously disappointed the expectations of more than one female.  And managed, in the end to meet those of another.  But it is obvious from this sez-it-all photograph of one member of the fair sex who had been graced with the tender task of gifting the monarch-in-waiting with a floral bouquet, that her expectations have been dashed.

These were her flowers, her nosegay, which she so generously proffered to him in the full expectation that the elderly grey-haired man with the wrinkled skin who towered over her would understand that he was given the opportunity through her generosity to heft the flowers, and then sweetly return them to her possession.

It is clear from what we can discern from this touching photograph that Prince Charles - inadvertently or not - has sorely misunderstood the situation.  This was to have been her moment, her flowers in reflection of her talent, youth and beauty.  How could he have so misinterpreted the event?

Surely this trauma - trifling to the onlooker no doubt, amusing to those standing nearby who were able to view the girl's facial expression and so-obvious body language - will haunt her all the days of her life.

As this little girl goes through life, she will emote her frustrations as a superb thespian on the stage, without a doubt, wowing her audience with the authenticity of her pain.  She will doubtless write a best-seller 'tell-all' book relating her experience with the British Royal family.

He will live to rue the day.  Gallantry and  chivalry have their place.  And he somehow misplaced them.