Quotes With Meaning
The prince's official job description as king will be 'defender of the faith,' which currently means the state-financed absurdity of the Anglican Church, but he has more than once said publicly that he wants to be anointed as defender of all faiths—another indication of the amazing conceit he has developed in six decades of performing the only job allowed him by the hereditary principle: that of waiting for his mother to expire.
The prince's official job description as king will be 'defender of the faith,' which currently means the state-financed absurdity of the Anglican Church, but he has more than once said publicly that he wants to be anointed as defender of all faiths—another indication of the amazing conceit he has developed in six decades of performing the only job allowed him by the hereditary principle: that of waiting for his mother to expire.
This quote critiques the role of the prince as 'defender of the faith,' suggesting that it is a ceremonial title tied to the Anglican Church, which Hitchens views as an absurdity. The author highlights the prince's desire to be recognized as a defender of all faiths, interpreting this as a sign of arrogance developed over decades of waiting for his mother's reign to end. Hitchens implies that the prince's long preparation for kingship has not equipped him with genuine wisdom or understanding of faith. Instead, it has fostered a sense of entitlement and self-importance. This commentary reflects broader themes regarding inherited power and the responsibilities that come with leadership. The quote ultimately challenges the notion of religious authority and the implications of being a figurehead in a modern society rich with diverse beliefs. It underscores the importance of genuine understanding over mere titles.