Values

The four women have different priorities; some are of personal, some of public interest. Needless to say that Elizabeth II is a kind of person, who puts her country and people first. But what about Diana, Camilla and Kate, who do not bear as much responsibility as the Queen?

 

As the head of the Commonwealth, the Queen attaches a high importance to the relationship to the former British colonies. Therefore, she visited almost every single country of the community of states; furthermore, she cultivates friendships and close contacts with the heads of those states. In addition, Elizabeth II is the representer, not only for the Royal Family, but also for the United Kingdom and the whole Commonwealth.

"I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong." - 1947, HRH The Princess Elizabeth

 As she had promised in her twenty-first birthday speech, she lives for her nation and that still is the Queen's highest priority.

Diana, however, loved serving the people in a different way. She travelled the world for philantrophic causes and mainly worked with HIV- and AIDS-patients. Back in 1987 many still believed that the disease can be transmitted via casual contact but the princess knew those assertions were without substance, so she touched and held the patients. The pictures of the action scattered the prejudices. Diana also concerned about children's injuries, caused by the use of landmines. Lady Di became president or patron of more than 100 charities. The charity work continues through her sons, William and Harry, and thus has become Princess Diana's legacy.

Camilla has also found her niche in helping destitute people. She became patron of a charity, called Emmaus, that helps homeless people across Coventry and Warwickshire. This charity runs houses, which offer a place to stay for derelicts. The Duchess mainly visits those houses, talks to their inhabitants and, of course, donates.

Also Kate had taken up a lot, as she announced last year that she wanted to donate not only financial support but her time as well to several charities. Her idea was to facilitate children’s hospices, an art therapy and addiction charity, a world-famous art gallery and the Scout Association, the British equivalent of the Girl Scouts. So far, Kate became patron of The Natural History Museum and two charities, which provide emotional support for neglected children in schools (Place2Be) and financially support diasabled and non-disabled athletes (SportsAid). However, Kate realized that she could not follow her original plan of supporting all the above named causes, so she took a step back and decided to focus on a few selected charities.