Charles Windsor, son of Britain’s hereditary head of state, has made an extraordinary suggestion that the MacDonald’s fast food chain be banned. “That’s the key” to reducing the consumption of high-fat foods he said during a visit to Dubai, a monarchy classified as “not free” by Freedom House.
McDonald’s said that it was “disappointed” by Mr. Windsor’s authoritarian proposal and defended its restaurants. In the past Windsor has had some success using his dubious status to have his own way on issues in the public eye. He was able to block a modern design he disliked for an extension to the National Gallery in London. His call for the banning of the American restaurant chain is not being taken seriously however.
Republic, Britain’s largest anti-monarchy organisation, commented “This is the nonsense of the monarchy system – Charles should be free as the rest of us to speak his mind, but because he is going to be our unelected and unaccountable Head of State he has to waive that right.” It said that it would ask the Department of Constitutional Affairs to give an assurance that this would be explained to Mr. Windsor. The Republic spokesperson added that it “would be the first to support Charles if he decides he would rather make a commitment to political and social issues – but he must decide what role he wants for himself – activist or prince.”