I’m no great fan of the monarchy, and even less of an admirer of Prince Charles, but it’s hard not to feel sorry for the way in which he has been treated by Britain’s media (and a good chunk of its population) in the run-up to his marriage to Camilla Parker-Bowles. Yes, Camilla is (as the British press seem to take great – and cruel – delight in pointing out) no great beauty, particularly when compared with Lady Di, but what of it? She and Charles are obviously devoted to each other and she, it appears, has a great deal of the commonsense, good manners and tact that Charles so obviously lacks. She’ll likely do him – and the House of Windsor – a great deal of good.

Good luck to them both.