Diamond Jubilee Speech By Prince Charles

It’s unusual for a speech by the heir to the throne, Prince Charles, to capture the national mood. Yes, his speeches can be prescient and thought-provoking. An example being of course, the Prince Charles food speech of last year. Also, unexpectedly, so can a Duchess of Cornwall speech prove equally thought-provoking. But never do these speeches capture the national imagination. Until last night.

His speech at the Diamond Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace certainly did that. A splendid speech will benefit from its surroundings, its sense of place and its timing. Prince Charles’ speech benefited from all three.

Speaking from the stage in front of the palace, before an audience of 100,000 up and down the Mall plus a TV audience of some 17 million, was the perfect podium for any speaker.

Diamond Jubilee Speech Has High Performance Backdrop

The speech’s sense of place was assured with a speaking slot at one of the highlights of the weekend diamond jubilee celebrations in the company of a whole retinue of artists, comedians and musicians.

And then the timing of his speech was immaculate. Neither too long nor too short. It combined the Prince’s trademark hesitation with some well-written passages:

Your Majesty, Mummy

His speech combined self-deprecating humour and a reference to Prince Philip that got the crowd chanting his name. Simply amazing.

Speaking from notes the Prince thanked everyone involved in producing the show before moving the attention to the Queen, highlighting her years of service and dedication.

Reaching his conclusion, there was no alternative but:

…three resounding cheers for Her Majesty the Queen.

This was certainly a Diamond Jubilee speech that fully captured the attention of audiences everywhere.