QUEEN AMONG KINGS. Text 3. Mother and Son.

Text 3.     Mother and Son

Charles has worked tirelessly during his time in the wings to make his own contribution to his country

   It took a long time for the relationship between the Queen and her eldest son Charles to flourish.

   When Charles was born in November 1948 no one could envisage that the Queen`s firstborn would reach pensionable age with his mother still on the throne, making him the longest-ever heir apparent.

   When Charles` father Prince Philip`s naval career took him to Malta in 1949, Elizabeth visited her husband frequently. It is said these were her happiest days, but it also meant months away from her young son – left in the care of his grandmother and nannies. He was just three when Elizabeth became Queen.

   At home, Philip took the helm. It was he who selected the Scottish public school that his son later described as “a prison sentence” due to it harsh regime and the bullying he encountered.

   The Queen was said to regret her lack of presence in her children`s early lives.

   Although the Queen`s love for her firstborn was undoubted, these early circumstances may explain the remoteness that grew between them.

   As a result, Charles learnt to rely on older family confidantes, his grandmother and great-uncle, in particular, as well as friends.

   Nevertheless, family traits and exemplary public service passed from mother to son and Charles has worked tirelessly during his time in the wings to make his own contribution to his country, the monarchy and the planet. He is political in a way that his mother never was.

   In the past decade they displayed a new affection for each other. In November 2018, the Queen celebrated Charles` 70^th birthday calling him “a great charitable leader – a dedicated and respected heir to the throne to stand comparison with any in history – and a wonderful father”.

   And on her 80^th birthday, Charles said of his mother, “For very nearly 60 of those 80 years she has been my darling Mama and my sentiments today are those of a proud and loving son”.

Vocabulary

1) Match the words with their definitions:

2)  Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the table:

1. Charles is the longest-ever _______ to the throne.
2. The Queen expressed _______ about her limited presence in her children’s early lives.
3. The school Charles attended was known for its _______ regime.
4. Charles was described by the Queen as “a _______ heir to the throne.”
5. The Queen and Charles showed the _______ in their relationship in life.

 3) Order the Events

Put the following events in the correct order as they appear in the text:

a) The Queen celebrated Charles' 70th birthday.
b) Elizabeth frequently visited Prince Philip in Malta.
c) Charles relied on his grandmother and great-uncle for support.
d) Charles described his school as "a prison sentence."
e) The Queen expressed regret about her limited presence in her children's early lives.
f) Charles spoke of his pride and love for his mother on her 80th birthday.
g) Elizabeth became Queen when Charles was three years old.

3)   Grammar Tasks.

A) Fill in the correct verb form:

1. The Queen _______ (be) proud of Charles on his 70th birthday.
2. Charles _______ (rely) on his grandmother and great-uncle during his youth.
3. When Charles _______ (be) born, no one could imagine how long he would wait to become King.
4. The Queen _______ (celebrate) her 80th birthday in 2006.
5. Charles _______ (describe) his school as “a prison sentence.”

B) Choose the correct verb form:

1. The Queen _______ (visited / was visiting) her husband frequently in Malta.
2. Charles _______ (learnt / learns) to rely on older family members during his youth.
3. The Queen _______ (regrets / regretted) her limited presence in her children’s early lives.
4. Charles _______ (has worked / is working) tirelessly to contribute to his country.
5. The Queen _______ (said / says) Charles was a “dedicated heir” to the throne.

C) Correct the verb errors in the sentences:

1. He was just three when Elizabeth will become Queen.
2. Charles is rely on older family members in his childhood.
3. His father selects the Scottish public school for him.
4.  In the past decade they were display a new affection for each other.
5. The Queen call Charles “a great charitable leader.”

4) Discussion Questions:

1. How do you think the Queen’s absence in Charles’ early years shaped their relationship?
2. Charles described his school as “a prison sentence.” What impact do you think such an experience might have on someone?
3. In what ways does Charles differ from his mother in terms of his role as a public figure?
4. How do you interpret the mutual admiration expressed between the Queen and Charles later in life?
5. Do you think family dynamics in royal families are more challenging than in ordinary families? Why or why not?

4) Role-Play Activity:

You are a journalist interviewing Charles and the Queen about their relationship over the years.

• One student plays the role of the Queen.
• Another plays Charles.
• The journalist asks questions like:
  • "How has your relationship changed over the years?"
  • "What advice did you give each other about public service?"
  • "What challenges have you faced as mother and son in the royal family?"

5) Essay Writing

"The Challenges of Balancing Family and Duty in Royal Life"

Write a 100–150-word essay discussing how the Queen’s and Charles’ experiences highlight the difficulties of maintaining family relationships while fulfilling royal responsibilities. Use examples from the text and your own insights.

TEXT 3.         МOTHER    and    SON.                     (KEYS)

Task 1a     1b   2c   3d   4e   5a

Task 1b

1. …heir apparent
2. …regret … .
3. … harsh… .
4. … exemplary … .
5. …remoteness … .

Task 2     1b   2g   3d   4e   5c   6a   7f

Task 3

1. 1) was   2) relied   3) was   4) celebrated   5) described
2. 1) visited   2) learnt   3)regretted   4) has worked   5) said
3. 1) became   2) relied   3) selected   4) displayed   5) called