英语高级视听说-下册-unit15.pdfVIP

When Prince Charles arrives in New York on Tuesday, Nov. 1, to begin an eight-day visit, it will be his first official American tour in more than a decade. Everyone knows what has happened in the interim. His troubled marriage to the late Princess Diana, his remarriage to Camilla Parker Bowles, and the youthful indiscretions of his two sons have been turned to a reality-based soap opera by the tabloid media. But most Americans know very little about who the Prince of Wales is and what he does as heir to the British throne. Members of the royal family hardly ever grant interviews, the Queen has never given one, and you rarely see them talk. But last month, as his trip to the United States was being planned, Prince Charles granted 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft an audience, allowing us to follow him around and chat, not about his family, but about being Prince of Wales, a job and a life like no other. Most of us in our lives have to fill out applications listing our profession and occupation. You dont have to do that, Kroft said. No. Not always, but sometimes, Prince Charles replied. If you did, what would you put down? Kroft asked. I would list it as worrying about this country and its inhabitants. Thats my particular duty. And I find myself born into this particular position. Im determined to make the most of it. And to do whatever I can to help. And I hope I leave things behind a little bit better than I found them, the prince said. Its hard to say, but I think it is a profession, actually; doing what Im doing. Because if you tried it for a bit, you might find out how difficult it is, he added, laughing. He is somewhere between a brand and a public institution, a future head of state in waiting — and waiting. He is a symbol of continuity with no real power but tremendous influence that is tied to his position and wealth. The money comes from a 14th century real estate empire called the Duchy of Cornwall,