Meaning: The quote you provided refers to a period of political pressure on British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to silence Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, on certain political matters. This quote suggests that there was a level of influence from right-wing members of the Conservative Party, commonly referred to as backbenchers, who wanted to limit the Prince of Wales's public statements. The reference to a "deal" being done implies that there was some form of negotiation or agreement reached between Thatcher and the right-wing backbenchers, resulting in Prince Charles ultimately refraining from speaking out on certain issues.

During the 1980s, the United Kingdom was experiencing significant political and social changes under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher. Her government's policies often sparked controversy and debate, and it is within this context that the pressure mentioned in the quote likely emerged. Additionally, Prince Charles, as a prominent public figure and future monarch, was known for expressing his opinions on various topics, including environmental conservation and architectural preservation.

It's important to note that the British royal family traditionally maintains a neutral stance on political matters, and members of the royal family are expected to refrain from engaging in partisan politics. However, there have been instances where individual members have expressed their views on certain issues, leading to public discussions and sometimes controversy.

The role of backbenchers in the British political system is also significant in understanding the quote. Backbenchers are Members of Parliament who are not part of the government's ministerial or shadow ministerial teams. They often represent the views of their constituents and may exert influence within their party on specific policy issues. In the case of the quote, it appears that right-wing backbenchers were pressuring Thatcher to rein in Prince Charles's public statements, possibly due to concerns about the impact of his views on the government's policies or public opinion.

The mention of a "deal" being struck between Thatcher and the right-wing backbenchers suggests that there was a form of negotiation or agreement reached to address the situation. It's unclear from the quote what specific terms or conditions were involved in this "deal," but it implies that there was a resolution that led to Prince Charles refraining from making certain public statements.

Anthony Holden, the journalist credited with the quote, is known for his work in covering a wide range of topics, including politics and the British royal family. His insights into the interactions between political leaders and public figures provide valuable perspectives on the dynamics of power and influence in British society.

In conclusion, the quote sheds light on a period of political pressure on Margaret Thatcher to limit the public statements of Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne. It underscores the complexities of relationships between political leaders, backbenchers, and prominent public figures, as well as the delicate balance between the royal family's public role and the expectations of political neutrality. The details of the "deal" mentioned in the quote may be subject to further historical analysis and interpretation, but it serves as a reminder of the intricate intertwining of politics and monarchy in the United Kingdom.