It is just about a fortnight since Queen Elizabeth 11 died and Britain’s new sovereign, King Charles 111, who had a very close relationship with his mother, has little time to grieve and adjust. In a way, his life is only just beginning at the age of 73, as he finally takes over the role for which he has been destined since birth. His emotions must be managed and controlled as he leads the royal family in public.
Queen Elizabeth 11 reigned for longer than any monarch Britain has had. It saw a multi-generational transformation, a turning of a chapter, and now it’s for the king to create the monarchy’s course in this modern age.
The British monarchy is based on tradition going back to its beginning and many of its rituals are unimaginably ancient. This sense of antiquity is important: any hereditary monarchy must rely in part on the idea that it exists because it has always existed. But it also shows the need for change or development in order to survive, and most of the British monarchs have realised this and made it reality.
King Charles 111 faces a challenge on how does he make changes and modernise, while keeping the essence of tradition. There was a hint of this in his first address after Queen Elizabeth’s death. He affirmed that he understood and therefore accepted, the important parameters within which he must now work.
He said: “I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and in the discharge of these duties I will be guided by the counsel of their elected parliaments.” This would not be something new but it is important as it restates the principles on which the British system of government functions.
At the time he was heir to the throne, he would at times show a somewhat hidden annoyance at the restraints imposed on him on making comments on matters, be they political or otherwise. He has strong views on various matters, especially on environment, architecture, etc. and has not held himself back from expressing his views. Also, well known were his handwritten letters, scribbled notes to ministers and others expressing his views on matters of policy.
He knows his position has now changed and he doesn’t have the same freedom. When he mentioned in his address to the nation of “the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty” this is what was on his mind.
In all probability there will be a facelift of the extended royal family. He has hinted in the past that he wants a slimmed-down monarchy, with fewer members of the royal family carrying out official duties.
This will happen partly through natural wastage, he has now moved up the line and he has got Prince William, Prince Edward and Princes Anne. Prince Andrew is unlikely to return to the fore-front for as long as it takes, if at all, and the status of Harry and Meghan remains unclear for now.
Although it is very early in King Charles’ reign, one can assume that he will be more remote politically, although he will be well briefed on these matters from seeing the prime minister at the palace once a week and that may well be fairly in-depth at times.
There is unlikely to be any fundamental changes in the functions of the monarchy although King Charles may have some personal preferences. He may be set in his ways, but he has learned and watched long enough to settle well into his role. He will certainly not be short on advice.
andyjalil@aol.com
(The writer is our foreign correspondent based in the UK)
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