Contribution by Angelica Bidlack (back when it was written, in grade 10).
The following article was written in Spring 2023. However, amid the busy month of June, there was never an opportunity to get it published. Let’s flashback to the opinions of the British about their then-new king, King Charles III, and ponder whether these thoughts still hold true today.
To gain insight into England’s future, it is essential to delve into its history and explore public perceptions of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. According to the Royal Family’s website, the monarchy serves as a focal point for national identity, unity, and pride, providing stability, continuity, and official recognition of success and excellence. As we reflect on Queen Elizabeth II’s unexpected passing on September 8, 2022, after a remarkable 70-year reign, the rise of King Charles III prompts questions about potential differences in his approach to governance.
By all accounts, Queen Elizabeth is generally seen as a successful monarch. Her reign began in the challenging post-World War II era of the 1950s, where she became a beacon of hope. Clive Irving, the author of „The Last Queen: How Queen Elizabeth II Saved the Monarchy,“ describes her as someone who made people feel she embodied the spirit and soul of the country, similar to a comforting maternal figure.
One important thing about Queen Elizabeth was that she kept her political opinions to herself. That means she didn’t share her thoughts on politics, which is what people expected from her as the country’s representative.
This point of transparency, or lack thereof, is where most people see the difference between King Charles III and his mother. Unlike Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III is actively engaged in politics, often expressing his views, particularly on environmental protection. While some hope he maintains his environmental activism, concerns linger among the public about whether he might leverage his power for personally favored causes. British officials express reservations about his political involvement, yet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese encourages the King to persist in his environmental activism, framing it as a matter transcending mere politics, crucial to humanity’s quality of life and survival.
An opposing viewpoint from an unnamed senior Cabinet official in The Sunday Times voices unease about potential issues arising if King Charles III maintains his political involvement, emphasizing serious constitutional concerns. In response, the King’s representatives affirm his commitment to political neutrality. Similarly, King Charles III himself stated in a 2018 documentary that the idea of continuing in the same manner upon succession is „complete nonsense.“ He acknowledges the need to stop certain campaigning activities as he takes on his new role. Recently he has considered that he will be required to silence himself in political matters, for instance, as he says during a speech in September: “It will no longer be possible to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I cared so deeply.”
Concerns about King Charles III potentially misusing his power may stem from the age difference between when Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne (at 27) and when King Charles III did (at 73). This age gap allowed the King more time to solidify his political positions. Another perspective, presented by Wanja, an eighth-grader at GISB, suggests that Queen Elizabeth II faced unique challenges as a woman in power during a time where female opinions were often ignored. However, as Head of State, neutrality is expected regardless of gender.
Connecting with people poses another challenge for King Charles III. Christopher Anderson, author of “The King,” asserts that King Charles III must find a way to bond with his subjects, corresponding to his mother and Elizabeth’s father, Edward VI. Many people might think Charles seems rigid and not in tune with others, similar to the difficulties the previous king faced, as shown in the movie „The King’s Speech.“ The ease of this bonding for the Queen may be connected to the hopeful post-World War II period in which she gained her position. She also managed to modernize the monarchy during the 60s, earning affection from the public.
Contemporary questions about the monarchy’s relevance after Queen Elizabeth persist. Speculation on changes in gender dynamics, including the possibility of a gender-neutral monarch, adds another layer of uncertainty.
All the questions lingering in the air about how King Charles III could continue the position as Head of State as seamlessly as his mother’s remain unclear. Though his mother did say during his 70th birthday celebration in 2018 that he is “a dedicated and respected heir to the throne to stand comparison with any in history — and a wonderful father.”
Comment from October 2023: Even now, months after his coronation, people still criticize King Charles III for not being politically neutral. In the sense of the King connecting with his people, British citizens still hold him accountable for his messy relationship with the beloved Princess Diana, hence, he is a respected King.
Quellen:
“Elizabeth II.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_II#Legacy Wikipedia. Accessed June 15, 2023.
Neuman, Scott. “As King Charles III takes the crown, here’s how he may focus his reign.” https://www.npr.org/2022/09/09/1121830158/queen-elizabeths-death-king-charles-how-will-he-rule npr. September 9, 2022
Elbaum, Rachel. “The life and legacy of Britain’s longest-serving monarch: Queen Elizabeth II’s reign lasted from the industrial age to the internet age — 70 years of endurance and stoicism that endeared her to millions.” https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/queen-elizabeth-life-legacy-uk-monarch-rcna17047 NBC News. September 8, 2022.
Grindell, Samantha. “Photos show what King Charles‘ reign has been like so far, from being egged to his coronation” https://www.insider.com/king-charles-iii-reign-so-far-photos#a-day-later-the-king-and-queen-consort-visited-the-london-community-organization-project-zero-where-he-demonstrated-that-he-intended-to-make-the-monarchy-accessible-to-the-public-14 Insider. Updated May 8, 2023
Nolasco, Stephanie. Papa, Ashley. “King Charles can’t ignore ‚Not My King‘ protestors, experts say: ‚The crown has been dented and tarnished‘:The king has been met with protestors from the anti-monarchy group Republic holding ‚Not My King‘ signs leading up to the coronation” https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/king-charles-cant-ignore-not-my-king-protestors-experts-say-crown-dented Fox News. March 20, 2023
“The role of the Monarchy” https://www.royal.uk/role-monarchy#:~:text=The%20Sovereign%20acts%20as%20a,members%20of%20their%20immediate%20family The Royal Family.
Doyle, Liam. “Royal rules: Can Royal Family members express political views? Can they vote?” https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1344461/Royal-rules-can-royal-family-vote-political-opinions-Prince-Harry Express. October 6, 2020
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