As King Charles enters the frantic final weeks of planning his coronation, his most trusted advisors are looking much further – charting out his reign.
The new Carolian era, as it is being called, is likely to be defined by the tension between the centuries-old traditions of the monarchy and the pressure on Buckingham Palace to take on topical issues such as Brexit, climate change and the transition.
Charles’ plans for a “diverse” coronation, an effort to include a role for non-Christian religions, mark the beginning of what one Constitutionalist describes as the beginning of “the transition from magic monarchy to public service ownership”.
Sir Vernon Bogdanor, professor of government at King’s College London, says that in 1995 when he wrote in his influential book Monarchy and the Constitution that ‘a monarchy can only survive through its vision of serving the public’, he was told that ‘ ” coincided with the thinking of the then Prince of Wales.
The key to King Charles’ success will be the dexterity with which he balances the monarchy’s values of continuity, stability and security with his own more ambitious and extreme instincts.
Key to King Charles’ success will be the dexterity with which he balances the monarchy’s values of continuity, stability and security. Pictured: King Charles III attending the royal service at York Minster
Insiders believe Charles has a “decade plan” and operates on the assumption that he can expect a decade of reasonable health. They suggest that the King might then support a “phased abdication” to act as a “Father King” after William ascended the throne.
Modernizers argue about the king, according to one source, that “having waited so long to accede to the throne, and given the limited time available to him, there is no point in him simply sitting on it” so he should aspire “to be a high-ranking monarch with great influence at home and abroad.” .
Charles was an environmental activist long before “net zero” carbon emissions became a policy priority – an interest derided after he admitted in 1986 that I “happily talk to plants and trees and listen to them” – and modernizers expect the king to do just that. . Take ownership of the policy.
Although the cost-of-living crisis — and the strain it placed on household finances — has made it harder for the government to sell green taxes, advocates of modernization believe Charles has ‘broader environmental credentials for depoliticizing an issue too long-term and too dreamy for politicians’ Parties in the short term to deal with.
The Constitutionalists also expect the King, along with the Prince and Princess of Wales, to address the issue of income inequalities and the rise of food banks.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme is likely to receive a restart to bring it closer to The Prince’s Trust, Charles’ charitable foundation, which helps young people access jobs, education and training.
The awards program — the brainchild of the hugely successful Prince Philip — is seen as at risk of alienating the next generation by being too inclined toward camping and pointing, and not enough toward the march of modern-day technology, even though many parents may view it. This as one of its most positive features.
The monarch is also expected to play a role in stabilizing the debate over devolution – particularly given the turmoil in the SNP and the independence campaign – with the support of William in Wales and Prince Edward as Duke of Edinburgh in Scotland.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme – Prince Philip’s wildly successful brainchild – is in danger of alienating the next generation
The monarch’s successful visit to Germany last month marked the first sign of a shift in focus away from the Commonwealth and toward the European Union, with Downing Street looking to the monarch – with the help of his eldest son and daughter-in-law – to help mitigate. Relations with the continent after Britain’s exit from the European Union and the strengthening of trade relations.
However, given the late Queen’s love for the Commonwealth, the King has sentimental reasons for maintaining his relations with the Sovereign. A visit to India is being discussed as a possible early visit.
Sir Vernon Bogdanor remarked that “a monarchy can only survive through its vision of serving the public”
Modernists expect the king to be more involved with the Middle East than his mother, including with visits to Gulf monarchs, and for bold dealings with Chinese dissidents. And if the war continues in Ukraine, expect the king to increase rhetoric supportive of President Zelensky.
Sir Vernon said last night: “As Prince of Wales, Charles pioneered the monarchy of public service.
He estimated that the monarchy could not survive just by seeing it. It must also be seen as contributing to society.
His charities, in particular The Prince’s Trust, have done much to help unemployed youth, members of ethnic minorities and so on – groups that have been more or less disenfranchised by the political system.
His state visit to Germany shows that the monarchy still exercises a great deal of soft power, enabling Britain to cut its weight in foreign affairs. The visit did something to heal the scars of Brexit.
Given the late Queen’s love for the Commonwealth, the King has sentimental reasons for maintaining his relations with the Sovereign. Pictured: Flags celebrating the upcoming coronation of King Charles
He added, “One area not emphasized is patronage of the arts. As is well known, Charles is a devoted amateur painter. He also plays the cello and has a keen interest in classical music. He is a follower of Shakespeare.”
In the eighteenth century, the monarchy played an important role in encouraging the arts. You might do it again today.
However, Sir Vernon downplayed the idea of Charles becoming a “Father King”, saying: “I am sure Charles, like his mother, would never abdicate. He appreciates that the role of Head of State in Britain is a lifelong commitment.”
