What lays ahead for the King Charle III
Ishtiaq Ahmed
London: King Charle III was formally proclaimed yesterday as the King of United Kingdom and territories following the death of the Queen, Elizabeth II, his mother on Thursday, 8th of September. It is an end of one era and beginning of a new one.
It would not be easy to step into the big and heavy shoes of his much loved, admired and respected mother, the late Queen, Elizabeth II.
The weight of expectations on the new king would be heavy. He would be expected to carry on, in the ways of the late Queen but, at the same time, to embrace change. This would be a difficult and a delicate balance to achieve.
Britain is essentially a democratic republic. Monarchy, though presented as an essential part, in some ways, is a contradiction in a modern secular democracy. It doesn’t sit too comfortably with many. The intense emotions of love and affection which we are seeing on display following the death of the Queen, moving forward , should not be assumed to remain to the same intensity for the institution as it evolves forward under the reign of King Charles III.
I am almost certain that the new king is not only too aware of this but will be working extremely hard to maintain and refresh the relevance of this somewhat archaic but important historical institution.
The new King of Britain has also become the head of Commonwealth, a family of 56 independent and proud nations, majority but not all former colonies of the British empire. One of the late Queen’s greatest achievements was to keep this diverse and dispirited community of nations together. Over and above their common interests, It was the Queen’s charismatic personality and her inclusive and personalised approach that endeared her to people across different divides.
The Commonwealth nations, whilst being united around the need for cooperation, in many cases, are also are competitors and rivals. In almost all of these countries, there are strong existing and emerging lobbies which aspire to distance themselves from their respective colonial past. They do not see the relevance of remaining affiliated to the institution that they regard being firmly located in the past they wish to leave behind.
The New King would be required to show fortitude, diplomatic nuances, and warmth of the personality to keep this dispirited family of commonwealth nations together and the notion of Commonwealth relevant.
At home, there are also huge and diverse challenges ahead. Most immediately , the new King’s government also headed by equally new Prime Minister, has to contend with the rising costs of energy, spiralling inflation & costs of living, strained health and care services , the deepening economic recession, and perhaps, most importantly, the diminishing public trust in politicians and political structures.
There are also deeply rooted inequalities and disparities across ethnic, cultural and social divides, placing the unity and cohesion of British society at risk. The’ Black Lives Matter’ movement and Covid-19 epidemic sharply brought into the focus inequalities particularly experienced by British Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. It is a historical fact that racism and unfair discrimination are always at worst when life opportunities are in reverse. BAME communities would expect to be reassured by the new King.
Finally, perhaps the biggest of all challenges ahead is that of keeping the United Kingdom union intact in face of growing Scottish, Welsh and Irish calls for greater autonomy.
Charles III, has served 70 years of apprenticeship under the direct tutelage of his mother, the late Queen, to prepare for the most arduous role in the land. Over the years, he has shown that he has passion for the things that matter to his subjects and the warmth of personality needed to galvanise people and nation around him.
Ishtiaq you are both a good writer and thinker equipped with analytical ability. I agree with Sajjad that you should seriously consider to write about some of the unique issued facing our home city of Bradford.
Britain is an evolutionary society; hence the role and influence of Royals is diminishing within and outside of Britain. As you say our new king should acknowledge the changing realities of his country as well as of the whole world.
The fact is he will be only the civic head without any political power but the institution of monarchy will continue with its symbolic interactionism at least for the next three decades.
Mohammed Ajeeb , good advise which I will try to follow through bhai.Three related points:
1. The role of the monarch maybe ceremonial but not without a considerable influence, the weekly audience with the Prime Minister is a very good example of this. Also, the Monarch is the constitutional head of the State , the arm forces, the church and the commonwealth. Therefore, he has access and influence across many sectors and the top most decision makers. Perhaps, his biggest power comes from commanding a significant public support which no head of the government can afford to be openly on the wrong side of.Therefore, on paper the role of King maybe ceremonial but it is not without a considerable influence.
2. The issues of acute inequalities and disparities that I alluded to in my piece are also very pertinent to Bradford. However, in many aspects, Bradford can’t move forward without serious direction and investment from the centre in areas of health, education and economy. In days when your good self was active in politics, Bradford Council had direct remit and control over education , health, housing and social care etc. All these powers have been gradually taken away from the local political control. Therefore, we have to think nationally when it comes to addressing local inequalities and disparities.
3. Thirdly, if the disintegration of U.K. happens it will have a direct impact on all of us, therefore, we Bradfordian can’t remain aloof.
So with utmost respect , many of the challenges that I alluded also are the challenges for Bradford.
However, Insha Allah I will heed your advise as always. Bless you.
Ishtiaq Ahmed Agreed with most of your points but I have to re-emphasise that Britain is one of the most developed democracies of the world. Therefore, parliament is the sovereign. Royals have no political clout. Yes prime ministers do have frequent audience with the King or Queen but such meetings have no political significance. All the powers the monarchy has can’t override the decisions of the parliament.
Britain whereas it is evolutionary society it still, on the whole, embraces, cherish and practise many conservative values. Hence most people respect the institution of monarchy without question despite it being ceremonial and symbolic. But we are already witnessing changes at the local levels. The cermonial positions of mayors and lord mayors are being gradually changing to elected ones. The ongoing debate on reforming the upper House is another example of evolutionary process. So part of my last comment just alluded to such possible changes. Finally I fully agree with you that the issues of equality of diversity have great relevance to the thinking and policies of the national government as well as the infrequent messages coming from the royals which do impact the attitudes of ordinary citizens in some ways. However, my reference to the local issues is mainly concerned with issues about which you have deep knowledge and long experience and which you can highlight in the most sensible and inoffensive but informative manner.
The intertwining layers of power and influence between the monarch and the parliament was obvious to see and note today. Addressing both Houses of Parliament at the ancient Westminster Hall, the new King played tribute to and affirmed the constitutional role and independence of the Parliament. In return, the Parliamentarians affirmed their continuous allegiance to the new king.
Afterwards , the new king ( head of the state) and the Prime Minister( the head of government) travelled together to Edinburgh as part of their joint tour of the U.K. This is significant for two reasons: firstly, to reaffirm and emphasise closeness of the constitutional relationship between the two roles; secondly, both being new to their respective roles, this is an opportunity for them to get to know each other and strengthen the constitutional bond and also to project a united face in this time of adversity.
You’ve written a good commentary Ishtiaqbhai and I commend you. You request opinions and here briefly are mine :
The King of course has some very important but different roles now. He is the King of our country but also the Head of the Commonwealth. Fidai defenso is on our cash and coins meaning he is leader of the church and Defender of the Faith. He also has many other duties including being the head of our Armed, Naval and Air forces.
These crucial roles have been done for over a thousand years and have seen changes including national boundaries.
Perhaps the biggest change happened in tge 17th century following the Civil War between the Roundheads (Oliver Cromwell) and the Cavaliers (King Charles 1). Since this time, the Kings role as head of our country has been one mainly of symbolism and formality endorsements.
Regards Fido Defenso, again huge changes over the millennium in topics like women priests; abortion and family planning; and of course this country is now very very diverse faith wise. Decisions are made more so by the church and political government rather than directly by our monarch.
In my view, a common thread amongst most of the duties will be those related to the commonwealth of countries and the aftermath of the Raj and Empire.
This of course can sometimes be tricky and controversial ranging from the empire created national debts of African countries, to specific subjects including that of the jewel in the crown, the Kohi Noor.
Far above the head for me to comment on all of this but I will say this – King Charles has the most tremendous opportunity to start the roll in setting some things straight including the return of the Kohi Noor. This should not be seen as confrontationalist, but Charles can take it as an opportunity of a lifetime
Some people might be critical of even the talk time wise sensitivity, but in fact this would be the very most perfect time.