The death of Queen Elizabeth II is an epochal event, there is no doubt. To this, however, another epochal fact must be added: the "metamorphosis" of Charles into Charles III, a prince who becomes King after a very long time. If it had been a job, he would have already passed retirement age.
His mother watched over more than one generation. She was a key figure for the nation during several periods of upheaval, and she shaped the national identity and collective imagination around her. She reigned during the decolonization of large swathes of Africa and the Caribbean, the infighting in Northern Ireland, the end of the Cold War, the 2008 financial crisis, Brexit, the Covid-19 and more.
Charles III is less popular than both his mother and his two children. And he will hardly be able to become one. But he will certainly be able, albeit in less time, to leave an indelible mark on the world.
Some certainty about the future of the Reign of Charles III
From the chronicles we can deduce that Charles III will probably be a more "annoying" King than his mother in terms of intervention. In recent years he has lobbied ministers in various British governments with a plethora of requests (called “Spider Memos”). Inside you can find everything: from the request for more supplies to the British troops in Iraq to the appeal on Patagonian snapper fishing.
Most of all, however, Carlo pressed on the climate issue. And he has been doing it for unsuspecting times, since the 90s. And he didn't stop: only last year, in Scotland, at the COP26 climate conference, the then prince warned world leaders. You have to take a war posture to face the threat of climate change, he said.
Ironically, everyone only heard the first part of the preposition: Charles III will begin his reign at an uncertain time for Britain and the world. The United Kingdom left the European Union and tries to reaffirm its position on the international stage in the aftermath of Brexit. A new prime minister, Liz Truss, just took office between inflation, energy crisis , ongoing war in Ukraine.
The challenges to face
As mentioned, Charles III could choose the environmentalist battle as a flag that somehow makes the United Kingdom a world leader. The British monarchy has always been an instrument of soft power, both within the country and abroad. It is likely that in decades of waiting in the wings, the former Prince has developed very clear ideas on how to use his influence.
And it could also be a tool that ensures the main priority of his Kingdom: reorienting the monarchy around this global issue would be a way for the institution to remain relevant and perhaps even necessary. Because, believe it or not, the new King's priority is the same as always. Which? Making sure the monarchy itself survives, now more than ever.
The UK seeks to bounce back after Brexit: the Conservative government has touted an idea of “Global Britain” which reaffirms its power and influence outside the European Union. Hence the trade agreements with the rest of the world and the strong support for Ukraine.
As Head of the Commonwealth (the group of nations linked to the United Kingdom through increasingly weaker ties), Charles III will face a more than likely debacle. The accounts with British imperial history and his involvement in the slave trade are paid. Some countries that still recognize the monarchy, like Barbados, recently decided to remove Elizabeth as head of state, and Jamaica will follow suit. A very "affectionate" and present attitude from the new King on these scenarios is to be expected.
God Save The King
The pitfalls do not only concern relations with foreign countries, however. There is the question of Britain itself: the monarchy has traditionally played a role in strengthening these bonds of “Britishness”, that is, between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Even the 'final' choice of a dying queen, who chooses the Scottish one as her last refuge, is a formidable, final manifestation of unity.
However, Brexit has put a strain on some of the ties within the UK. It has revived, for example, the question of Scottish independence. It raised difficult questions for the status of Northern Ireland and made the reunification of Ireland a possibility. Wales too sees growing support for independence.
The dissolution of the United Kingdom is not imminent, and I do not consider it likely during the reign of Charles III, but it may also partly depend on his role. Will she be able to be "unifying" like Elizabeth II?
Never before will “Britishness” be a crucial issue. And the monarchy's ability to cement a common identity among these nations will be crucial. The longest-lived "prince" in history must prevent his united country from having a short future.
