The Reign of King Charles III: A Year of Continuity and Challenges

No missteps, no major upheaval. King Charles III began his first state visit to France on Wednesday September 20, just over a year after ascending the British throne. This first year of reign was registered “in the continuity of Elizabeth II”judge Pauline Maclaran, professor of marketing at the Royal Holloway University of London and author of Royal Fever : The British Monarchy in Consumer Culture. While some hoped he would quickly modernize the institution, “Charles III has not undertaken any changes that could destabilize the monarchy”she notes. “This couldn’t have happened in the first few months”however, believes Anna Whitelock, professor of history of the modern monarchy at the City University of London.

“The United Kingdom experienced a year of unofficial mourning, as people got used to the disappearance of Elizabeth II and the idea of ​​a new royal couple.”

Anna Whithelock, historienne

at franceinfo

To ensure the transition goes smoothly, Charles III fits into the royal mold and “refrained from making the slightest departure from conventions when speaking on political subjects”underlines Ed Owens, historian specializing in royalty and author ofAfter Elizabeth : Can the Monarchy Save Itself ?. While he had shaped his image as a prince around his ecological commitment, the 74-year-old monarch – whose functions as head of state are largely symbolic – now defends his convictions with caution. “For example, he agreed to be excluded from COP27 by the government, even if he made his dissatisfaction known, which Elizabeth II would not have done”the famous Ed Owens.

A king with little support from young people

During this start of his reign, Charles III “invested all the functions traditionally incumbent on the sovereign”, according to the historian. It happened like this “shown very present in Scotland, to strengthen the link between the crown and this province” with independence aspirations. He also has “assumed his role as representative of the State to foreign leaders”, by receiving them at Buckingham or through his state visits to Germany and France, adds Anna Whitelock. A mission to which he was already accustomed, since Elizabeth II had no longer traveled abroad since 2015 due to her age, and had instructed her son to replace her during these trips.

Charles III, however, seems to differ from his mother in matters of international relations. “It takes a more sensitive approach to the past, for example by recognizing the injustices suffered by the native peoples of Canada or by evoking the stigmata of slavery in Barbados”two former British colonies, notes Ed Owens.

“He has so far shown that he is prepared to adapt on the Commonwealth issue”, says Pauline Maclaran. The organization, led by the British sovereign, brings together 56 states, most of them former colonial territories. Fifteen of them are kingdoms, of which Charles III is the monarch. “It is inevitable that countries will become republics, while remaining within the Commonwealth”as Barbados did in 2021, ensures Martin Farr, lecturer in contemporary British history, interviewed by Euronews.

“Charles III will try to preserve links with the Commonwealth, but he is less attached to it than his mother, for whom it was a priority.”

Pauline Maclaran, royal family specialist

at franceinfo

It is difficult, however, to know “which answer” the king will bring calls to “to apologize for the slave trade or the colonialist past” from the United Kingdom, notes Anna Whitelock. “Now that this first year of mourning has passed, the crown will have to face these many challenges”insists the historian.

For Ed Owens, it is therefore urgent that the sovereign shows himself “more proactive in modernizing the institution”, faced with the rise of pro-republic sentiment in the United Kingdom. Supporters of the end of the monarchy organized a demonstration on the sidelines of Charles III’s coronation in May and made several appearances during his travels across the country.

This movement remains in the minority. According to a YouGov poll published at the beginning of September, 26% of British people would like to have an elected head of state. But this figure hides deep differences between generations: only 37% of 18-24 year olds are in favor of the monarchy, compared to 80% of those over 65. To guarantee the sustainability of the institution, “Charles III must ensure that the crown gains the support of young people, without alienating the rest of the population”with en garde Ed Owens.

A king who strives to be accessible

The stakes are all the more important as the new king is less popular than his predecessor. “It will take time for Charles III to win the affection of the British and it will never match that which they had for Elizabeth II”assure Anna Whitelock.

The monarch has, however, already received the sympathy of some of his subjects, during a very public dispute with Prince Harry. In the months following the death of the queen, the youngest son of Charles III unveiled a documentary on Netflix and then an autobiography, in which he notably accused the royal family of racism towards his wife Meghan. “Harry tried not to attack his father directly, but it must have affected Charles on a personal level, as well as raising multiple questions about [les Windsor]“says Ed Owens.

“Charles III thought he would establish a monarchy that he would lead with his two sons as his right-hand men. This did not come true.”

Ed Owens, the story

at franceinfo

These dissensions nevertheless “reinforced adhesion around the crown”says Pauline Maclaran. “The king has refused to comment directly on these accusations, while continuing to mention Harry and Meghan when talking about the royal family, or having their photos in his officeshe explains. He made sure not to appear too cold.”

The media coverage seems, on the contrary, to have turned against the Sussexes, who “saw their popularity drop, while Charles and [son fils aîné] William was doing much better.”reports the magazine Newsweek. The heir to the throne and his wife Kate are “very popular”confirms Pauline Maclaran. “Charles III relies on them to win the support of the youngestcontinues the royal family specialist. And he should strive in the future to gradually evolve the monarchy, to prepare for William’s arrival.”

How will Charles III go about it? A year after his accession to the throne, “we do not know exactly what he wishes to accomplish during his reign”constate Ed Owens. “Ideally, he should have become king 20 years ago, if Elizabeth II had abdicated: other European monarchies have been able to modernize by transmitting power to younger generations, capable of reforming the institution”, believes the historian. “Charles III wants to be a dynamic sovereign but there are limits to what one can do at his age.”