One year after succeeding Isabel II, Carlos III has put on the heavy coat of the sovereign without stumbling blocks. And without revolutionizing the monarchy, he began to make his mark in a reign often seen as a transition from his son William’s.
National mourning, magnificent coronation, a new prime minister, official commitments and a family scandal: the first year of the 74-year-old monarch alternated between historical moments and a more traditional agenda for this head of state of 15 nations, with an eminently ceremonial function. .
Known for his strong positions on issues such as the environment, organic agriculture or education when he was Prince of Wales, Carlos fell into the constitutional reservation without apparent difficulty.
“The transition has been much smoother than some had anticipated and they were surprised that Charles seemed to be adjusting well,” said Pauline Maclaran, a professor at Royal Holloway University.
No public event is planned to mark the anniversary of Charles’ accession to the throne, who is currently housed in Scotland’s Balmoral Castle, where Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022 at age 96, after a record reign of 70 years and enjoying considerable popularity.
Less loved than the late queen
This year’s highlight, the coronation of Charles and Camilla on May 6 at Westminster Abbey, before the most representative guests of the country’s diversity, illustrated respect for a long tradition as well as the desire to evolve a monarchy considered outdated by some. of the British.
There will be “small changes, but rather the ground is paved for (his son and heir) William, who could be the true modernizer of the monarchy,” says Pauline Maclaran.
While he remains less beloved than either the late queen or William, 41, Charles’s popularity has risen. According to a Yougov poll, 55% of Britons feel positive about it, up from 44% a year ago.
His first Christmas speech, an inescapable tradition, was watched by a record 10.6 million viewers.
more human
During his numerous trips, Carlos III, often accompanied by his wife Camila, was generally accessible and warm, far from the reserve adopted by Isabel II.
“Even the official photos they released are more relaxed… there’s a little more humanity,” says Jonathan Spangler, a historian at the University of Manchester.
He knew how to be “humble and accessible” in a difficult economic period for the British, affected by the cost of living crisis, underlines Pauline Maclaran, who nevertheless recalls the episode of the defective pen, revealing an impatient king. According to her, the only communication problem to date. In Northern Ireland in November, the king lost his temper over a leaking feather: “I can’t stand this damn thing!” he was angry, a complaint that quickly went viral.
However, the pro-republic movement has experienced a resurgence since the disappearance of Elizabeth II, and Carlos is often greeted on his trips with anti-monarchist banners and slogans, and even throwing eggs.
And so far the reign of this king who arouses little fervor has not known a “defining moment”, emphasizes the historian Anna Whitelock. “Important questions remain unanswered,” such as his response to apologies for the monarchy’s colonial heritage or its tax breaks, she says.
In France at the end of September
He has so far only made one official trip abroad, to Germany, as his state visit to France in March was postponed due to the risk of violence in a Hexagon agitated against pension reform. She will go there at the end of September, before, according to the British media, a probable trip to Africa.
The sovereign, however, received several foreign leaders, such as the US presidents Joe Biden and South African Cyril Ramaphosa – the first to be received on a state visit – or even the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
If Elizabeth II had a marked interest in the Commonwealth, which brings together the former British colonies, Carlos “has a more global approach, it is an interesting change”, estimates Jonathan Spangler, citing his commitment to climate change or in favor of refugees ukrainians.
Far from global issues, the king saw his reign marred by a new episode in the Harry and Meghan saga, after the publication of his youngest son’s memoirs and the broadcast of a documentary against the royal family by the “Sussex”, now in the United States.
“Charles handled it well. He stuck to the Queen’s mantra: ‘don’t explain, don’t complain,'” Pauline Maclaran said. Carlos III has not finished with the first. On November 7, he will deliver his first speech at the opening of the parliamentary session as sovereign.
Source: BFM TV
