‘Ancient’, ‘not charismatic’: The new King Charles III is much less popular than his mother Elizabeth II among young Britons, some of whom would like a more modern monarchy. In a trendy pub in central London’s Soho, the death of Queen Elizabeth II is not stopping the younger generation from enjoying their Saturday night, though the news that rocked the country on Thursday is never far away.
“I really can’t wait to have Charles as king,” 28-year-old Joseph Curran blurts out over the music, before wearily adding, “But what’s the alternative?” Less tender, Lucie, 29, is “impatiently” waiting for him to be “the last” monarch in Britain.
At 73, Charles on Thursday became Britain’s oldest monarch to begin his reign, which doesn’t help with his young subjects.
Racism and controversy
“In his speeches he does not give off the same energy as the queen,” invokes Sam, 21. Other young people hurriedly conjure up a “controversial” image, revived by Prince Harry’s wife Meghan Markle’s “accusations of racism” against the royal family, a “lack of charisma” or even her “old-fashioned” side. .
“Of course, after 70, you no longer wield the same easy charm that you do when you’re in your thirties or forties,” moderates royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams. “Being young and glamorous makes a difference”, but impossible to pass directly to the next generation, “that’s not how the monarchy works”, he says.
La relation des Britanniques avec Charles “a connu des hauts et des bas”, concedes, in large part, on account of the end “désastreuse de son mariage” avec la très populaire Diana et de sa liaison avec Camilla Parker-Bowles at the time. Charles later married Camilla in 2005.
“His track record is remarkable”
The Briton is, however, sensitive to this love stubbornness: little by little, his popularity rating is rising. Lately, Charles is “hugely respected for his work with associations,” the expert adds, “he may be old-fashioned on certain points, but his track record is remarkable.”
President or benefactor of more than 420 associations, Charles has worked with his foundation to help two million young people in difficulty. But it is above all his long-standing ecological commitment that speaks to young people. “His voice could have real effects on our politicians,” believes Connor Adams, who sees a “gentleman” in Charles, who is 22 years old and did not know Diana’s years.
Will this common interest, however, be enough to reconcile some young Britons to the monarchy, when they are far less attached to its upkeep than their elders? The internet has seen hashtags like “#NotMyKing” (#PasMonRoi) flourish, repeated in tens of thousands of messages.
However, the idea of a republic is far from convincing. “I am a fervent defender of republicanism, but a British version would be a disaster!”, believes Joseph Curran, hoping rather that Charles “reduces the role of the monarchy, to the Spanish or Danish model”.
Source: BFM TV
