Charles is King: What’s Next For The British Monarchy?

Photo by Ferdinand Stöhr on Unsplash

On September 8, Buckingham Palace announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Through her devotion to duty, her Majesty Queen Elizabeth earned a firm place in the hearts of Britons. 

Despite her tragic death, the monarchy reigns on. Under British Law it can never die: once one monarch has passed, the next monarch instantly accedes to the throne.

 She has left a gaping hole in British society – Queen Elizabeth was a beacon of certainty in an otherwise fluctuating political and economic climate. With an ever-changing world of technology and culture, and falling support for the traditions of the monarch, her successor has some rather large shoes to fill.

Such a task has fallen upon her eldest son, King Charles III – the longest serving heir apparent in British history and now the oldest British King to date. Unlike his mother, Charles has had a lifetime to perfect the art of being Head of State. In light of this preparation, we would expect Charles’ transition to the throne to be a smooth and flawless one. Even still, it would be an understatement to say that the King faces an easy task. 

The burden of keeping his family together and maintaining the dignity of the monarchy now falls solely upon Charles’ shoulders. Britain today is very different to that of 1952 when Elizabeth became Queen: at the time one third of the public believed that the Queen had been chosen by God. Today’s society, however, is one of greater cultural diversity and declining religious beliefs. Instead of simply assuming power, Charles must try to reach across the aisle and unite people from all walks of life – from ardent patriarchs to those more sceptical about Monarchic tradition. 

Rumour has it that the new King has plans to “slim down” the monarchy. In 2021 the royal family cost the British tax payer £86.3 million. Many consider this an astounding sum, especially during a time of economic uncertainty and a cost of living crisis that is forcing many below the poverty line. A slimmed down monarchy would mean a smaller bill for the British people and may keep those Royal sceptics at bay – for now, at least. Playing into the idea of a smaller monarchy, there is speculation that Charles’ coronation will also be a more conscious event with fewer guests and a shorter ceremony. 

Appealing to the public on a religious level may not be as big of a challenge as some assume. Charles has expressed, through his study of different religious texts, that he wants to be the ‘Protector of Faiths’, as opposed to the monarch’s typical role: ‘Defender of the Faith.’ Instead of defending Christianity alone, Charles wants to be an inclusive monarch, representing all religious beliefs. If he is to do this, however, Charles will have to fight against an increasingly secular Britain. 

Despite these challenges and the doom and gloom of royal sceptics, the institution of the British monarchy continues to be the backbone and face of our society.

In his new role as King, Charles is also responsible for resolving divisions and upholding unity within the royal family. Elizabeth’s popularity enabled her to divert scandal and conflict. Despite internal personality clashes, Queen Elizabeth was widely respected by all within the Windsor family. In contrast to Elizabeth, as a more controversial figure, Charles may find the task of unifying his family more difficult. Contentious life events of his – his troubling marriage to Diana, his affair with Camilla and his poor relationship with Harry, his youngest son – have tarnished how he is perceived by the public eye. 

Charles’ ultimate challenge will be to earn the confidence of the British people – proving to the public that his past life is not a true reflection of his character. 

A new monarch does not mean a new role for the monarchy. The Crown's paramount role is head of state and nation. The King will still continue to undertake constitutional duties. Charles, like his mother, will act as a central point for the nation's identity and offer stability for society.  

Despite going from a Queen to a King, the role of the monarch remains a principle of continuity for our society. It simply has a new face.