A year after Elizabeth II’s succession, Charles III took over. the heavy robe of the sovereign, without making a misstep and without revolutionizing the monarchy, and began to leave his mark in a reign often seen as a transition before that of his son William.
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National mourning, grandiose coronation, new prime minister, official engagements and family scandal: the 74-year-old monarch’s first year alternated between historic moments and a more traditional agenda for this head of state from 15 nations with a largely ceremonial role.
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During his time as Prince of Wales, Charles was known for his strong positions on issues such as the environment, organic farming and education and slipped into the constitutional reserve without any apparent difficulty.
“The transition was much smoother than some people expected and they were surprised that Charles seemed to have adapted well,” says Pauline Maclaran, a professor at Royal Holloway University.
No public events are planned to mark the anniversary of the accession to the throne of Charles, who is currently staying at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022 at the age of 96 after a record 70-year reign.
The highlight of this year, the coronation of Charles and Camilla on May 6 at Westminster Abbey in front of guests more representative of the country’s diversity, demonstrated respect for a long tradition as well as the desire to further develop a monarchy seen as outdated by some Britons .
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There will be “small changes, but it tends to prepare the ground for (his son and heir) William, who could be the true modernizer of the monarchy,” notes Pauline Maclaran.
Although he remains less popular than the late Queen or 41-year-old William, Charles’ popularity has increased. According to a Yougov poll, 55% of Brits have a positive opinion, compared to 44% a year ago.
His first Christmas address, an essential tradition, was seen by 10.6 million viewers, a record.
On his many travels, Charles III, often accompanied by his wife Camilla, appeared generally approachable and warm-hearted, far from the reserve displayed by Elizabeth II.
“Even the official photos that they have released are more relaxed (…) there is a little more humanity,” notes Jonathan Spangler, a historian at the University of Manchester.
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He knew how to appear “humble and approachable” in a difficult economic period for the British, hit by the cost of living crisis, emphasizes Pauline Maclaran, who, however, remembers the episode with the broken pen, which left an impatient king In your opinion, it is the only communication problem to date. In November, the king in Northern Ireland lost his temper over a spilled pen: “I can’t stand this damn thing!” He became angry, a reaction that quickly went viral.
However, the pro-republic movement has gained new momentum since the death of Elizabeth II, and Charles is often greeted on his travels with anti-monarchist banners and slogans and even the throwing of eggs.
And so far, the reign of this less than passionate king has not experienced a “decisive moment,” emphasizes historian Anna Whitelock. “Important questions remain unanswered,” such as the answer to calls for an apology for the monarchy’s colonial legacy or its tax advantages, she emphasizes.
So far he has only taken one official trip abroad, to Germany. His state visit to France in March was postponed because of the risk of violence in a France in turmoil over pension reform.
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He will travel there at the end of September, ahead of a likely trip to Africa, according to British media.
However, the sovereign received several foreign heads of state, including American President Joe Biden and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa – the first to be welcomed on a state visit – and even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
While Elizabeth II had a strong interest in the Commonwealth, which brought together former British colonies, Charles “takes a more global approach, it’s an interesting change,” estimates Jonathan Spangler, pointing to his commitment to climate change or to supporting Ukrainian refugees.
Away from global problems, the king has seen his start to his reign marred by a new episode in the Harry and Meghan saga, after his youngest son’s memoirs were published and an anti-royal documentary was broadcast by the Sussex in the United States.
“Charles handled it well. “He adhered to the Queen’s mantra: ‘Don’t explain, don’t complain,’” says Pauline Maclaran.
Charles III isn’t finished with the first ones yet. On November 7th he will give his first speech at the opening of the parliamentary session as sovereign.