YEAR ONE OF KING CHARLES’ REIGN: A YEAR OF STABILITY AND CONTINUITY
On the first anniversary of his reign, King Charles spends the day quietly and privately at Balmoral, reflecting on the life of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. This marks a continuation of the traditions set by the Queen herself, who used to commemorate her own accession to the throne and the death of her father. The first year of King Charles’ reign has been characterized by stability and reassurance, with a focus on maintaining continuity rather than introducing drastic changes.
According to royal commentator Pauline Maclaran, the lack of surprises during this year has allowed people to quickly become accustomed to King Charles as their monarch. He has been described as his mother’s son, adopting a softly, softly approach in keeping the ship steady. Royal historian Anna Whitelock notes that it has felt like an unofficial mourning period, with any significant changes expected to occur later in his reign.
The royal year has largely followed its usual rhythm and rituals, with the rotation through significant events and stately homes remaining unchanged. Royal historian Heather Jones emphasizes that monarchy is a long game and, unlike politicians, monarchs do not have an immediate impact. She believes King Charles has had a successful first year by gaining public acceptance and managing the transition smoothly.
In terms of changes, King Charles’ Coronation ceremony showcased a more diverse and multi-faith Britain, reflecting his vision of a “community of communities.” There was a brief embarrassment over a race row involving a guest at Buckingham Palace, but it was swiftly resolved with messages of reconciliation. King Charles has also demonstrated interest in environmental campaigns, while his wife, Camilla, has been involved in modernizing changes such as scrapping the outdated title “ladies in waiting” and advocating against domestic violence.
However, there are still challenges ahead. Transparency of royal finances and addressing the legacy of slavery are areas that need attention. Royal historian Heather Jones highlights the importance of appearing socially aware and sensitive to the financial pressures faced by many people. The royal family’s response to these challenges will be crucial in maintaining public support and a social consensus.
Opinion polls show a clear majority, 62%, in support of the monarchy, but 26% of respondents advocate for an elected head of state. Younger generations are less supportive of the monarchy, with only 30% of 18 to 24-year-olds considering it “good for Britain.” There is growing opposition among the young, and protests against the monarchy have become more frequent and visible. However, personal popularity for King Charles remains high, with 59% believing he is doing a good job.
King Charles has adopted a more hands-on and approachable approach, which has been well-received by the crowds during walkabouts. However, the challenge for his reign will be to connect with younger generations and address their concerns about social injustice. It is important for the monarchy to avoid being seen as a symbol of unfairness and instead align with sustainability and poverty-related issues.
As King Charles enters his second year of reign, he is planning a significant food project that focuses on preventing waste and providing better access to quality food. This initiative aligns with concerns about sustainability and food poverty. Additionally, one often overlooked factor of his reign is that he is the first monarch in British history who has not had a political partner.
Overall, the first year of King Charles’ reign has emphasized stability and continuity, with any significant changes expected to come later. While challenges lie ahead, the King’s personal popularity and willingness to connect with the public provide hope for a successful and impactful reign.