Royal fans around the globe cheered King Charles yesterday, but this monarch will struggle with his place in the world more than his predecessors.
One of his key duties is to reform an institution that is often branded out of touch and not representative. Yesterday was a step in the right direction.
A ceremony full of ancient traditions and rituals was also refreshingly diverse.
Different languages, a gospel choir, leaders of different faiths. It reflected the country we are today. But there is growing tension around the monarchy’s future. The diversity on display yesterday can’t be allowed to be superficial.
The late Queen wrestled with a variety of problems in post-war Britain, from the Cold War to Brexit. Now the monarchy, as it often does, finds itself at a turning point.
How we relate to the rest of the world is the issue for the new King. Charles has already spoken of the bloody debt of empire and backed research into links between the Crown and the slave trade.
Last June he told Commonwealth leaders: “I cannot describe the depths of my personal sorrow at the suffering of so many, as I continue to deepen my own understanding of slavery’s enduring impact.”
Next an apology. Then some sort of redress, reparations maybe. This is tough but it’s the right thing to do.
We are watching the Commonwealth splinter. Barbados has already rejected the monarchy, Jamaica will soon follow. Australia is on a knife-edge. Anti-monarchy sentiment is growing in New Zealand and Canada. His challenge is to make peace with these countries.
If they leave, it must be on amicable terms so we can maintain our influence in the world.
The battle is going to be carving out a future in a world that is changing. To do this properly, Charles must embrace our country’s past.
Deal with it and press on. We need new solutions for a new world.
