Britain’s Charles III is commemorating his first year as king this week, characterized by a seamless transition from his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The anniversary, coinciding with his mother’s passing at 96, will likely be observed privately.
Charles, at 74, has gracefully assumed his role after a lengthy 70-year wait as heir, the longest in British history.
Yet, he hasn’t instigated sweeping changes to the monarchy, leading some to view his reign as transitional before his son, Prince William, takes the reins.
“I think the transition has been much smoother than was anticipated,” says Pauline Maclaran, a professor at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Charles’s official coronation took place on May 6, marked by a more modern and concise ceremony compared to his mother’s in 1953.
While Charles remains less popular than both his late mother and Prince William, his approval rating has risen significantly since becoming king, with 55 percent of Britons expressing a positive opinion, up from 44 percent a year ago.
As king, Charles has been visible throughout the country, often alongside Camilla, appearing more approachable than Elizabeth II.
His reign exudes a sense of “more humanity,” according to Jonathan Spangler, a history lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Maclaran describes him as “humble and accessible,” particularly during a period of economic challenges in Britain.
However, Charles’s reign lacks a defining moment, and unresolved issues, such as calls for an apology over the colonial legacy, persist.
The pro-republic movement has also gained momentum, challenging the constitutional future of the British royal family.
Charles’s international engagements include a state visit to Germany, with plans for a rescheduled visit to France.
Reports suggest a major overseas tour to strengthen relations with the Commonwealth.
Despite fewer state visits, he has hosted foreign leaders like US President Joe Biden, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Closer to home, Charles has navigated the revelations in Prince Harry’s memoir and the docu-series released by Harry and Meghan, addressing their reasons for leaving the royal family in 2020.
Charles adhered to the Queen’s “never explain, never complain” approach during these controversies, managing them effectively.
In summary, Charles III’s first year as king has been marked by a smooth transition, an approachable demeanor, and rising approval ratings, but challenges and questions about the monarchy’s future remain.
