‘Long live our noble king’
NEW Zealand’s king, Charles III, at least so far, is rising to his new position.
His crucial first speech following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, was empathetic, assured and appropriate. Importantly, his people, whether in Britain or New Zealand, were impressed.
Our new king has certainly had both a marvellous exemplar in Queen Elizabeth as well as many decades to think about the accession and his place as sovereign.
Charles has already emphasised that hallmark of his mother, service. He could well prove — despite his eccentric and outoftouch reputation from his younger days — that steadiness is a quality by which he will also be known.
At 73, King Charles has matured and seems more than ready to take over.
Famously, King Charles was asked on his 70th birthday if he would continue ‘‘meddling’’ in politics when he was king. ‘‘I’m not that stupid,’’ he said.
His advocacy for nature, in hindsight often ahead of his time, was notable, even when he diverted at times towards fringe beliefs. His interest in interfaith dialogue, as well, is an important 21stcentury matter.
Unlike the Queen, he was willing to express his views. ‘‘Meddling’’ might be considered a strong description of his words and actions.
Clearly, he recognised that being king was different from being the Prince of Wales, and he said as much.
He has been more measured and discrete in recent years as he and now Queen Consort Camilla have rebuilt their reputations. While they will never win the devoted love the Queen engendered, the people have come to regard them with affection and respect.
When anyone is promoted to the top job there are questions about how they perform. For some, it is a step too far. Others thrive in the new role. They rise to the occasion and doubts about their suitability are banished.
King Charles could well be in that second camp.
Conventional wisdom in New Zealand has had it that the vast respect for the Queen held at bay vigorous debate about this country becoming a republic. Severing formal ties with the House of
Windsor would wait until after she died.
It was commonly said New Zealand would join most other Commonwealth nations as a republic. Only 14 still have the Queen as head of state.
The change might be expected in due course. While it is unlikely New Zealand would accept a president with anything more than strictly limited power, discussion on our constitutional future has begun.
Complicating issues arise because of Maori relationships with the Crown and the place of Maori in any new arrangements.
Our ties with Britain weaken with each generation and the Royal Family seems more distant and less relevant. More and more New Zealanders are linked genealogically to other parts of the globe.
Nevertheless, there are strong arguments not to overturn a system that has worked and helped provide stability. British colonisation, the monarchy and the aftermaths — for better and worse — are central to our history and therefore also our future. There is value in continuity.
Thus, the succession to an appreciated King Charles might not be the catalyst for short or mediumterm change that some predict.
Such deliberations, in the meantime, can be put to one side as our gracious Queen Elizabeth II is celebrated and mourned.
Charles III’s ‘‘dear Mama’’ was a little lady who cast a massive shadow. Charles’ time in the sunlight has arrived.