A new era for the British monarchy
The death of Queen Elizabeth II marked a significant turning point for the British monarchy, leading to major changes. After the queen had died at the age of 96 years it ended her long 70-year reign. After her death lot of changes happened within a few short periods of time. Along with the royal family, the whole nation experience it. After her death, her son Prince Charles got on the throne automatically. After waiting for a long period of time the prince ascended the throne.
After the death of the queen, the British public gave respect to the queen and lined up in Westminster Hall to provide respect to the queen. Additionally, global leaders with global royals visited London to present at the British monarch’s funeral. It was reported that an estimated 29 million viewers or billions of views across the globe were present on that last day of the queen.
The Ascension of King Charles III
The queen was dead on September 8, 2022. After her death, King Charles III ascended the throne. However, it was reported that in comparison with Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, his coronation was double in budget. According to a report it was estimated around 50 million to 100 million. However, it raises the question about the appropriateness in this period of the cost of living crisis. The king was the oldest British monarchy to be ascended to the throne at the age of 74.
After the incarnation of King Charles in the crown throughout the nation rebranding process was started. Moreover, his name or face has been used in the title of various institutions, products or currency. After the death of the queen, a question arose regarding the sustainability of monarchy in this modern era. Along with this reignited the discussion about the future monarchy of both the domestic and Commonwealth nations.
Changes in Royal Duties and Responsibilities
After the queen was passed in 2022. The structure of the British Royal family’s duties or responsibilities has gone through significant changes along with the British Monarchy. Her son King Charles III as a successor played the role of monarch. Along with him, other royals like Prince William and Prince Harry have experienced shifts in their roles. Charles III handled all the state functions, symbols of unity, charitable endeavors and public engagements.
Therefore, Prince William, the eldest son of the king and now the Prince of Wales has been preparing for the throne, increasing public engagement, charitable focus and role in the commonwealth. Prince Harry stepped back from royal duties in early 2020. After he was married to his wife Meghan Markle. However, after the death of the queen, he reduced his royal responsibilities and focused on supporting charitable organizations, mental health advocacy and welfare programs.
Modernization of the Monarchy
The British monarchy has been transforming into a modernised monarchy which is aligned with contemporary societal values. Therefore, the kind has expressed his values regarding slimmed-down monarchy and focusing on a core group of working royals to improve their public image. Along with this his focus to maintaining environmental sustainability which helps them to reflect long-standing commitment to climate action. Along with this the king further promotes inclusivity or diversity representation in the Commonwealth nations to improve their ties with a younger generation.
Increased Public Scrutiny and Criticism
The Queen is Dead, Long Live the… Changes! After the death of the queen the British Monarchy faced a lot of scrutiny and criticism along with this they faced a lot of controversies including the royal family members like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure from royal duties and Prince Andrew’s legal issues. Additionally, along with this after the death of the queen question of the relevance of monarchy in modern Britain also arose.
These controversies and criticism increased pressure on King Charles III to call for accountability or reform along with the need to move toward republicanism in some Commonwealth nations. These factors created pressure on the new King to eliminate the challenges of managing the British Monarchy’s legacy.
Impact on the Commonwealth
The most common question that arose was regarding the effect on the commonwealth nations after the death of the queen. After the death of the queen, the relationship with the British Monarchy was evolving with the Commonwealth of Nations. The king is now the head of the commonwealth nations and the other 56 member states. However, the question regarding the role of monarchy related to members of states and commonwealth nations has arisen as it was observed that Barbosa has now moved to a republic.
Changes in Royal Traditions
The royal traditions were also changed during the reign of King Charles III. The main change which was faced by him was trooping the color parade. This was mainly celebrated for the British monarch’s birthday. However, in the year 2023, the king led the parade on horseback which was done in the British royal family had done over 30 years. So what do you think about these changes in the royal family? We can say that Charles’s vision is to modernize and streamline monarchy which reflects a contemporary approach to royal duties.
Impact on the Tourism Industry
Most of the people were interested in attending royal events. After the death of the queen when King Charles III ascended to the throne, the visitors’ number was increased in London. The iconic royal landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and Westminster Abbey attract the interest of a lot of tourists. The coronation of the king attracted global attention which boosted the number of visitors as it was the beginning of a new era of British Monarchy.
Changes in Royal Residence
British royal family for decades used the Buckingham Palace as the royal residence for the monarch indicating the central role of the kingdom. After the coronation, the king resided in that place. However, he lived in the Clarence House over the years and he showed a preference to stay there and wanted to use it for personal purposes. Additionally, Windsor Castle has been used for regular use for state functions.
Impact on the Royal Family’s Image
The queen significantly affected the image of the royal family which was expressed through public mourning. Her reign was known for stability or continuity for which she gained a lot of popularity. However, the transition of the new monarch raised a question about the new era and the changing times.
Changes in Royal Patronages
The queen supports a lot of organizations with charitable houses. After her death, these patronages were distributed among the other members of the royal family and the appointment of new patrons. However, it is a matter of concern that new patrons like King Charles III express their interest in supporting these organizations.
FAQ
1. What major changes occurred after Queen Elizabeth II’s death?
After the Queen’s death, her son Prince Charles ascended to the throne as King Charles III. This led to significant changes in the royal family’s roles and responsibilities, as well as discussions about the future of the monarchy.
2. How did the public react to the Queen’s death?
The public mourned the Queen’s death deeply, and millions lined up to pay their respects at Westminster Hall. Global leaders and royals also attended her funeral, which was viewed by billions worldwide.
3. How have the roles of Prince William and Prince Harry changed?
Prince William, as the eldest son and now Prince of Wales, has taken on increased responsibilities, including public engagements and charitable work. Prince Harry, however, stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and has focused on his own endeavors.
4. What is King Charles III’s vision for the monarchy?
King Charles III has expressed a desire to modernize and streamline the monarchy, focusing on a core group of working royals and emphasizing environmental sustainability and inclusivity.
5. Has the monarchy faced increased criticism since the Queen’s death?
Yes, the monarchy has faced increased scrutiny and controversy, particularly regarding issues like Prince Andrew’s legal troubles and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure from royal duties.
6. What is the future of the monarchy in the Commonwealth?
The future of the monarchy in the Commonwealth is uncertain. While the King remains Head of the Commonwealth, some member states have expressed concerns about the relevance of the monarchy in modern times.
7. How has the coronation of King Charles III been different from previous coronations?
King Charles III’s coronation was more expensive than his mother’s, raising questions about the appropriateness of such spending during a cost-of-living crisis.
8. How has the monarchy’s image been affected by these changes?
The Queen’s death has had a significant impact on the royal family’s image. While she was widely respected and admired, the transition to a new monarch has raised questions about the monarchy’s ability to adapt to changing times.
