Princess Elizabeth around 1936. Before she became Queen Elizabeth II in 1952. (Photo courtesy Royal Family via Town&Country and Getty images)---
Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022 at 96. As a long-term Constitutional Monarchist I am black clad in grief for widely loved Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
With sorrow comes uncertainty whether the institution of the Royal family will falter under new King Charles III.
Historically the two previous King Charles didn’t perform well. King Charles I mismanaged his job into five years of English Civil War (1642-1647) and after his performance appraisal, lost his head. King Charles II wasn't crash hot either.
King Charles III brings the baggage of neglect of his first wife Diana mainly due to his adulterous love of the new Queen Consort Camilla. Camilla's popularity as ex-royal mistress has always been tarnished. King Charles III, during his long Prince of Wales job, also brings the stigma of failing to be politically neutral – see the “Black spider memos”.
For Australians King Charles III popularity, or lack of it, will be crucial regarding the long running issue of Australia becoming a Republic. An Australian Republic would replace the British Monarch, as Head of State, with a President. It is significant that following the Australian Labor Party’s victory in the May 2022 Federal Election, new Prime Minister Albanese created the position of Assistant Minister for the Republic. This signalled a commitment to prepare Australia for a transition to a Republic during the future second term of a Labor government, in 2025 to 2028.
I think Charles will have trouble filling the shoes of the widely loved Queen Elizabeth II.
Submarine Matters, in its very wide brief, will continue to provide updates on the King Charles III vs Australian Republic issue.
27 seconds into this video is ordinarally the Coronation Anthem. But I see it as a remembrance Anthem for the young, now late, Queen Elizabeth II. For we Constitutional Monarchists not "rejoicing" but weeping.
---