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King Charles III at his first appearance before the Scottish Parliament. And before the expressions of condolence from the members of the House of Representatives.
Very early on, the Crown should have been apolitical. This is an important tenet of the British monarchy. The late Queen Elizabeth II (96) held her for most of her life. She rarely allowed herself to be carried away by political statements. For example, when Scotland voted for independence from Great Britain.
At that time, I only dared to make a small, almost unnoticed statement to someone waiting in front of Balmoral Castle. “I hope the Scottish people will think very carefully about the future,” the Queen said.
The political influence of the crown has been greatly reduced in recent centuries and is now limited to symbolism and ritual.
King Charles is interested and politically committed
Now it is known that the new King Charles III. (73) politically interested and highly committed. Environmental protection is particularly close to his heart and in his role as Prince of Wales, he was still free to voice his concerns at a political level.
Royal expert Schlettler: Charles’ appearance was a chicken skin moment.(12:47 PM)
In the early 20th century, Charles, then heir to the throne, wrote numerous letters to ministers, prime ministers and other members of the British Parliament. It was about agriculture, global warming and the social isolation of the population. These letters became a scandal as Charles expressed his views too forcefully and was accused of influencing politicians.
Weekly meetings with the Prime Minister
As king, he promised in his address to Parliament that he would continue in his mother’s footsteps. He hinted that he would keep his political views to himself. His tasks are clearly defined: He will welcome newly appointed prime ministers to their office and open the annual session of Parliament in a grandiose ceremony.
But he will likely be able to exert the most influence in weekly meetings with prime ministers. The Queen once revealed these sessions: “They told me what was going on and if they had problems, and sometimes I could help somehow. You know I’m impartial and it’s good to be a bit of a sponge.” Charles will meet new Prime Minister Liz Truss (47) for the first time after a period of national mourning.
‘Dangerous constitutional crises’
As King, Charles is not allowed to make decisions about Speakers of Parliament except in exceptional circumstances. This was the case in “severe constitutional crises”, as was the case, for example, with the abdication of Edward VIII (1894-1972).
The then-king caused uncertainty in the country in 1936 when he wanted to marry a divorced woman, Wallis Simpson (1896-1986), who was accused of having ties to Nazi Germany. This was dramatic for the people, politics, and the royal family and required a change in the constitution. Edward then abdicated as king. George VI, father of Queen Elizabeth II, became king. But King Charles is not expected to find himself in such a situation.
Charles can still influence. In particular, his commitment to environmental protection and organic farming became deeply rooted in many members of the royal family and likely increased during the reign of Charles III. to gain importance. (grb)
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