Proclamation of Charles III: in the streets of London, the unloved prince becomes an acclaimed monarch

Published on: 09/10/2022 – 19:32 Against all odds, Charles, who had hitherto been little appreciated by the British, finds a whole new popularity with his accession to the throne. Some elements of explanation on the evolution of this “misunderstood” monarch. Rarely has a king waited so long to ascend his throne. It is now done: at 73, Charles III was officially proclaimed King of England, Saturday, September 10, at the Saint-James Palace, in front of a visibly conquered and jovial crowd. “This moment seemed unreal, we all gathered behind the barriers, we could see it, it was simply brilliant, says Vicky, a 35-year-old teacher enchanted by what she has just experienced. It was the very first time I saw him. I’m happy because I like him a lot”. Vicky, 35, “It’s nice to experience this moment of celebration in this complicated economic context. I’m going to go home, pay my bills, but with a smile”. pic.twitter.com/TTlfRrb2vN— Aude Abback-Mazoué (@audemazoue) September 10, 2022 Difficult to find bitter words about the new monarch among the crowd of curious people who came in large numbers. “I was able to see him briefly, I think he has a lot of courage because it takes a lot to become king at 73, says Tracy, a grizzled executive in a big company. I really think he’s going to do a good job. king because he embodies the continuity of his mother and he is sincere.” Everywhere, benevolent words and encouragement towards the bereaved king. A rating at half mast However, a few months ago, the heir to the throne was far from unanimous. A poll published in early July, carried out by YouGov, revealed a flagrant lack of popularity. He received only 42% of favorable opinions, thus placing himself in seventh place in the list of the most appreciated members of the royal family. His controversies over his infidelity to Lady Diana, his rocky divorce, his sometimes unhappy dating and most recently, his alleged involvement in the Paradise Papers – among other financial scandals – have not pleaded in his favor. But we have to believe that the death of the queen and her very first speech as king delivered on September 9 changed things. “Charles is a king unknown to the British. Until his first speech, no one had really heard the sound of his voice. No one had paid attention to his speeches during his many inaugurations, explains to France 24 Tristan de Bourbon-Parme, correspondent in London. But since his speech, people have noticed that he has a warm voice and a very human speech. They said to themselves that they had had a bad image of Charles for thirty years who perhaps did not correspond to who he really was. He is off to an excellent start to his reign, he could not have done better”. “I am proud of this new king” In the street, we do not say anything else. “I loved his speech yesterday [Ndlr prononcé le 9 septembre], I cried. I am Italian, however, I have only lived in London for six years, but I feel very close to him, I felt him very human”. It must be believed that the difficulty of the task with which King Charles III is confronted arouses a lot of empathy from his subjects. “It’s not easy to go after the queen who is deeply anchored in the hearts of the British, continues Tracy. She came to power young, she was a woman, and she managed to impose herself, it was not easy but it earned her a lot of admiration. For Charles, who is old and who is a man, it is less easy to gain popularity”. And the Briton continues, “and it is not necessarily easy to start his reign in a difficult economic period”. unless this context is ultimately favorable to him. “I am proud of this new king, says Vicky. We are going through a complicated period where prices are skyrocketing, and despite all this, he manages to bring together the British who need it so badly. There are many bills waiting for me at home, and despite that, I leave with a smile. years. Camilla’s support One thing is certain, King Charles III will print a very different style breaking with the neutrality of Queen Elizabeth II. At the time of global warming, his interest in the environmental cause could well give him sympathy. At least that’s what 50-year-old Tracy thinks. “More than a politician for whom I have great suspicion, Charles’s speech can have a favorable impact. His commitment to the environmental cause or to social equality is sincere. And this new style could set him apart from his mother and in turn make him very popular.” As for Camilla, who was long hated by the British, she seems over time to have been adopted by Crown subjects. “I’m sure that she will be able to give all her support to Charles and will make an excellent queen”, concludes Tracy, optimistic and happy.