Will He or Won’t He? An American’s Perspective on the English Monarchy

I have spent quite a bit of time studying the British monarchy.  It’s the crème de la crème of monarchies worldwide and has become quite a showcase for an entire culture.  Still, there are rumblings about what will happen with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

In January of 1649, Charles I was beheaded for treason and the country overthrown in favor of a republic.  And, though he may choose not to keep his given name when he takes over the throne, Charles Philip Arthur George may be facing a similar dilemma.  He’s just unpopular. 

The heir to the kingdom hasn’t helped his case with the highly publicized divorce to his wife, Princess Diana or by subsequently marrying his mistress.  Still, Charles, does keep trying.  He constantly lobbies (meddles with?) Parliament for causes that interest him.  Though, to his credit, of all the royals, he was the only one who correctly judged the mood of the people at Diana’s death by having her remains lie in state at St. James’ Palace and Kensington Palace. 

So, who is this man who would be king?  Is he as dense as the media seem to make him out to be?  Or is he a shrewd businessman who meddles way too much in public affairs?

The answer seems to be as convoluted as the question.  While Charles is the first heir apparent to earn a university degree, he’s been linked to bad personal decisions most of his life.  Like Edward VIII, he ended up marrying a divorcee, but unlike Edward, it is not in his mind to abdicate.  Even though Camilla’s popularity rating shows that 50% of the population don’t think she should be queen, her popularity is steadily rising.  In fact, some credit her with boosting Prince Charles’ own popularity in Britain. 

But, all this is smoke and mirrors.  Anyone can create a poll or declare the prince popular. Is Charles smart enough to be King?  Well, there are many sides to being a ruling monarch, and the current Queen Elizabeth never had a formal education.  She didn’t turn out badly. 

As far as business savvy and financial wealth, the Windsors are not only supported by a state income (the Queen gets $83.8 million per year), but there are numerous personal holdings that bring the Queen’s net worth up to about $425 million.  Prince Charles, according to sources, is worth about $210 million.  Much of this is provided from the Duchy of Cornwall and businesses surrounding it.  The Duchy is tax exempt, but Prince Charles voluntarily pays income tax and makes much of his personal income from the annual net surplus of the Duchy. This makes the Duchy a very lucrative business proposition for him!  In addition to the $25 million per annum state salary, Charles and wife Camilla are not doing badly.

But does a shrewd, wealthy, businessman who meddles in public affairs and has no emotional common sense belong on the throne of England? Let’s look at history.

Edward VII, son of Queen Victoria, also had a long wait for the throne, and also made poor personal decisions (he was known in some circles as Edward the Caresser). Yet, as king, he was beloved and seen as diplomatic and even “laid back” after so many years of the haughty Queen Victoria.  Charles is not Edward, however.  A shy, retiring, and self-conscious man, Charles doesn’t have the charisma to pull off his princeship, so how will he ever be accepted as a viable king? 

It comes down to this:

1. How beloved is the monarchy?  As an institution, it defines the entire British culture.  I don’t see the country voting it down.
2. Is there a legal way to circumvent Charles ascending the throne?  Not unless laws are changed.  Though Charles doesn’t appear to be as popular as many of his predecessors, I don’t think he is unpopular enough for the courts to change the constitution over.
3. Edward VII only lasted nine years as king due to ascending the throne at an advanced age. Even if/when Charles takes the throne, it is likely he won’t be there long.

When Cromwell died, the British people had had enough of a British republic and re-established the monarchy – though not to its former glory, at least to its former glamor.  Four-hundred years later, the memory is still alive.  The British people spoke once and said, “We want a monarchy!” Some traditions die hard, and the monarchy is steeped with tradition.

Finally, something I haven’t discussed yet is the popularity of the young royals, William and Kate, Harry, and the rest.  While the country would probably rather bypass Charles and go straight to William and Kate, I’m not sure how much William and Kate are invested in the monarchy.  My belief is that if William had his choice, he would give up the crown for a job in the Royal Air Force and remain a relative unknown with his wife and raising a family.  I think he will do his duty, but once QE II passes, we’ve probably seen the last of the truly dedicated monarchs.  Those to whom the monarchy means more than duty.  More than a crown and an annual income.  It is the very heart of an entire nation.