Saturday 10 September 2022 10:46 PM MAIL ON SUNDAY COMMENT: Charles's succession has brought us together and ... trends now
In a ceremony dating back a thousand years, Charles III was formally proclaimed King yesterday.
The Accession Council, which traces its origins to Anglo-Saxon times, lamented the loss of one Sovereign and pledged allegiance to the next. Signatories to the proclamation document included Lords Spiritual and Temporal, former Prime Ministers and leading members of the current Government and Opposition.
It was a scene laden with symbolism. To some, it must have seemed arcane and largely ritualistic. It was far more than that.
In a ceremony dating back a thousand years, Charles III was formally proclaimed King yesterday. The Accession Council, which traces its origins to Anglo-Saxon times, lamented the loss of one Sovereign and pledged allegiance to the next.
To some, it must have seemed arcane and largely ritualistic. It was far more than that. This was an affirmation that the British Sovereign rules by the consent of the people – a living demonstration of the continuity and legal authority that underpin our constitutional Monarchy.
Since 1688, that system has presided over an unprecedented epoch of personal freedom and political stability. While other nations have succumbed to extremism, revolution and tyranny, the United Kingdom has been a beacon of democracy – and remains so today.
This being the 21st Century, of course, the ancient in yesterday’s proceedings was rightly tempered with the modern. The event was televised for the first time and was attended by the new Queen Consort, accompanied by the new Prince of Wales.
And inevitably, it prompted a tsunami of social media comment – ranging as ever from the positive to the deranged – reminding us that the age of unspoken deference is past.
Along with the gun salutes and shouts of Long Live The King, the ceremony also brought home the sad truth that Queen Elizabeth II is really gone.
Along with the gun salutes and shouts of Long Live The King, the ceremony also brought home the sad truth that Queen Elizabeth II is really gone.
She had been a presence of maternal reassurance for so long that many of us have found it hard to believe she is no longer here.
Despite our profound sense of loss however, all the indications are that this most consummate of Monarchs has tutored her eldest son well.
Sometimes aloof and rather prickly as a younger man, Charles has developed over the years into a far more rounded and empathic character.
During his walkabout outside Buckingham Palace on Friday, he displayed much of his mother’s easy charm. And the crowds adored him for it. The outpouring of public affection was palpable. That evening, his address to the nation was a masterpiece of eloquence, and charged with emotion.
Bidding a poignant farewell to his ‘darling Mama’ and promising to carry on her legacy of public service, his words brought a lump to a million throats.
He also paid moving tribute to Camilla, his wife, confidante and touchstone. After his mother, she has helped more than anyone to prepare him for this moment.
Having been less than popular following the death of Diana, Camilla has won the public round and earned her own special place in our affections.
Significantly, Charles also stressed how honoured he feels to be taking over as head of the Church of England and inheriting the title Fidei Defensor – Defender of the Faith. Some years ago, he was criticised for undermining the established church after saying he would rather be known as the more generic ‘defender of faith’, to reflect Britain’s religious diversity.
In Friday’s statement, there was no such equivocation. While respecting and engaging with all other religions, he was a committed Anglican and would rule as an Anglican king.
