King Charles III faces this massive challenge as the UK’s new sovereign

King Charles III’s reign is likely to be worlds apart from his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Over the Queen’s 70-year reign, she amassed a certain amount of popularity. The same cannot be said for King Charles III’s time as heir apparent.

An unpopular heir

Queen Elizabeth was never destined to be Queen. According to Express, not much was known about the then-Princess Elizabeth when she suddenly became Queen at age 25. As monarch, Elizabeth garnered great popularity.

King Charles is the oldest monarch to be crowned King in the UK. He had been waiting in the wings for over six decades, during which the newly appointed King wasn’t always highly regarded by the people.

A particular point of discord was the then-Prince of Wales’s behaviour concerning his marriage to Princess Diana. When private details of his marriage to 'the people's Princess' became public knowledge, the then-Prince was highly unpopular.

As heir apparent, King Charles was very outspoken, maybe too outspoken, and would voice his opinions publicly. This made the British feel sceptic about how successful Charles would be as King. It is something Queen Elizabeth refrained from doing.

During his mother’s reign, Express notes that only 32% of participants in a poll believed that Prince Charles would do a good job as King, as opposed to 77% believing Prince William would succeed.

Being accepted as King

Historian Dr Anna Whitelock notes that one of King Charles' most significant challenges was ‘apathy’. In other words, the British people simply won’t care either way.

According to Express, she suggests that the nation is still coming to terms with losing the only Queen most Britons have ever known. There is currently an outpouring of goodwill, but King Charles needs to ensure he continues connecting with the people.

Royal commentator Cameron Walker agrees. He said King Charles needed to ‘be accepted’ as the new monarch. Walker speculates that the King will be very present in the coming months, ‘promoting causes which are going to benefit the people’, per Express.

A change of heart?

However, Vanity Fair’s royal correspondent, Katie Nicholl, revealed on the podcast Royal that King Charles was met with applause and cheers when he returned to Buckingham Palace following the death of the Queen. Nicholl, who was there, says the King’s face lit up at the warm reception. Especially since there was no way of knowing which way it would go, according to her.

According to a new YouGov poll, Express reports that 63% of participants believe Charles will make a good monarch.

Sources used:

- Express: 'People might not care!' Royal historian identifies 'greatest threat' to Charles' reign

- Express: 'King Charles' 'biggest challenge' exposed as king to embark on charm offensive

Read more:

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⋙ King Charles III’s coronation will axe these ancient traditions

⋙ King Charles: Rare bats, beer and other quirky things he inherited from the Queen