Charles III, crowned insignificance

Let’s have some sympathy for Charles Windsor, who will officially wear the crown left to him by his mother on her death last September from today! He presents himself, late in the game, as a relief pitcher who must save the entire team from the disinterest of the spectators.

Once is not custom, I allow myself to abuse sports references. And then it will give you an idea of my age. Charles III is, in my eyes, the Doug Wickenheiser of the British monarchy. From his first outings in Montreal, the young player from Regina carried on his shoulders the burden of perpetuating the Canadiens’ dynasty.

He had to be as good, if not better than Jean Béliveau and Guy Lafleur. Wicked challenge!

Charles, too, has a dynasty to assume, as prestigious – for supporters of the CH – as Sainte-Flanelle. His grandfather, George VI, distinguished himself by keeping the nation united and the empire engaged in the face of Nazi aggression during World War II.

His mother, Elizabeth II, did not stand up to Hitler, but the turmoil that swept through the British royal family during its seventy years on the throne often took on the appearance of a blitzkrieg, without the victims.

A DISAPPOINTING SON

No wonder that over the second longest reign in world history after that of Louis XIV in France, Elizabeth II had to manage her share of scandals and scandals. Two of the most painful, however, concern his eldest son, Charles.

There are many – I saw it myself in London, at his mother’s funeral – who still do not forgive him for his separation from Diana Spencer – Lady Di – after a much less romantic life as a couple than their grandiose 1981 wedding. .

Diana’s “We were three in this marriage”, in reference to the relationship that her prince of husband persisted in maintaining with the one who is now Queen Camilla, will forever tarnish the image of their new king for many.

Elizabeth II’s final years were also clouded by tensions between her son and her grandson, Harry. From interviews to biography, the young prince continues to repeat that the palace and his family did nothing to protect him and his wife, Meghan, against the intrusion of the British press. On the contrary, his mother-in-law, he suggests, was in cahoots with the most deceitful tabloids.

AN ENDLESS WAIT

If, out of respect for his mother, the members of the British Empire have long been docile, Charles III will not benefit from the same consideration.

It is no longer just an “emancipation” towards the republic that is evoked, but apologies and reparations that are demanded for the links that the royal family has maintained for centuries with slavery.

At 74, Charles is the oldest crown prince in a millennium of history to ascend the British throne.

Nothing to do with Henry VI who was barely eight months old or even, more seriously, with his great-great-great-grandmother Victoria, who was 18 or his own mother, 25.

His subjects are already tired of him and apparently he knows it very well. Poor Charles!

CHARLES III, HIS CORONATION AND SOME SACRED OBJECTS

THE THRONE OF SAINT EDWARD OR KING EDWARD

This simple wooden throne has played a role in coronations for 700 years.

It only left Westminster Abbey twice: in 1657, during England’s brief republican period under Oliver Cromwell, and during World War II, when it was transported to Gloucester Cathedral , in the west of England.

THE SPOON OF THE CORONATION

There is nothing remarkable about it compared to the crown jewels, but this spoon is the most ancient object and one of the most sacred in the whole ceremony.

Oliver Cromwell melted down the gold and sold the royal jewels, but the spoon was sold intact and the owner returned it to Charles II when the monarchy was restored.

THE BULB

This vase in the shape of a golden eagle contains the holy oil that will anoint the king and queen.

It is associated with a 14th century legend that the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Thomas Becket and offered him a golden eagle and a vial of oil to anoint future kings of England.

THE STONE OF DESTINY