The death of Elizabeth II will forever change Britain. The friendly old lady with her funny hats was more popular than the monarchy.
She is replaced by her much less esteemed son. Charles’ image was permanently tarnished by the way he treated Lady Diana, his first wife, with his mistress Camilla, who is now his queen consort. The multiple controversies regarding it cause it to be frowned upon in Britain and around the world.
The exit door
King Charles III sits on the throne as anti-monarchism is on the rise, both in the UK and across the Commonwealth.
The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, one of 14 countries, including Canada, where the British sovereign is head of state, said he plans to hold a referendum on the monarchy within three years . Other Caribbean countries are preparing to do the same. A minister from a former British colony told his parliament, “Perhaps it is time for Belize to take another step in truly owning our independence.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said a few days ago that she had no doubts that her country would become a republic.
At its height, the British Empire encompassed more than a quarter of the world’s population. Now the UK itself is under threat: Scotland and Northern Ireland might secede over Brexit.
- Listen to Normand Lester’s editorial on Richard Martineau’s show broadcast live every day at 8:30 a.m. via QUB radio :
What regarding Canada?
Justin Trudeau says the country is looking “to the future with His Majesty King Charles III as sovereign of Canada.” Will he ever have to apologize? It’s his mania.
Many Canadians are as indifferent to the monarchy as to the accession of King Charles. A recent Angus Reid poll shows that 67% of Canadians said they opposed the idea of Charles succeeding his mother and 55% of Canadians thought the monarchy was no longer relevant.
The changing demographics of Canada contribute to the spread of these anti-monarchist sentiments. The majority of immigrants (now 21.5% of the population) come from countries that have no connection to the British monarchy or, worse, that see the crown as a symbol of colonialism and oppression.
But it’s going to be quite a challenge to replace the governor general with a president. It would require the approval of Parliament and seven provincial legislatures representing at least 50% of the country’s population.
Rule over a failing kingdom
Going back to Charles III, his Kingdom is currently facing an economic black hole. Britain’s inflation rate will soon reach 12%. The pound sterling has lost a third of its value once morest the US dollar since Brexit. The British banking system is reeling as India’s economy has outperformed the UK’s this year. The sun sets on the monarchy which once ruled the world.
God save the King of what was once the Land of Hope and Glory !
