“With Charles, there are positives… but there are negatives. »
Louise Macmorran is not overflowing with enthusiasm. The Londoner, met in the compact crowd gathered in front of St. James’s Palace, nevertheless moved to attend the proclamation of the new King Charles III on Saturday morning.
Unlike the day before, when the atmosphere was solemn and sad, today is a time of excitement. Although, of course, the death of Queen Elizabeth has not yet healed. And while many Britons met on the spot show overwhelming enthusiasm at the idea of welcoming the new sovereign, several others have reservations about a king whose past includes some controversial elements.
“He has always been very committed to the environment,” rejoices Louise Macmorran. But the negative is the whole story with Diana. »
The specter of the princess with a tragic destiny, ex-wife of the new king, undeniably hovers over the arrival in office of Charles III. Originally from Warwick, a town 130 kilometers north of London, Duncan and Karen Eaton speak with passion of the royal family and are visibly moved to attend this unique moment. “But I’m concerned about Diana,” Karen also admits.
She was nevertheless seduced by Charles’ very first speech, broadcast the day before. “It was the first time that I could identify with him. He showed sincere compassion,” she adds. “Given how he’s been received since yesterday, I think he’ll be popular. »
An optimism that does not share Pauline Maddison and Marie Anderson, who came to attend the proclamation in the company of other members of their family. “He has shoes that are impossible to put on,” maintains Pauline, who does not believe that he will “stir the cage” of the monarchy.
Like all the people interviewed on the spot, the two women very much appreciated the speech delivered by the king the day before, which they considered touching and sincere. “He addressed the concerns that some people have because of his activism,” notes Marie, explaining that some criticize him for lacking reserve in relation to causes that are close to his heart, such as the environment.
Asked if they have faith in their new king, Pauline lets out a nervous laugh: “Next question, please! She adds that she would have liked William, Charles’s son, to become king in her place.
“It is his destiny to become king”
Most of the thousands gathered around St. James’s Palace failed to catch a glimpse of the monarch, who drove by quickly to the cheering applause of the crowd, as did his son William. The latter also enjoys an enviable popularity, and Pauline Maddison is not the only one who would have liked to see him climb the throne in place of his father.
“It’s easier to identify with him than with Charles,” pleads the young Kelsey Brunen. His mother, Karina Wink, is “not 100% convinced” by the new king, but never mind. “It is his destiny to become king,” she recalls. Several citizens met on site also mentioned the interminable wait experienced by Charles, aged 73, before being able to ascend the throne. Obviously, this expectation commands respect from many.
What’s more, the British citizens met here are unanimous: it is quite normal for the order of succession to be respected. Georgia and Max, a couple of young Londoners, concede that “William probably has a better connection with the youth” of the country. “But I think Charles is going to surprise us,” says Georgia, excited to experience Charles’ proclamation in the company of thousands of her fellow citizens.
Charlie and Lina have come with their little boy, who shows some signs of impatience as the wait for the king’s arrival drags on. “He managed to leave his past behind him, believes Lina. And he’s more than ready to be king. She adds that he was “a defender of great causes such as sustainable development or the fight against climate change”, which makes him “rather progressive”.
In the streets surrounding Buckingham Palace, people continued to flock in droves throughout the day on Saturday to lay a bouquet of flowers in memory of the late Queen. And circulating in front of the palace is practically impossible as the crowd is compact, eager to see the sovereign get out of his car.
If the enthusiasm for King Charles does not seem delirious among many, the devotion of so many British citizens to the monarchy is however undeniable.
“Becoming king is his right,” summarizes Lina, smiling.