Scotland
The obvious affinity the Queen felt for the Scottish Highlands and the people who lived there was reciprocated a thousand times over. But even in the acuteness of grief, there is a recognition among many Scots that, although King Charles has inherited his mother’s title, he has not yet passed into the same esteem and affection that they held for her. That the Scots were attached to the character and stability of the Queen herself rather than the institution of the monarchy is clear from the polls. In May, the British Future thinktank found that only 45% in Scotland wanted to keep the monarchy – compared with six in 10 people across Britain – while 36% thought the end of the Queen’s reign would be the right time. to become a democracy. With further constitutional rulings pending this year as the high court examines whether the Scottish Parliament can legally hold a second independence referendum, will the new king strengthen ties between Scotland and the rest of the UK or help tear them apart further? Former first minister Alex Salmond insisted before the 2014 independence referendum that Scotland would retain the Queen as head of state if the country voted yes, and this remains Scottish National’s policy. Nicola Sturgeon, however, is believed to be far less enthusiastic about the royal role in Scotland, despite her obvious admiration and affection for the Queen. As they paid their respects to the Queen at the gates of Balmoral, guests were already reflecting on their new King Charles. Karen Taylor, 48, a midwife from East Kilbride, said: “It will change attitudes – there are people who support the royal family just because of the Queen. And he has big shoes to fill. It will be a long journey [for him] but I hope he will do well and serve well.” Rob Adamson, a retired events manager from north Aberdeen, suggested the new monarch should become a much more moderate, non-partisan figure. “I wonder how he will choose to adapt to the new situation, as I believe he must,” he said. “He has spoken openly about society and architecture over the years. This freedom is limited by his new role. With the example set by his mother, he had a very good role model to follow. I feel the role demands it from him.” James Mitchell, professor of public policy at the University of Edinburgh, points out that while the Queen was careful to avoid political innuendo or announcements, she interfered with the constitution twice, in favor of the union, at the time of her silver jubilee in 1977 and just before the vote in 2014, when she was heard expressing her desire for people to “think very carefully about the future.” “The question now is what will Charles do publicly,” says Mitchell. “He hasn’t exactly been subtle with his interventions over the years, so this could be a real challenge for him and the SNP.” Libby Brooks and Severin Carrell Edinburgh Waverley station the day after the Queen’s death. Photo: Katherine Anne Rose/The Observer
Wales
The affection for the late Queen in Wales is undoubtedly huge, and there is an affection for William, who worked as a search and rescue pilot in the north of the country. However, although he has held the title of Prince of Wales for more than half a century and is a frequent visitor, the attitude of most Welsh citizens towards King Charles is probably not so warm. “I don’t think people like him as much as the Queen,” said Katie Mull, 37, a youth worker and mother from Cardiff, as she attended a memorial service for the Queen in the Welsh capital. “I think some people like his eco stuff, which will do well. It just feels weird to say ‘King Charles’ and I think he’s got a job to do to win people over.” Instinctively, Mal thinks the monarchy must go. “I work with the poorest people in society and I feel that the royal family is helping to maintain the class system.” But on the other hand, he sees the royals as a “cloth” that holds the four countries together. “It unites Britain in a way, something that nations have in common. Maybe that should focus on Charles.” Her friend Jenny Lee, 37, a teacher and mother, agreed. “The queen is all we’ve ever known. Hopefully Charles will keep us together. There will be a lot of pressure on him. We have known the Queen for so many years. He should build on that.” Marion Loeffler, reader in Welsh history at Cardiff University, said the Queen’s connection to Wales was strong. “I think he tried to pass it on to Charles, but it didn’t work as well. He learned a little Welsh before his investiture, patronized the Royal Welsh Show, worked with the Welsh woolen industry, but the Queen remained first.’ Before Charles announced that William would be the new Prince of Wales, he launched a petition calling for the title to be scrapped because it has been seen as a symbol of subjugation since Edward I of England claimed it for his son in 1301. “There’s a chance he can beat the world,” Loeffler said. “But Elizabeth was very young when she came to the throne. She had decades to make her mark. King Charles is already old.” Craig Prescott, an expert on the monarchy at Bangor University, said the monarchy’s presence was weaker in Wales than in other nations – there is, for example, no official residence. “There is a growing Welsh independence movement based on a distinct Welsh identity. This goes against the idea of monarchy. I’d say Charles has a job to do to beat Wales,” Prescott said. Stephen Morris A new mural on the Queen’s death in west Belfast. Photo: Paul McErlane/The Guardian
North Ireland
A new mural in Belfast ends with the exclamation: “The people’s queen is dead, long live the king!” – but many unionists in Northern Ireland appear disillusioned with King Charles III. Partly it is shock and sadness at the death of a revered monarch who many expected would live to be 100. They need time to mourn what has been lost before cheering for a replacement. And in part, for some, it’s a sense that the 73-year-old king is too familiar, too old, to generate enthusiasm for a new reign. “We have to support the King now,” said Carol Irwin, 58, after laying a wreath at a mural of the Queen on Shankill Street in Belfast. “But I feel strange saying ‘God save the King.’ I would love for William to step in. I can’t wait for William to be king.” As a Northern Irish loyalist, however, Irwin is proud of her loyalty to the crown, no matter who wears it. “We will support Charles. The crickets of the union will fly from the houses as normal. Joan McCullough, part of a small crowd outside Hillsborough Castle, a royal residence in County Down, expressed reservations. “I don’t know if people will look at Charles the same way. He has a very tough act to follow. I wouldn’t have the same respect for him – I was a Diana fan. I’d rather jump on William.” As he spoke, workers erected a scaffold in preparation for the King’s visit to Hillsborough this week. The understated response belies the fact that according to one earl Charles, as prince, made 39 official visits to Northern Ireland, plus additional visits to the Republic of Ireland, more than twice as many times as his mother crossed the Irish Sea. He has crisscrossed the area shaking hands, handing out awards, opening new buildings. That, and being his mother’s son, earned him respect. “Charles is no spring chicken, but he has learned from the best. She will know what her wishes were,’ said Stuart Ward, 43, from east Belfast. Stacey Graham, 32, echoed the sentiment. “I don’t think the Queen would have left us in his hands if she didn’t think he was up to the job.” Joy Crawford, 51, said the Queen, even in death, would keep “Europe” on track: “I think Charles will be able to hold things together. He will always have his mother by his side.” In the nationalist Falls Road area of Belfast, many people shrugged when asked about Charles. Prince or king, it made no difference because he was not their monarch, they said. Rory Carroll
