14 rules King Charles must follow as the new King of England
As the former Prince of Wales assumes the throne he must adjust to a lengthy set of new rules and responsibilities.
While the world mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, inside Buckingham Palace, a new leader is preparing to assume the throne. Today, the man formerly known as Charles, Prince of Wales becomes King Charles III, inheriting the Commonwealth from his mother, who served for 70 years — the longest reign of any monarch in the history of the British crown.
“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” said Charles in an official statement following Queen Elizabeth’s “peaceful” passing in Balmoral, Scotland. “During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
For members of the royal family, the next week will be characterised by mourning and reflection, as a funeral arrangements are made. However, no longer the King-in-waiting, Charles will step into his new role as monarch immediately. And just like any new job, a new set of expectations come with being King. Here, we take a look at the rules he must obey as the new King of England.
He must wait a year to be coronated
A coronation ceremony typically takes place about a year after the passing of a British monarch, to allow for sufficient mourning time. This means that although Charles has immediately assumed the throne, and his duties as King have begun, he won’t be crowned in an official ceremony for another 12 months.
He must inspire “unity and national identity”
While the monarch hasn’t been responsible for governing Britain since the 18th century, today, the crown plays an important role in promoting patriotism and unity. According to Buckingham Palace, the King will also be tasked with encouraging continuity and stability among the British public.
He must maintain strict political neutrality
By convention, the British monarch is not permitted to vote in England’s elections, or stand for election.
But he will play an important ceremonial and formal role in government matters
According to the royal family’s official website, King Charles’ parliamentary duties will include opening each new session of parliament, granting Royal Assent to legislation, and approving Orders and Proclamations through the Privy Council. Additionally, he will have a special relationship with new Prime Minister Liz Truss, which will involve meeting with her on a weekly basis.
No autographs or selfies
A ‘no autographs’ rule applies to the entire royal family, a rule that’s in place so potential forgers can’t learn how to mimic the handwriting of royalty. While there’s no ‘official’ protocol on selfies, etiquette guides around meeting the royal family stipulate that you should never turn your back on the royals. Therefore, taking selfies with the new King is highly discouraged.
He can’t be quite so opinionated
During his time as Prince of Wales, Charles has become known for his galvanising approach to social issues and current affairs, and is particularly outspoken when it comes to issues surrounding climate change. However, as the monarch, he’ll be expected not to alienate his constituents, which will necessitate a step back from the campaigning he prioritised in his previous job.
He will become the head of state of 15 Commonwealth realms
Including New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Jamaica, Grenada and Australia. That number looks set to change, however, as other nations voice their desires to follow Barbados’ lead in becoming a republic.
He must dress for the occasion
When royals travel to foreign countries on official state visits, it is considered respectful to incorporate an element of the local dress into their outfits. This is known as ‘diplomatic dressing’, and it might see Charles don a traditional Sherwani in Pakistan, or an Akubra in Australia.
Dinner party etiquette must be observed
There’s plenty of manners to learn when you assume the throne, including who you speak to at the table and when. Following tradition, Charles is required to speak to the person seated to his right at the beginning of the evening, and when second course is served, he can officially turn and chat to the person on his left.
Which means no shellfish
The palace recommends his highness steers clear of shellfish, as it’s more likely to cause food poisoning than other foods.
He must accept all gifts
And he must accept them graciously. It is customary for members of the royal family to receive every gift that is handed to them during royal engagements.
He doesn’t need a driver’s licence to get behind the wheel
The monarch is the only person in the UK who’s allowed to drive without a legal driver’s licence, or licence plates. However, it’s likely Charles’ chauffeur will be doing most of the driving.
He will become Head of the Armed Forces and Head of the Church of England
A rather intimidating job, King Charles will become the only person who can declare when the country is at war and when war is over (although he must take advice from his government first). As the Head of the Church of England, a post British monarchs have held since the church was founded by Henry VIII in the 1500s, King Charles will appoint archbishops and bishops on the advice of the Prime Minister.