Watching the King deliver a wonderful address with grace and humour, referencing shared cultural icons of Oscar Wilde and Charles Dickens, it shows the respect and dignity a head of state should command.
My favourite part is when he said: “America’s words carry weight and meaning, as they have since independence. The actions of this great nation matter even more.”
I think the respect and dignity of the US government has been on the decline ever since Donald Trump. His rudeness and disrespectful attitude to his so-called allies (esp. Canada), and his vindictive egomania, has really tarnished the gravitas of the US.
Anyway, well done King Charles.
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My favourite system of government is a Parliament with a constitutional monarchy. The best argument in favour of this approach was articulated by Sir Walter Bagehot. Bagehot famously divided the British government into two distinct branches: the dignified and the efficient. The Crown is the “dignified” part of our constitution. Its purpose is not to “govern”, but to provide the symbolic historical foundations of our nation. I think this is a deeply conservative institution and, my goodness, I can’t overestimate its importance. The Monarch is not elected, and don’t take sides in debates. They are a living bridge to our past, our culture, the nation’s history and continuity. They represent the nation’s shared identity from centuries ago to the present day which transcend the prevailing political differences of the day.
In divided & difficult times, the Monarchy is consistent and visible. Their value to the UK is immeasurable.
I agree, it's refreshing to see any trace of respect and dignity in the context of the US leadership these dark days, even if it's provided by the visiting Brits.
ReplyDeleteIt would take a long time for the US to reclaim the stature and respect that it once had. If it ever does.
ReplyDeleteYes, somewhat surprisingly, I’ve had a Canadian friend argue in favour of the constitutional monarchy form of democracy.
I'm pleased you put the entire speech on your blog as I keep missing it on our TV. I'll look at it now.
ReplyDeleteIt was good that it was such a successful speech. King Charles 111 did us well, although I expect every word written in his speech was analysed with a fine tooth comb.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting the speech. Maybe if the US gets a better person as president in the future, we will gain back some respect after what Trump has done to us.
ReplyDeleteIt was a very good speech.
ReplyDeleteThe four day visit has gone well.
All the best Jan
A thoughtful reflection on the symbolic role of King Charles III and the enduring value of constitutional monarchy in providing continuity and national identity beyond day-to-day politics.
ReplyDeleteMy natural instinct is to phase out the Royal Family, but when I see the current alternative in the USA I have immediate second thoughts. I wouldn't mind a slimmed-down Royal Family that didn't perpetuate highly expensive occasions like the coronation (totally unnecessary because he became king automatically after Elizabeth died) which cost tens of millions.
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