The Green King’s mandate for change

The Brits changed a lot about the world we live in during the 300 years between the reigns of Charles II and Charles III. We kicked off an industrial revolution, seized and tanked an empire, and invented more than one sport that we’re not very good at. (A notable exception being cricket, which was invented during the reign of Charles I, which for some might be all the justification needed for chopping his head off.)

But there could also be noticeable changes between the reigns of Charles III and that of his ‘dear Mama’. For a start, he’s talking about a slimmed down coronation in the face of the cost-of-living crisis. But that could just be his hors d’oeuvre. As Prince of Wales, Charles pushed his green agenda long before it was trendy – even though he was labelled a tree-hugger because he talked to flowers and shook hands with trees. It remains to be seen if he'll use his new status to try to influence policy, but one thing's for sure: if he wants to leave a legacy, he’s got about 50 years less than his Mum had to achieve it.

The good news is that there’s never been a better time than now to make a difference, because so much change is needed. The Climate Crisis is our biggest issue, and if any UK royal has the credibility to influence carbon policy, it’s Charles – and not just because he gets to wear that heavy hat.

As the longest-serving heir to the British throne, Charles has waited a long time for this moment, and he no doubt wants to get on with the ideas he’s been brewing for decades. But adapting to the brave new world that he finds himself in is going to require more than just exercising his intellectual curiosity. He'll also need the courage of his convictions to act. And more specifically, he’ll need the courage to think, speak and act differently from his mother. And that’s not a prospect for the faint-hearted, given her strength of character, unmatchable sense of duty and enduring popularity. In forging his own path, Charles risks alienating an entire population that has grown up knowing only one monarch.

I reckon, though, that Charles is more concerned about the causes he cares about than caring too much about what people think of him. Charles II was known as the Merry Monarch, but that's not a crown Charles III will be working too hard to wear. But he could become the Green King. And with the failure of world leaders at COP26 to deliver much more than a commitment to COP27, he might just be the Zeitgeist King too.

Rich Alderton is an Adaptability Intelligence specialist, so if you’d like to learn how to become more adaptable why not call us on 07873 823 800, email us or complete our enquiry form?