The politics of monarchy

The End of an Era: King Charles III and the Evolving Role of the British Monarchy

London, UK – September 2022 – The passing of Queen Elizabeth II marked not just the end of a remarkable 70-year reign, but also a pivotal moment for the British monarchy. As the nation mourns and King Charles III ascends to the throne, profound questions arise about the future of this ancient institution in a modern, often fractious, democracy. While many anticipate a continuation of the established order, philosopher Geoffrey Klempner offers a compelling, albeit unconventional, perspective, suggesting that the new monarch holds a unique and perhaps underestimated power to shape the nation’s destiny.

The Legacy of a Constitutional Monarch: A Shifting Landscape

Queen Elizabeth II reigned as the epitome of a constitutional monarch, a figurehead whose influence was meticulously exercised within defined boundaries. Her reign spanned an era of immense societal change, from the post-war reconstruction to the digital age, and she navigated these transformations with a steadfast commitment to duty and tradition. The concept of a "constitutional monarch" has become the bedrock of public understanding of the role, implying a figurehead bound by the decisions of Parliament and government.

However, with the accession of King Charles III, there is a palpable sense of anticipation, tinged with apprehension for some, about how the new King will interpret his inherited responsibilities. His Majesty has been quick to reassure the public that he will respect the constitutional limitations of his office, a sentiment echoed by those who champion the stability and continuity the monarchy provides. Yet, Klempner argues that this adherence to a pre-written "script" might be an "understandable error," suggesting that King Charles is not necessarily bound by the same interpretative framework as his mother.

King Charles III: A Monarch with a Distinctive Voice

Klempner posits that King Charles III is not merely a successor but an individual with his own distinct perspective and, crucially, his own "means and the power to influence events, to bring about change." In a nation grappling with deep political divisions and significant socio-economic disparities, where "open hostility between the lucky privileged and those struggling to make a living" is a stark reality, Klempner suggests that mere words and expressions of good intentions are insufficient.

The philosopher contends that while the King may not possess the legislative or judicial powers to enact laws or administer justice, his position as monarch imbues his pronouncements with an "unique weight." This authority, Klempner argues, is not derived from a "divine right" – a concept long relegated to history, famously challenged by Oliver Cromwell – but from a more contemporary understanding of influence and respect. This authority, he asserts, is "his right – albeit not a ‘divine’ right – and not a mere privilege granted to him by whichever party happens to have been elected to power."

The Fiction of Monarchy: Power Beyond the Legal Framework

Klempner delves into the philosophical underpinnings of monarchy, describing it as a "fiction" to which society willingly subscribes. He draws a parallel between the concept of monarchy and religion, suggesting that just as people find meaning and purpose in religious practices without necessarily holding literal "belief," so too do individuals find value and cohesion in respecting the institution of monarchy. This "way of life that we find meaningful and worth believing in" is, for Klempner, the true source of the monarch’s enduring influence.

He challenges traditional political theory, which often grapples with the question of "Why should I obey the law?" and focuses on establishing a sense of legal "obligation." Klempner shifts the focus to a more nuanced question: "why I should listen to any given pronouncement from this or that person, or whence comes the authority of an individual or group of individuals to influence belief and action." The answer, he proposes, lies in an authority that is "partially earned, but also granted even when it is not earned because I have freely chosen to grant it." This choice, he concludes, is ultimately the choice of a "way of life."

A Precedent for Influence: Environmental Advocacy

The article highlights King Charles’s long-standing commitment to environmental causes, a passion he has championed for decades. As Prince of Wales, he was an early and vocal advocate for climate action, often facing "jibes and disrespect from the popular press." Klempner suggests that his unwavering dedication to these issues, despite public criticism, demonstrates a conviction that could translate into significant influence as King.

The deep public "regard that the British people hold to the institution of monarchy," evidenced by the widespread mourning for Queen Elizabeth II, is seen by Klempner as a crucial factor. He believes this respect will now "severely muted, if not silenced," the criticisms that previously hampered the then-Prince Charles. This provides him with a unique platform and, in Klempner’s view, a "right and a duty to speak his mind."

Democracy and the Power of Influence: Beyond Elected Representatives

Klempner acknowledges the democratic framework of the United Kingdom but argues that power and influence are not solely concentrated within elected parliamentary bodies. He cites John Stuart Mill’s observation about the "tyranny of the majority" and posits that it is "mere fantasy to imagine that power resides only in the elected representatives in Parliament."

Instead, he identifies other influential figures and groups within society – leaders of large trade unions, industrialists, and popular celebrities – who, by virtue of their ability to command attention and respect, possess the capacity to "influence the course of events, in a positive or negative way." These individuals, Klempner suggests, have a "special role to play in the national conversation." Within this broader landscape of influence, the monarch’s role, he contends, is "unique and irreplaceable."

The Unearned Authority: A Philosophical Conundrum and a Societal Choice

The philosopher grapples with the inherent "puzzle" of how an "accident of birth" can confer such significant influence. The monarch’s power, he reiterates, is a "fiction." While it is possible to "block our ears, if we choose," society does not do so because it "happily subscribe[s] to that fiction." This voluntary engagement with the institution, even without explicit belief, is what sustains its authority.

Klempner concludes by asserting that if political theory struggles to reconcile this phenomenon, then "so much the worse for political theory." The enduring strength of the monarchy, and indeed of any influential figure, lies not solely in legal pronouncements or formal power, but in the freely granted authority that individuals and societies choose to bestow. In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, King Charles III inherits not just a crown, but a profound opportunity to leverage this unique, albeit fictional, authority to address the pressing challenges facing the United Kingdom, by choosing to speak and act with conviction, supported by the respect inherent in his position. The era of constitutional monarchy may be defined by its constraints, but the individual at its helm, as Klempner argues, can still be a potent force for change.