The new King faces a stiff challenge to make the monarchy relevant to the everyday lives of Scots. The institution remains popular but this reflects the service provided by the late Queen more than anything else.
Young people in particular struggle to reconcile modern values with a hereditary head of state and it is not difficult to understand their concerns. Yesterday, which saw the King presented with the Honours of Scotland, was a case in point.
It was a day of pomp, pageantry and prayer, weeks after the coronation in London. But despite being well attended, the contrast between the lavish celebration and the cost-of-living struggles faced by many was stark.
Scotland is not a hotbed of republicanism, but nor is it an outpost of pro-royal sentiment. Champions of the monarchy often argue that the institution’s durability is down to its political impartiality.
This is a fair point and Queen Elizabeth II personified this approach. But the new King is his own man and he has carved out a reputation for himself as a progressive with a big heart.
He is a long-standing champion of the environment and advocate for minority communities. The monarch must never pretend to be a politician, but the King should not be afraid to carve out an ambassadorial role for himself on key global issues.
He should be unafraid to call for bold action to tackle the climate crisis that affects us all. This would not be tainted by party politics and instead could be a clarion call for countries around the world to bring forward necessary change.
A modernising King could also act as someone to bring together people of all faiths and none to foster positive community relations. He has always been a bridge builder and could make a huge difference with constructive and positive interventions.
The King should also make good on his call for a streamlined monarchy, such as by handing over some of the palaces to the country. The alternative would be to watch support for the institution fall and preside over slow decline.
The scandal surrounding his brother Prince Andrew, as well as tensions with his son Harry, show that controversy is never far away. All institutions have to adapt to the 21st century and the monarchy is no exception.
Our planet and way of life is at crisis point and we are crying out for bold leadership to tackles the issues we face. If the King is to have any sort of impact in his role, then we encourage him to use his global profile and influence to help address the climate crisis facing all of us.
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