Queen Elizabeth II, the much-loved monarch of the U.K., passed away on September 8. Her son has succeeded her as King Charles III, amid a lot of hope and interest about how he is going to fill the Queen’s enormous shoes, especially at a time of great political uncertainty, climate change and other global challenges.
One has only to examine Charles’s long and dedicated public service record — from caring for the underprivileged to protecting the environment and preservation of historical architecture — to know that not only will he do his utmost to emulate and equal the Queen’s extraordinary service record but will also put his own unique stamp on it. Nowhere has this been more evident, to me, than in his desire to engage with India.
I have had the honour and privilege of witnessing the King’s love for our country since 1990, when I started working closely with him to transform disadvantaged youth. My father, the former President R. Venkataraman, was invited to stay at the Buckingham Palace in April 1990, during his state visit to the U.K. I accompanied my parents on this visit and not only experienced the Queen’s enormous personal warmth first hand but also had the rare chance to learn about the then Prince Charles’ remarkable programme, the Prince’s Trust.
