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11 months ago
59
The King has suffered numerous accusations in his long life of service.
The latest jibe is that he is merely a stop-gap monarch between his mother, Elizabeth II, and his son William. I bet he doesn’t see it like that.
To imagine that Charles is content to be a ‘caretaker king’ is a complete misreading of the man who has just delivered the opening address at the COP28 climate change conference.
Taking the throne in his mid-70s, the king will inevitably have a shorter reign than many, but a look at his endeavours in the past 15 months shows a man of enormous energy, a workaholic who scarcely pauses for a midday sandwich and who is busy from morning till night.
King Charles III had a record wait for the throne - but has much he wishes to achieve, says Hugo Vickers
Some have wrongly suggested that Charles, seen here at his Scottish 'coronation' is a stop gap between his mother, Elizabeth II and his son, William, on the left
The King continues to immerse himself in the causes he has always championed. Here he speaks at the opening ceremony of the COP28 climate summit
Much he does privately behind the scenes, and rightly we do not know the extent of that.
My theory is that he will have been pleasantly surprised by the opportunities he now has as head of state to engage with other world leaders.
He cannot make the kind of public pronouncements he made as Prince of Wales, but he will be afforded more attention now than when he was the heir.
We get some sense of where his priorities now lie by looking at his public engagements.
While we know of his commitment to climate change, there are some subtle changes in emphasis which I believe suggest a man now concerned primarily for the future.
Overall, I see him as promoting harmony be it civil, racial or religious. The future is with the young and youthful endeavours seem to have assumed a greater emphasis in his schedule
On his visit to Kenya, the King was briefed on beach clean-ups, rehabilitation projects for youth and mental health, lifeguard training and the UN programme on sustainability. And he met young athletes in the Kakura Forest.
As MailOnline Royals has pointed out, he was greeted with huge enthusiasm by the young Kenyans.
Spirituality seems to be playing a greater role, also.
The King’s religious interests are wide and all embracing. In the last few months he has received the Chief Rabbi, attended several inter-faith events, and helped celebrate the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht at the Central Synagogue.
And, with harmony in mind, the variety of groups he has celebrated is extensive.
He has hosted receptions for the Global Investment Summit, for nurses and midwives, for the UK’s contribution to humanitarian efforts across the world, and for the supporters of the Powerlist Black Excellence Awards.
On his 75th birthday, he launched the Coronation Food Project. He attended a reception for African Business leaders, and has been out and about inspecting food bank stores, nature reserves, hospices and therapy gardens.
King Charles turned 75 this month - but shows no sign of slowing up
King Charles must now restrict what he says in public but will have even greater influence behind the scenes. Here he greets president of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol
Prince William pays homage to his father in one of the most touching moments of the Coronation
King Charles carries out his duties at the climate summit in Dubai
It is, in other words, business as usual, except more so. His reign offers many opportunities – and he will press on.
Is this a man who is thinking of his legacy?
It may well be that history will give a kinder verdict than what was meted out to him in his years as heir.
These years will be the crystalisation of his life’s work.
English (US)