In 1660, Britain was in a state of crisis. Oliver CromwellA political and military leader in 17th Century England., the man who had ruled with an iron fist for almost a decade, was dead. His son was not up to the task of governing. War seemed inevitable.

Amidst the chaos stepped forth an unlikely hero: Charles Stuart, soon to be Charles II. His father, Charles IThe king who sparked the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, which included the English Civil War. He was accused of tyranny by Parliament and ended up being executed for it., had sparked a bloody civil war and been executed for treason.¹ And the younger Charles already had a bad reputation of his own.

Yet under his rule, the country underwent a stunning transformation. The arts flourished, especially theatre. Britain was filled once again with excitement and laughter.

Last week, another Charles took the throne in a time of unrest. Like his namesakeA person who has the same name as another., many thought he was not up to the job. His critics said he was too open about his political positions. His personal life was too messy.² He would not have the respect of the public.

Yet so far he has proved them wrong. His succession has been smooth. 

Indeed, some are optimistic about the prospect of a more political monarch. They think just like his predecessor, Charles could open the door to a new flourishing of British culture.

According to writer Aris Roussinos, the crisis gripping Britain today is really a crisis of ideas. He argues that since the 1980s, all major British politicians have agreed on a basic set of principles: the state should be small and taxes should be low.

Today, he says, this consensus is breaking down. Politicians have shrunk the state so much that it can no longer provide the services people rely on. It has failed to protect us from the energy crisis.³ The old ideas are not working.

He thinks the old consensus must give way to a new way of doing things: a more generous state, better preservation of natural resources, and more local production.

This vision would need long-term planning, and might take decades to complete. But politicians are short-sighted. Governments rarely think beyond the next election. 

A thoughtful, political king, however, could provide continuity from one government to the next.

And these are issues that Charles has always been passionate about: environmental conservation, rural life and clean, beautiful cities. Like Charles II, he might yet steer his country towards a better future.

Yes: Charles has been thinking deeply about environmental issues for decades. Now, suddenly, these are the most pressing challenges facing the country. He will be an invaluable source of wisdom.

No: There is a reason British monarchs do not meddle in politics. An impartial head of state is a vital part of our constitution. If Charles becomes too vocal, he will bring down either the monarchy, or the whole political system.

Or... Charles probably won't and should not take too active a role in politics. But he could create the conditions for people to think more radically about these important issues.