Fit for a king

Before Charles III came to the throne, there were some suggestions that he might take a different name as king. Charles I, after all, got himself beheaded.

But perhaps he had another Charles in mind. Charles II, known as the "Merry Monarch", was among the most popular English kings.

So, as his coronation approaches, which of his predecessors does Charles III most resemble?

So far, there is little sign that the country has soured on him. Almost 60% of people say they want to keep the monarch, with just a quarter favouring an elected head of state.

For some, this has come as a surprise. They expected Charles would be a more divisive figure. He has always been outspoken on issues that matter to him, from the climate crisis to architecture.

But some think this has actually been a positive. Charles was lucky to come to the throne at a time when the climate crisis has become a much more mainstream concern. Around a quarter of voters now list it in their top three priorities.¹ Charles's long years of campaigning on this issue puts him closer to the people's own concerns.

Behind the headline figures, however, there is a more worrying picture for Charles. Only 32% of people aged 18 to 24 are supportive of the monarchy. And most people under the age of 50 think Charles is out of touch with the experiences of the British people.

As these younger people take over, calls for a republicA state in which the leaders are chosen by the people, and which has a president rather than a monarch. might grow louder.

Some say it is easy to see why. Charles's personal fortune is estimated at more than £1.8bn.² In spite of this, he receives more than £100m each year from the taxpayer. And the public will have to pay out another £100m next month for his coronationThe ceremony where a King or Queen is crowned..

Yes: Charles has a job for life purely by accident of birth. He is sheltered from everyday worries about money or work. He cannot understand how people think.

No: Charles has spent his whole life talking to people up and down the country. He understands them better than anyone. And unlike politicians, who only represent their voters, he knows he has to represent the whole nation.

Or... The problem is that there is no nation to represent. Britain is divided into warring tribes with very different ideas of what the nation should be. That makes institutions like the monarchy more and more irrelevant.