Charles in Charge

With Queen Camilla by his side, the new king faces challenges in his realm-and his family

- By Jack Royston

The future Elizabeth II was 21 when she pledged herself in service to her Imperial family. Her son and heir Charles III was 73 when he affirmed his own commitment to his country and Commonwealth-the Empire having dissolved long ago. The realm has been transformed in the 75 years between those speeches, but the demands of the sovereign's role remain the same. Uphold tradition (without being rigid). Embrace progress (without being trendy). Be steady. Be seen.

"That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today," said His Majesty King Charles III in a televised address the day after his mother's death.

In that first speech to his people as king, Charles made clear his respect for tradition-addressing, almost explicitly, long-held concerns about his commitment to the monarch's "particular relationship" with the Church of England and to political neutrality. "As the queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation," he said. "Our values have remained, and must remain, constant."