Liz’s dynamism and energy augur well for Britain’s future

‘The PM has a clear vision on how Britain should be governed’

- Leo McKinstry

THE ARRANGEMENTS for the change in the monarchy on the Queen’s death imposed a huge burden on the British state. But the pressures were probably felt at their most intense by two contrasting figures. One was the new King, who had suddenly had to take on vast new responsibilities amid his personal grief. The other was Liz Truss, who had become Prime Minister less than two days before the late sovereign’s passing. Indeed, her appointment was the last major public duty carried out by Elizabeth II.

Despite the colossal demands, both of them have made impressive starts. Dignified and eloquent, Charles III brought a natural authority to his new role, for which he had been well-prepared by his long apprenticeship as Prince of Wales.

Despite his sorrow, he undertook a packed schedule of engagements in advance of Monday’s state funeral for his mother, visiting all four nations of his kingdom, meeting the public and numerous dignitaries, and travelling almost 2,000 miles. It has been a daunting programme for a man in his early 70s. At 47, Liz Truss is almost 30 years younger than the King and has long been renowned at Westminster for her formidable work ethic.