The Renaissance King

Few realise the breadth and depth of Charles III’s interests and influence, but, here, 10 friends of COUNTRY LIFE, who know and have worked with The King–including former Prime Minister Sir John Major–predict he will be a magnificent and much-loved monarch

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All hail the King

Sir John Major 

Ahead of the curve, diligent and gifted with an empathy that allows him to connect with all people, Charles III will be a great and muchcherished monarch

NO monarch of our nation has been better prepared than Charles III. He has moved into the role with a sure touch and a deep understanding of all that will be required of him.

I do not claim to be an intimate of The King —and nor should any politician—but I know enough to be confident that, as the years unfold, he will become a very successful monarch and a much-loved one, too.

The nexus between the monarch and the Government is a sensitive one. It can easily be misunderstood and more easily misinterpreted. The monarch has every right to be fully informed about the actions and intentions of the Government, not least because each and every one of them will have an impact on the lives of those he or she serves.

Some critics have complained that—when still Prince of Wales—The King ‘lobbied’ ministers too forcefully; but, in my experience, such a criticism is woefully misguided. During the years I was Prime Minister, we met to discuss a wide range of issues and I found the meetings to be hugely beneficial. Yes, I was questioned about policy. And, yes, opinions were expressed. Yet I was never put under any pressure to follow any particular course.