Lesser-known facts about the father of modern science
The death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, marked the end of a historic reign, which brought significant changes to the monarchy.
King Charles and Queen Camilla continue living at Clarence House in London, diverging from the traditional move to Buckingham Palace.
King Charles introduced a new royal cipher, symbolizing his reign. Gradually replacing Queen Elizabeth's cipher, it now adorns state documents, post boxes, and public signage.
The new king embraced a streamlined monarchy with fewer working royals, aiming to reduce taxpayer expenses while prioritizing key royal engagements.
The British national anthem transitioned to 'God Save the King.' After decades of singing 'God Save the Queen,' citizens across the Commonwealth adjusted to the updated lyrics.
Having established over 20 charities, the king now has less time for philanthropic work as monarch. Nevertheless, his commitment to sustainability remains a key focus.
Under King Charles, royal protocols have become more relaxed. The king chats with fans, while Prince William and Princess Kate embrace selfies and hugs.
With Charles now king, British passports reference "His Majesty" instead of "Her Majesty."
Unlike Queen Elizabeth's later years, King Charles has been traveling more frequently. His first state visit as king was to Germany in March 2023.
Coins featuring King Charles entered circulation in December 2022, followed by banknotes in 2024. However, Queen Elizabeth's versions remain valid.
The Royal Mail introduced stamps featuring King Charles's minimalist portrait. Unlike his predecessors, the king opted for an uncrowned depiction.
Military uniforms and police hats are gradually adopting King Charles's cipher, with updates occurring only as older items are naturally replaced.
New British citizens now swear allegiance to "His Majesty King Charles III." This change applies to the UK and across Commonwealth nations.
Charles banned foie gras from royal palaces, advocating for sustainable and ethical eating. His coronation quiche, a vegetarian dish, further reflected his environmental concerns.
King Charles's coronation, costing tens of millions, had a shorter ceremony and around 2,000 guests, far fewer than Queen Elizabeth's 8,000 in 1953.
Jamaica and Belize have considered leaving the Commonwealth under King Charles's leadership, highlighting the evolving dynamic between member nations and the monarchy.
Energy-saving measures in royal residences, like lower thermostats and electric lighting, underscore Charles's commitment to reducing the monarchy's carbon footprint.
After Queen Elizabeth's death, Prince Charles became King Charles III, while Prince William and Kate became Prince and Princess of Wales. Camilla became Queen Consort, and Prince Edward received the Duke of Edinburgh title.
After Queen Elizabeth's death, Charles invited diverse faith leaders to Buckingham Palace. According to a press release, he expressed his duty to "protect the diversity of our country" and viewed Britain as a "community of communities."
In a press release, the king condemned Russia's "unprovoked full-scale attack" on Ukraine, expressing horror over the "unnecessary suffering." The Queen avoided speaking publicly about the war in Ukraine.
As queen consort, Camilla accompanies King Charles to official events, addressed as "Her Royal Highness." She also serves as a counselor of state, temporarily fulfilling duties on his behalf when needed.
Only half of UK adults expressed interest in watching King Charles' coronation. Only 20% described themselves as "very interested," indicating a more lukewarm public response to the royal event.
William and Kate encountered protests during their 2022 Caribbean royal tour, marking Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee. Their Belize stop was even canceled due to local anti-monarchist demonstrations.
Protests against King Charles have increased since Queen Elizabeth's passing, with the slogan "Not my king!" reflecting growing public discontent.
A May 2023 Savanta survey showed one-third of UK adults viewed the royal family more negatively in the past decade. However, 21% reported a more positive outlook, and 41% remained neutral.
As King Charles navigates his reign, the monarchy is balancing tradition with modernization, working to stay relevant in a changing world while honoring its historical significance.
Sources: (Reader's Digest) (Business Insider) (The Guardian) (NBC News)
See also: Mother and son: memorable moments between Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III
A Reuters poll from 2023 revealed that King Charles' approval rating dropped to 49%, down from 61% in September 2022, following his ascension to the throne after Queen Elizabeth's passing.
In November 2022, King Charles and Camilla narrowly escaped being egged during a visit to York. The protestor was detained, marking a tense moment in the monarchy's public appearances.
Protests against the royal family have a long history, from Queen Elizabeth's 1964 Quebec visit to protests during Prince Charles's 1981 US tour amid The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
The ascension of King Charles III in 2022 marked the dawn of a new chapter for the British monarchy. Following Queen Elizabeth II's historic 70-year reign, Charles faced the challenge of balancing tradition with modernization. From a slimmed-down royal family to a stronger focus on sustainability, the monarchy has undergone significant transformations. As the world evolves, so does the Crown, striving to remain relevant in the 21st century while honoring centuries-old customs.
Click on to discover the changes that have unfolded since Charles ascended to the throne.
How the monarchy changed under King Charles III
This is the shifting face of the Crown
LIFESTYLE Royals
The ascension of King Charles III in 2022 marked the dawn of a new chapter for the British monarchy. Following Queen Elizabeth II's historic 70-year reign, Charles faced the challenge of balancing tradition with modernization. From a slimmed-down royal family to a stronger focus on sustainability, the monarchy has undergone significant transformations. As the world evolves, so does the Crown, striving to remain relevant in the 21st century while honoring centuries-old customs.
Click on to discover the changes that have unfolded since Charles ascended to the throne.