Kingly duties

As King Charles III is crowned, the world adjusts to a new presence in world politics.

The reign of King Charles III has finally begun. For the man, it’s been a lifetime of waiting. For the monarchy, it’s a crucial transition period as the world adjusts to the Commonwealth being led by anyone other than the longserving Elizabeth II.

The long-time environmentalist has always encouraged moves to put a halt to global warming, but which now need to balanced with the duty to remain neutral.

The Republican movement in Australia no doubt sees the coming years as an opportunity to put its case forward — particularly with Anthony Albanese in the Prime Minister’s office.

An interview with Piers Morgan in which the PM steadfastly insisted a referendum whether Australia should become a Republic will have done little to assuage monarchists’ fears, particularly as he reaffirmed his beliefs that Australia should have its own head of state.

The Voice question will need to be solved first, Mr Albanese has said.

That should be wrapped up by early 2024, which still leaves a decent chunk of the PM’S term available to put the republic question to the public.

But nothing will rain on the parade and celebrations for Townsville’s monarchists and royalists, who have been treated to a weekend of tradition, glamour and pomp.

After all, the crowning of a new monarch has been a once-in-alifetime event.

The King’s time as Prince was famously rocky at moments, particularly his romance with the love of his life, now Queen Camilla, in the wake of his separation from Princess Diana.

But Netflix series The Crown portrayed the conflict, and the

King enormously sympathetically, no doubt changing perceptions for some people, and setting a great first impression for viewers that went into the show ignorant of the history it is loosely based on.

The King has visited Townsville before, including 1966, with a more recent North Queensland appearance at Cairns in 2018.

Your Royal Highness, if you’re reading, you’re more than welcome to visit again.