Beloved Queen Elizabeth II reigned for so long, from 1953 to 2022, that "Queen’s Birthday" Weekend became ingrained. Only those aged well over 70 will be reverting to the name they once knew.
Queen Elizabeth died on September 8, 2022, aged 96, the longest-serving British monarch and a towering world figure. Her life of dedication and service was exemplary. It left a legacy of respect, admiration and love.
That was not to be, Charles was bequeathed the unenviable task of succeeding someone so successful.
There was also speculation the monarchy’s days of ascendency would fall or fade once Queen Elizabeth had gone. In particular, the former British colonies where the monarch was technically head of state could feel growing irrelevance in a king far across the seas.
Twenty-one months on, it is fair to conclude King Charles has done well, exceeding expectations. Although he can never be another Elizabeth, he has set a thoughtful and steady tone.
He has, as the king or queen should, cut back on comments that might be thought political whatever his strong feelings. At the same time, he has not abandoned his environmental concerns.
He is fighting cancer with determination and relative, albeit limited, openness. He has shown empathy to others similarly challenged.
He has dealt firmly with the desertion, some might say, of his son Harry and wife Meghan and the subsequent complications and allegations. He has handled the criticism of himself, his family and the royal household with patience and the tradition of not engaging.
The scandalous connection between Prince Andrew and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been managed reasonably, his brother being sidelined but not altogether abandoned.
As the BBC put it on the first anniversary, the rhythm and rituals of the royal year have largely been kept in place. The rotation through big annual events and stately homes has stayed much the same.
King Charles has been careful not to frighten the horses — in fact, some might criticise him for slowness in modernising the monarchy and paring its costs.
Stability is important in a nation beset by financial troubles and low morale.
The coronation allowed the king to display some change, showcasing a multi-faith land. The ceremony was still replete with pomp and relics of ritual.
His cancer diagnosis and then his daughter-in-law’s, Princess Kate, brought out common human frailty. The privileged suffered like everyone else.
King Charles used his illness to help promote cancer awareness. When he began a return to public duties at the end of April, he wisely visited a cancer research site first. He has surprised many with his ability to relate, to show emotion rather than royal reserve.
The illnesses also propelled Queen Camilla into fulfilling more public engagements and developing a warmer bond with the British people. She has also continued to campaign on domestic violence issues.
Explaining the royal family’s historic relationship with slavery and colonialism will continue to be difficult.
There is also the generation divide. Support for the monarchy is high in older age groups and mediocre among the young.
King Charles is aware enough to recognise the financial pressures on people. In his first Christmas message, he commented on the "great anxiety" for those struggling to pay bills and feed their families.
Queen Elizabeth would be proud that her son, like her, is dedicated to service and the monarch’s roles.
His New Zealand subjects should be wishing the king good health and many more King’s Birthday weekends.
