AFTER ELIZABETH

Why a new king represents a window of opportunity for the reinvigoration of the British monarchy.

The monarchy is a bundle of paradoxes: reigning but not ruling, a hereditary role in a modern democracy, a representative of the people while living in castles and enjoying huge wealth. Elizabeth II was widely admired at home and abroad; her son and successor, Charles III, is still finding his footing, but seems to be open to new thinking. Owens, a historian and royal commentator who describes himself as a “critical friend” of the monarchy, hopes so. Elizabeth emphasized stability, but that meant ignorance of many emerging problems. Many young people see the monarchy as an outdated institution, and while it’s currently a minority sentiment, it will grow if meaningful reforms are not undertaken. Elizabeth defined her role as one of self-sacrifice and duty, but scandals and family quarrels have undermined the royal image. With Britain enduring political polarization, increasing inequality, and ineffective governments, the monarch could, Owens suggests, do much to bind the country’s wounds. A crucial step would be to define the vague powers of the monarch with legislation that would also implement needed governance reforms. Slimming the extended family of royals to the core figures would also allow for a focus on nonpartisan issues such as environmental protection and climate change, matters where Charles already has indicated a strong interest. There are some useful models of reformist royals, such as in Denmark. Owens’ ideas are good food for thought, but they will be difficult to implement. Still, one might hope that Charles proves to be willing and able to start down a modernizing path. “Radical renewal,” writes the author, would create “a monarchy fit for the twenty-first century, one that plays a genuinely useful role in national life.”

With the clarity of expertise, Owens sets out an agenda to give the Crown an energetic role in the 21st century.