Friday, September 9, 2022 is the first full day of the Caroline Era. King Charles lll arrived at Buckinham Palace midday, meeting and greeting some of the thousands of people who are holding vigil outside the palace to pay tribute to the new king and his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth ll.
Charles delivered his first public speech as the monarch at 6pm in the UK. He acknowledged the sacrifice and service his mother offered during her reign and made the same commitment. While he admitted he would have to step away from his pet projects and causes, it was interesting to note that he charged the newly "created" Prince and Princess of Wales (William and Kate) with the responsibility to help those who live on the margins of society.
There is plenty of commentary suggesting Elizabeth set a bar to high for Charles to match. But unlike his mother, Charles had the opportunity to learn how to be king from Great Britain's longest serving monarch.
Perhaps we underestimate the new king.