Britain is lucky to have a King who will call Hamas what they are

Considering the current shambolic state of US politics, it would be poor form on my part as an American to criticise the present turbulence in Whitehall. The West is having an identity crisis at present, and most of its nations are deeply divided. But the British are deeply fortunate, in my opinion, in having the monarchy as well as elected politicians. We did away with all that in 1776 when we chose to become a constitutional republic. But in the process, we lost something precious.

No matter how divisive or turbulent the state of politics, in the monarchy, Britons have a symbol of national identity that reminds them of their shared values, their history and their way of life. In the face of increasing immigration without effective assimilation, whether that symbol will keep being effective remains to be seen. But it is definitely effective now, and we Americans have nothing like it. 

King Charles’ first year on the throne has been a success. It goes without saying that his mother, beloved around the world, was a tough act to follow. But the fact is he has carried the torch and is making his own mark.  

YouGov figures show that a year after the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, which many felt could spell doom for the monarchy, Britons largely (60 per cent) appreciate the job the King is doing.  Moreover, 62 per cent want to maintain the monarchy going forward, and 58 per cent view the monarchy as a positive force for the country.  The news is not all positive, though, as younger respondents are far less enthusiastic.  But to put things in perspective, last week Reuters reported that America’s head of state is polling at a paltry 39 per cent.

The King’s popularity is likely related to the fact that he has in many regards taken on board the lessons of his mother, a peerless public servant committed to duty and service. With his down-to-earth Queen, Charles has also earned respect by being both approachable and visible. But the King should also be praised for exhibiting laudable moral clarity.

In response to the atrocities and horrors committed by Hamas on October 7, the King clearly and plainly condemned Hamas for ‘barbaric acts of terrorism in Israel’.  By contrast the BBC refused to use the word ‘terrorism,’ perversely arguing that it wasn’t for them to label Hamas as villains. While the national broadcaster showed cowardice, the sovereign showed principle and courage.

Committed to the noble and humane values they exemplify, the King and Queen moved swiftly to express support and concern for Israelis and Jews worldwide experiencing sorrow and pain over the tragedies of October 7. The King met with Britain’s Chief Rabbi and personally contacted Israel’s President Herzog to express solidarity.  Mr Herzog acknowledged the King’s gesture as having global significance for the Jewish people.  

In the civilizational conflict in which the world is now engaged, the King and his family have boldly championed the principles of fairness and humanity that underpin liberal Western civilization. Risking the anger of pro-Palestine protesters, the King and his family lead by example.

Though not completely free of challenges, King Charles’ will have celebrated his recent 75th birthday in the knowledge that his first year on the throne has been a success. He seems ably to bridge the gap of preserving centuries-old traditions while addressing the issues and challenges of the day. The King has earned the affection of his people and the respect of those abroad in successful visits to European neighbors, Germany, and France. With dignity and restraint, it seems the King has even found the right approach to contain the rogue Sussexes.

My British friends say they are unsure whether the monarchy provides the social cohesion that I attribute to it. But neither do they seem eager to see it abolished any time soon. Who knows? Perhaps images of President Blair loom large in their minds.

Lee Cohen was adviser on Great Britain to the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee and founded the Congressional United Kingdom Caucus