Ali Bohn, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

The world was informed of the news last Thursday that Her Majesty the Queen had passed away at the impressive age of 96; not a bad innings for anyone, least of all for someone who is often considered as having the most important position in the world.

With the reign now handed on to her beloved son, Charles, the monarchy now has a king. Love him or loathe him, statistically and as a matter of fact, he will not serve his role for as long as Queen Elizabeth has (unless he lives to 143!).

So, what are your thoughts on the Queen’s passing and our new king?

June; Trevor and Diana; Vanessa. Photos: The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

June – Oh, it’s sad, but it is expected at her age. I think Charles will do a great job, after all, he has been in training his whole life.

Trevor and Diana – It’s very sad, she’s the only queen we’ve ever had. I think it’s a bit like losing your grandmother. One moment she’s chatting to the Prime Minister, the next she’s gone. We loved her, loved her sense of humour, which was good to see in the last few years especially. You kind of think she’d live forever. I think people will warm to King Charles and his new title. We think he will have a fun side too.

Jill and Rob – After 70 odd years of dedication to her position, and considering what her family have put her through, she has done an amazing job. Her ability to be charming and genuinely interested in those she meets seems to put people at ease. She could communicate with anyone. We think Charles will follow her style, but he has some big shoes to fill. He’s been an apprentice for so long, and he’ll put his own mark on things.

Jill and Rob.; Kristy (holding Kelsea); Anna and Lottie the corgi. Photos: The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

Kirsty (holding Kelsea) – It’s a tough time for the family and all that comes with losing a mother or grandmother. It’s so far removed from our daily world, but so big at the same time. I think it will be a time of great change for the institution. I don’t envy the new role for Charles, but it just shows as an Australian what the implications are of what is involved in his new role.

Vanessa – I feel for the family – it’s their mother and grandmother regardless. It will be different listening to a king as opposed to listening to a queen. There’s going to be a lot of change, not sure that will be for the better. I think Charles will end up handing the role down to William.

Anna and Lottie the corgi – I was very sad to hear of her passing, she was an incredible lady. Charles has some big shoes to fill. I wonder how Andrew and Fergie will go with all the corgies!

Priscilla and Martha – Priscilla: It’s very sad, she was such a humble lady. I think Charles will be right, and I think the flack he has got over the years just goes with the territory. The Queen’s kids certainly didn’t follow in her footsteps.

Martha: It’s sad, but I don’t think anyone could step into her shoes, she’s just been too good. Charles will do his best.

Why is there not a King and Queen of England?

The modern monarchy dates back to 1837 when Queen Victoria came to the throne. Since then, there have been six more monarchs – Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, George VI, Elizabeth II and Charles III.

Up until September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II was the reigning monarch. Her reign lasted 70 years, making her the longest-serving monarch. She was the Queen of England since her father’s death in 1952. Her successor is Prince (now King) Charles III.  

The English throne has been subject to religion or gender-based constraints throughout its history.

For centuries, the crown passed from one male ruler to another, with women only inheriting the throne if there were no eligible male heirs. Even when Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne in 1952, she did so as a constitutional monarch with limited power.

It wasn’t until 2013 that the UK Parliament passed legislation that removed all gender-based restrictions on succession to the throne. The act meant that, for the first time in British history, a female heir could inherit the throne in her own right.

This change was largely symbolic, but it was an important step forward for gender equality in Britain. While there have been several female rulers of England over the centuries, they have all been constrained by their gender in some way.

When Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne in 1952, her husband, Prince Philip, was not given the title of king.

There are a number of reasons why this decision was made. First and foremost, it was simply not customary for the husband of a reigning queen to be crowned king. In addition, there would have been constitutional implications if Philip had been given the title of king.

The rules governing the line of succession to the British throne have changed several times over the centuries. The current system is based on gender and descent. Under this system, a person inherits the throne if they are:

• A descendant of King George II (born 1683)
• The eldest child of the heir apparent
• A male heir

As mentioned above, the rules were last updated in 2013, when Parliament passed the Succession to the Crown Act. This act amended the previous rules in two key ways. First, it removed the preference for male heirs over female heirs. Second, it removed restrictions on who could marry someone in line for the throne. Before this act was passed, people in line for the throne could only marry someone who was protestant.

This is why there was no male king of England. The rules of succession state that the eldest child is the one to succeed to the throne. Queen Elizabeth II was the eldest child of George VI with no male siblings.

Source: worldatlas.com

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 15 September 2022.