News
Charles III To Mark First Year As King
Britain’s Charles III reaches the milestone of his first year as king this week, with his reign so far characterised by a smooth transition from that of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The anniversary on Friday is expected to be marked privately, given the date is also that of his mother’s death at the age of 96.
Charles, 74, has slipped into his new role with apparent ease after some 70 years waiting as her heir — the longest of any in British history.
But despite expectation of reform, he has not yet made sweeping changes to the monarchy, fuelling perceptions that his is a caretaker role before his eldest son and heir Prince William takes over.
“I think the transition has been much smoother than was anticipated,” Pauline Maclaran, a professor at Royal Holloway, University of London, told AFP.
Charles was officially crowned alongside his wife Camilla on May 6 at London’s Westminster Abbey in front of royalty and global leaders.
The lavish ceremony observed centuries-old rituals but was shorter and less elaborate than his mother’s in 1953 and aimed to be more representative of modern Britain.
“I think we can expect maybe small changes, but he is really paving the way for William, and I imagine William will be the real moderniser of the monarchy,” Maclaran said.
Charles remains behind his late mother and 41-year-old William in the popularity stakes, but his approval rating has received a significant boost since his accession.
YouGov polling suggested 55 percent of Britons have a positive opinion of their new head of state, compared to 44 percent a year ago.
His first televised Christmas Day broadcast — a traditional address to Britain and the Commonwealth, which he also heads — was watched by a record 10.6 million viewers in the UK.
‘More humanity’
As king, Charles has made several trips around the country, often accompanied by Camilla, and has generally appeared more open and approachable than Elizabeth II.
“Even the photos that they (the palace) released, official photos, are a lot more relaxed,” said Jonathan Spangler, a history lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University.
“There is a bit more humanity,” he said, adding that Charles “is more aware that these things need to be done”.
According to Maclaran, Charles has shown himself as “humble and accessible” at a time when Britain is grappling with the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.
The only public image hiccup so far was his frustration with a leaky pen after the formal meeting confirming his accession, she added.
Anna Whitelock, a historian of monarchy, said while there had been no “major error”, there also had not been “any kind of defining moment” of his reign.
“Big questions remain: how is he going to respond to calls around an apology over colonial legacy? The whole question about exemptions from taxation?” she added.
The pro-republic movement — which wants an elected head of state — has meanwhile seized the chance to renew debate about the constitutional future of the British royal family, long muted by public respect for the ageing and infirm queen.
Charles has often been greeted on his tours by anti-monarchy banners and slogans, and even had eggs thrown in his direction.
State visits
The king, who is also head of state of 14 Commonwealth countries outside the UK, including Canada, Australia and New Zealand, has made only one state visit, to Germany.
His first was set to be to France in March, but it was postponed as angry protests against pension overhauls shook the country. The trip has been rescheduled for later this month.
Reports indicate a major overseas tour is in the works to improve relations with the Commonwealth.
Charles has however received foreign leaders, including US President Joe Biden, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
While Elizabeth II was seen as especially dedicated to the Commonwealth — the 56-nation grouping of mostly former British colonies — for Charles “the emphasis is global”, Spangler said.
Closer to home, Charles has also had to handle the revelations in the tell-all memoir of his younger son Prince Harry.
He and his American wife Meghan also released a docu-series, lifting the lid on their reasons for quitting the royal family in 2020.
“Charles handled this very well. He didn’t start to cast blame or reply really. He stuck basically to the Queen’s mantra ‘never explain, never complain’ when the accusations came,” Maclaran said.
“I honestly don’t think the scandal has been any more damaging than what the monarchy has suffered many times before,” she added.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of 16 travellers in Edo State, describing the act as senseless, barbaric, and unacceptable.
Akpabio, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for swift justice to assuage the pain of the victims’ families.
“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the gruesome murder of 16 travellers in Edo State. This senseless act of violence is unacceptable and has no place in our society,” he said.
The Senate President urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to book without delay.
“I condemn in very strong terms this heinous crime and urge the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. Justice must be served to prevent further occurrences and reassure Nigerians of their safety.”
Akpabio further emphasised the need for unity in the face of violence, calling on Nigerians to resist divisions that could arise from such tragic events.
“As a people, we must work together to promote peace, unity, and understanding. We cannot afford to let such acts of violence divide us or undermine our collective efforts to build a better Nigeria.”
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the government, and the people of Edo State, praying for divine comfort in their time of grief.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims, the government, and the people of Edo State. May God grant the departed peaceful rest and give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has urged the Muslim faithful to uphold the virtues of Ramadan in their daily lives.
According to a statement on Sunday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the month-long fasting and encouraged them to reflect on the values of sacrifice, self-discipline, and devotion to God, which Ramadan represents.
He emphasised that Ramadan is not only about fasting but also about fostering compassion, patience, and love for one another—values he described as crucial for national unity and development.
“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr, I encourage my Muslim brothers and sisters to continue embodying the noble virtues of Ramadan. Let the spirit of sacrifice, empathy, and community service guide our actions beyond this season,” the statement read.
Oseni, who chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), also underscored the importance of national cohesion, urging Nigerians to work together to promote peace and stability. He called on leaders at all levels of government to implement policies that address economic challenges, security concerns, and infrastructural development.
He further reassured his constituents in Ibarapa East/Ido of his commitment to quality representation, pledging to continue advocating for policies that prioritise their welfare and development.
Oseni also appealed to religious leaders to use their platforms to preach unity and patriotism, stating that Nigeria’s progress depends on the collective efforts of its citizens in fostering tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“Eid is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude. Let us celebrate responsibly while remembering to extend kindness to the less privileged. May Almighty Allah accept our prayers and grant our nation lasting peace and prosperity,” he added.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former House of Assembly candidate for Ibadan South-West Constituency I, Hon. Oladiran Alabi, has congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, urging Nigerians to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement on Sunday, Alabi commended the Muslim faithful for their devotion and sacrifices during the holy month of Ramadan, stressing the need to uphold the values of love, tolerance, and compassion beyond the fasting period.
He said, “The end of Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the principles of Islam. I felicitate with my Muslim brothers and sisters and pray that Almighty Allah accepts their supplications and rewards them abundantly.”
Alabi also emphasised the importance of unity in addressing Nigeria’s socio-political and economic challenges, urging leaders and citizens alike to foster harmony irrespective of religious and ethnic differences.
“Our strength as a nation lies in our unity. It is imperative that we work together to promote peace and development. I call on all Nigerians to prioritise national interest above personal or sectional gains,” he added.
He further urged political leaders to implement policies that would improve the welfare of the people, enhance economic growth, and strengthen security across the country.
The APC stalwart prayed for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, wishing the Muslim community a joyous and spiritually fulfilling Eid celebration.
-
News6 days agoAlleged KGB Infiltration: Police in Dilemma as Senator Natasha Abandons Petition, Snubs Summons
-
News5 days ago
Rep. Oseni Condoles Late Gov. Ajimobi, Kola-Daisi Families Over Bisola’s Passing
-
News4 days ago
Olugbon, Olori Mourn Abisola Kola-Daisi, Commiserate with Ajimobi, Kola-Daisi Families
-
Education4 days ago
Fed Poly Ayede Matriculates 574 Students, Gears Up for Maiden Convocation
