The Last King of England
The Koh-i-Noor sat on a velvet cushion, in an antique box, on a marble plinth, in Greenwich's Old Royal Naval College. Charles stared into the diamond and the stone stared back.
The Koh-i-Noor sat on a velvet cushion, in an antique box, on a marble plinth, in Greenwich's Old Royal Naval College. Charles stared into the diamond and the stone stared back.
Charles stood alone at that moment in the grand surroundings of the Painted Hall. His security detail guarded the hall's exits, many meters away. The spectacular Baroque interior played around his peripheral vision as a heavy silence descended.
Charles stood alone at that moment in the grand surroundings of the Painted Hall. His security detail guarded the hall's exits, many meters away. The spectacular Baroque interior played around his peripheral vision as a heavy silence descended.
The day's ceremony was over an hour away and Charles, with no other official obligations that day, had been able to admire the work of Sir James Thornhill, creator of "Britain's Sistine Chapel" in peaceful solitude.
The day's ceremony was over an hour away and Charles, with no other official obligations that day, had been able to admire the work of Sir James Thornhill, creator of "Britain's Sistine Chapel" in peaceful solitude.
Charles had seen the beautiful wall and ceiling decorations of the Painted Hall before. But he had never enjoyed a private viewing of the Koh-i-Noor diamond. Carefully, he picked up the jewel and felt it's cold edges in his hand.
Charles had seen the beautiful wall and ceiling decorations of the Painted Hall before. But he had never enjoyed a private viewing of the Koh-i-Noor diamond. Carefully, he picked up the jewel and felt it's cold edges in his hand.
"Mountain of light." Charles said to himself quietly, as he turned the diamond in his palm. A ray of light caught a glimmer of carat and the stone suddenly came alive in his hand. Charles was transported, as a brilliant white light began to bathe his mind.
"Mountain of light." Charles said to himself quietly, as he turned the diamond in his palm. A ray of light caught a glimmer of carat and the stone suddenly came alive in his hand. Charles was transported, as a brilliant white light began to bathe his mind.
The last decade of Charles' life flashed before his eyes. It had been the worst years of his life, for a man who had experienced a fair share of tragedy.
The last decade of Charles' life flashed before his eyes. It had been the worst years of his life, for a man who had experienced a fair share of tragedy.
First, father died.
First, father died.
Then mummy died.
Then mummy died.
Then Andrew was arrested by the FBI.
Then Andrew was arrested by the FBI.
Then William and his family abdicated.
Then William and his family abdicated.
Then came the referendum.
Then came the referendum.
Father's death was the easiest to bear. Their relationship, always distant, had moved through ever decreasing circles of anger, resentment, recrimination and then finally, silence.
Father's death was the easiest to bear. Their relationship, always distant, had moved through ever decreasing circles of anger, resentment, recrimination and then finally, silence.
Mummy's death was meant to be the most important day in Charles' life. But grief and protocol had blurred all recollection.
Mummy's death was meant to be the most important day in Charles' life. But grief and protocol had blurred all recollection.
The Firm went into overdrive, understanding that this was a moment of extreme delicacy. Charles had felt both dehumanised and objectified. He was left with the gnawing suspicion that only his corporeal body was required for a business aiming to roll out it's newest product.
The Firm went into overdrive, understanding that this was a moment of extreme delicacy. Charles had felt both dehumanised and objectified. He was left with the gnawing suspicion that only his corporeal body was required for a business aiming to roll out it's newest product.
At least Harry attended the coronation. He still lived in LA and they hadn't spoken for years. But their eyes met in St Paul's and Charles saw no malice in them.
At least Harry attended the coronation. He still lived in LA and they hadn't spoken for years. But their eyes met in St Paul's and Charles saw no malice in them.
Despite being advised against overseas travel, Andrew had travelled to the British Virgin Islands, in search of escape from the consistently negative headlines.
Despite being advised against overseas travel, Andrew had travelled to the British Virgin Islands, in search of escape from the consistently negative headlines.
In what was soon to become an extremely contentious legal point, Andrew, whilst enjoying a day's jet skiing was picked up by an FBI team based on the US Virgin Islands. Andrew was arrested and swiftly flown to New York to stand trial.
In what was soon to become an extremely contentious legal point, Andrew, whilst enjoying a day's jet skiing was picked up by an FBI team based on the US Virgin Islands. Andrew was arrested and swiftly flown to New York to stand trial.
The same month, a cyber attack acquired and published many of Jeffery Epstein's home video tapes. Three videos featured Andrew with underage girls at Epstein's New York townhouse.
The same month, a cyber attack acquired and published many of Jeffery Epstein's home video tapes. Three videos featured Andrew with underage girls at Epstein's New York townhouse.
After the closure of several British newspapers and the generational shift in attitudes, there were few voices left to defend the institution which Charles now headed. Talk of abolition and republicanism seemed to be everywhere.
After the closure of several British newspapers and the generational shift in attitudes, there were few voices left to defend the institution which Charles now headed. Talk of abolition and republicanism seemed to be everywhere.
Then came the change to politics that would provide Charles' subjects with the ability to express their democratic preference regarding the British monarchy itself. Direct Democracy.
Then came the change to politics that would provide Charles' subjects with the ability to express their democratic preference regarding the British monarchy itself. Direct Democracy.
Slowly the myths surrounding tourism and soft power were dismantled and then utterly refuted. Then the idea of an elected head of state in the UK moved from the fringe to the mainstream.
Slowly the myths surrounding tourism and soft power were dismantled and then utterly refuted. Then the idea of an elected head of state in the UK moved from the fringe to the mainstream.
After several polls in row showed a majority in favour of replacing the monarchy with an elected head of state, William and his family abdicated to Canada. They cited fears for their personal safety, but no credible threats were ever disclosed.
After several polls in row showed a majority in favour of replacing the monarchy with an elected head of state, William and his family abdicated to Canada. They cited fears for their personal safety, but no credible threats were ever disclosed.
A super majority was deemed appropriate for such a momentous vote and on the fateful day it was cleared - easily. The UK and what remained of the Commonwealth was to have an elected head of state. The reign of kings and queens appointed by God was over. It was the will of the British people.
A super majority was deemed appropriate for such a momentous vote and on the fateful day it was cleared - easily. The UK and what remained of the Commonwealth was to have an elected head of state. The reign of kings and queens appointed by God was over. It was the will of the British people.
The fallout was worse than Brexit. Until it wasn't. Until the people saw that the sky had not fallen in. Until the people learnt of the family's wealth and interference with politics. Until the people began to enjoy access to acres of newly public land and buildings, now no longer behind high wire fences.
The fallout was worse than Brexit. Until it wasn't. Until the people saw that the sky had not fallen in. Until the people learnt of the family's wealth and interference with politics. Until the people began to enjoy access to acres of newly public land and buildings, now no longer behind high wire fences.
Footsteps roused Charles back to himself. The Archbishop of Canterbury had arrived. Quite why he was involved in the ceremony, Charles couldn't recall. They were the same age but cut from a very different cloth.
Footsteps roused Charles back to himself. The Archbishop of Canterbury had arrived. Quite why he was involved in the ceremony, Charles couldn't recall. They were the same age but cut from a very different cloth.
The Archbishop retained a hippy look to his appearance and his progressive beliefs were well known. Friend to activists and the downtrodden alike, he proudly practised what he called radical Christian love. His grey wispy hair fell below his chin and his circular glasses completed the look of fantasy character.
The Archbishop retained a hippy look to his appearance and his progressive beliefs were well known. Friend to activists and the downtrodden alike, he proudly practised what he called radical Christian love. His grey wispy hair fell below his chin and his circular glasses completed the look of fantasy character.
"Good to see you Charles." Said the archbishop brightly.
"Good to see you Charles." Said the archbishop brightly.
Charles took the archbishop's outstretched hand and shook it, mumbling an incomprehensible greeting.
Charles took the archbishop's outstretched hand and shook it, mumbling an incomprehensible greeting.
"Sampling the merchandise?" Enquired the archbishop with a wry smile.
"Sampling the merchandise?" Enquired the archbishop with a wry smile.
Charles returned a blank look. The archbishop looked pointedly to Charles' other hand which still grasped the Koh-i-Noor diamond.
Charles returned a blank look. The archbishop looked pointedly to Charles' other hand which still grasped the Koh-i-Noor diamond.
Charles looked down and instantly chastened, hurriedly returned the diamond to it's velvet cushion and closed the box lid.
Charles looked down and instantly chastened, hurriedly returned the diamond to it's velvet cushion and closed the box lid.
The archbishop started talking as if to move on from the preceding scene. Raising his head to admire the surroundings and wandering as he spoke.
The archbishop started talking as if to move on from the preceding scene. Raising his head to admire the surroundings and wandering as he spoke.
"The Koh-i-Noor diamond. Existence confirmed in 13th century writings. Likely plucked out of a riverbed. Can you imagine? One of many precious stones in the Mughal treasury. On the annexation of the Punjab in 1849, it was acquired by the British and placed among the crown jewels of Queen Victoria."
"The Koh-i-Noor diamond. Existence confirmed in 13th century writings. Likely plucked out of a riverbed. Can you imagine? One of many precious stones in the Mughal treasury. On the annexation of the Punjab in 1849, it was acquired by the British and placed among the crown jewels of Queen Victoria."
The archbishop paused and scrutinised Charles.
The archbishop paused and scrutinised Charles.
"I always thought of it as Grandmama's." Offered Charles meekly. Seemingly aware of the theme of ownership that marked the day's ceremony.
"I always thought of it as Grandmama's." Offered Charles meekly. Seemingly aware of the theme of ownership that marked the day's ceremony.
The archbishop continued. "Said to have put a curse on all men who owned it…" The archbishop paused then changed tack. "How are you Charles? This is the first time I have seen you since the referendum."
The archbishop continued. "Said to have put a curse on all men who owned it…" The archbishop paused then changed tack. "How are you Charles? This is the first time I have seen you since the referendum."
"Camilla has cancer." Replied Charles. "Smoked all her life of course. Bally shame."
"Camilla has cancer." Replied Charles. "Smoked all her life of course. Bally shame."
"Charles. I didn't know. I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do?" Offered the archbishop.
"Charles. I didn't know. I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do?" Offered the archbishop.
"She's getting the best care." Said Charles, brightening slightly.
"She's getting the best care." Said Charles, brightening slightly.
"Good. So how are you?"
"Good. So how are you?"
"Fine. Fine. I just... I just don't have anything to do anymore."
"Fine. Fine. I just... I just don't have anything to do anymore."
"What of your charities, your environmental work?"
"What of your charities, your environmental work?"
"They seem to just run themselves."
"They seem to just run themselves."
"Hmmm…" Nodded the archbishop.
"Hmmm…" Nodded the archbishop.
"Well are you enjoying your new found sense of freedom?"
"Well are you enjoying your new found sense of freedom?"
"I will never be free." Said Charles darkly.
"I will never be free." Said Charles darkly.
The archbishop stared through Charles, as he himself had earlier to the diamond, then started to quote that great figure of the Enlightenment - Diderot.
The archbishop stared through Charles, as he himself had earlier to the diamond, then started to quote that great figure of the Enlightenment - Diderot.
"If mankind dared but to listen to the voice of its heart. It would say to us.
"If mankind dared but to listen to the voice of its heart. It would say to us.
Nature created neither servant nor master. I seek neither to rule nor to serve.
Nature created neither servant nor master. I seek neither to rule nor to serve.
And its hands would weave the entrails of the priest, for the lack of a cord with which to strangle kings."
And its hands would weave the entrails of the priest, for the lack of a cord with which to strangle kings."
A large door closed somewhere and it's echo shattered the moment in the hall. Several officials marched towards them, with a woman at the front.
A large door closed somewhere and it's echo shattered the moment in the hall. Several officials marched towards them, with a woman at the front.
"Gentlemen. Please can I escort you to lunch. We need to dress this room for the handover ceremony now."
"Gentlemen. Please can I escort you to lunch. We need to dress this room for the handover ceremony now."
They all made for an exit as an armed security detail took up positions around the hall.
They all made for an exit as an armed security detail took up positions around the hall.
After lunch Charles returned to a transformed scene. Hundreds of people now lined the sides of the hall. Rows of seated delegates were backed by lesser officials. Dotted throughout the hall were photographers and camera crews.
After lunch Charles returned to a transformed scene. Hundreds of people now lined the sides of the hall. Rows of seated delegates were backed by lesser officials. Dotted throughout the hall were photographers and camera crews.
As a professional ribbon cutter by trade, Charles had a relaxed attitude to yet another ceremony, which on his arrival had now begun. Speeches were made and songs were sung. An explosion of colour and dance marked the arrival of India's president.
As a professional ribbon cutter by trade, Charles had a relaxed attitude to yet another ceremony, which on his arrival had now begun. Speeches were made and songs were sung. An explosion of colour and dance marked the arrival of India's president.
Charles and the president greeted each other and exchanged pleasantries. Charles' aid had given him a briefing over lunch should a conversation actually take place. None did.
Charles and the president greeted each other and exchanged pleasantries. Charles' aid had given him a briefing over lunch should a conversation actually take place. None did.
When it was time Charles proceeded to deliver a short speech about reconciliation, trade and global Britain. A small silent drone filmed his speech from a high vantage point. Terrible things Charles thought to himself.
When it was time Charles proceeded to deliver a short speech about reconciliation, trade and global Britain. A small silent drone filmed his speech from a high vantage point. Terrible things Charles thought to himself.
Then came the moment of the handover. An official picked up the box which Charles now saw had a clever design to it. The box's antique facade receded, revealing a clear glass design that also housed some small LED lights which highlighted the diamond's brilliance.
Then came the moment of the handover. An official picked up the box which Charles now saw had a clever design to it. The box's antique facade receded, revealing a clear glass design that also housed some small LED lights which highlighted the diamond's brilliance.
Time slowed as Charles received the box and turned slowly to the Indian delegation. Every fibre of Charles' being now sought to resist his next action. He wanted to leave this place immediately, with the treasure that had been in his family for generations.
Time slowed as Charles received the box and turned slowly to the Indian delegation. Every fibre of Charles' being now sought to resist his next action. He wanted to leave this place immediately, with the treasure that had been in his family for generations.
Charles' pause provided photographers with the perfect moment. The camera flashes were blinding. Just like his first wife had complained of. The president grinned and Charles bore it as he handed the box over. Another pause was scripted as both men held the box and smiled.
Charles' pause provided photographers with the perfect moment. The camera flashes were blinding. Just like his first wife had complained of. The president grinned and Charles bore it as he handed the box over. Another pause was scripted as both men held the box and smiled.
Then the box was out of Charles' hands. The Koh-i-Noor diamond was now the property of India and its people.
Then the box was out of Charles' hands. The Koh-i-Noor diamond was now the property of India and its people.
Later an official thanked Charles, in an exchange absent of gratitude.
Later an official thanked Charles, in an exchange absent of gratitude.
"The trade deal will be signed now. 20 million vaccines secured."
"The trade deal will be signed now. 20 million vaccines secured."
"Happy to help." offered Charles.
"Happy to help." offered Charles.
Charles' aid led the now tired octogenarian to his car. Evening had arrived and brought with it a monsoon of summer rain. Charles recalled the same rain falling at the handover ceremony in Hong Kong. That was two months before Diana died.
Charles' aid led the now tired octogenarian to his car. Evening had arrived and brought with it a monsoon of summer rain. Charles recalled the same rain falling at the handover ceremony in Hong Kong. That was two months before Diana died.
Charles' royal family had survived nearly 400 years since the English civil war ended. It barely survived global capitalism - Harry had shown him that - but it could not survive the new systems of power that ordinary people now wielded.
Charles' royal family had survived nearly 400 years since the English civil war ended. It barely survived global capitalism - Harry had shown him that - but it could not survive the new systems of power that ordinary people now wielded.
