After the demise of Queen Elizabeth II last week, King Charles III took his vows as the new head of the monarchy in the UK.
Click start to play today’s Crossword, where you can find the new king in one of the clues. Follow coverage of the Queen’s funeral and the events surrounding this significant moment in history.
Queen Elizabeth was a well-known public figure, having reigned for over 70 years – the longest period of service for any British monarch. But sometimes, people forget that her son, who is now king, has famously been the longest-serving heir apparent in British history – he was just three years old when his grandfather died and his mother ascended to the throne.
Here are a few less-known facts about King Charles III to help you get to know him better:
1. A change in name?
Several monarchs in history chose to use a regnal name that is different from the name given to them at birth. King Charles III’s grandfather George VI, for instance, was actually Albert Frederick Arthur George. There was much speculation that the new king would use a regnal name because the previous two King Charles did not have the most stellar reputation. Charles I was executed for treason, and the monarchy had been briefly abolished for a time because of his actions. Charles II, his son, was exiled until the monarchy was finally restored – he also had a reputation as a philanderer. According to UK-based news website BBC, the current King Charles chose to keep his name, and it was one of the first decisions he made when he assumed his new position.
2. Secret Service nickname
When King Charles visited the US, he was given a code name – a common practice by the Secret Service for visiting dignitaries. His nickname was ‘Unicorn’, and was oddly fitting because the unicorn is the national animal of Scotland and has been part of its coat of arms for over 600 years. The animal was used as a symbol of strength in the late 1300s, when it became part of the arms and gateway of Rothesay Castle on the Isle of Bute, Scotland. Funnily enough, among King Charles’s earliest titles, which he received at age 5, is Duke of Rothesay.
3. He wrote a children’s book
In 1980, King Charles wrote a book for children, called The Old Man of Lochnagar. Based on stories that make up for his younger brothers, Princes Andrew and Edward, the book centres on an old man who lives in the caves near Balmoral, UK, and searches for a quiet place to take a hot bath. In later years, the book was turned into an animated short film, narrated by the king.
4. A frog in his honour
King Charles has been known to be an environmentalist, with a long history of campaigning for conservation, organic farming and the tackling of climate change. He was given the Harvard Medical School Global Environmental Citizen Award in 2007. He has also been given the status of honorary chief ‘Red Crow’ in Alberta, Canada, and ‘Helper of the Cows’ by the Maasai tribe in Tanzania. And when his commitment to the rainforests in Ecuador was honoured in 2012, with the naming of a rare stream frog (Hyloscirtus princecharlesi), the former duke was reported to be particularly pleased.
5. First heir to graduate college
Unlike his mother and former kings and queens, King Charles III attended school rather than receiving tutoring at home. In 1970, he graduated from the University of Cambridge with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and became the first heir apparent to earn a university degree.
In what way do you remember the late Queen and what are your expectations from the new King of Britain? Play today’s Crossword and tell us at games@gulfnews.com.
