Wednesday 24 August 2005

Europe's Monarchs - Part III

click here for Part I or Part II

The saddest aspect of a constitutional monarchy is that usually a much loved figure has to die before the next in line lands the ‘top job’, as the late Princess of Wales used to call it. While some monarchs do abdicate, more often that not a royal family has to bear their grieve in public. At the same time, one member in particular must assume all the responsibilities and duties, to the country and family, amidst the upset and sorrow that accompanies the death of someone much loved.

Princess Benedikte of Denmark once said sharing one’s life in public is part of the job but sharing grief is a very hard thing do. Her cousin, King Harald of Norway came to the throne upon the death of his father, the much loved King Olav. While born a Dane, once Olav ascended the throne after the death of his own father, Haakon, he came to represent modern Norway as a father figure. Hard shoes to fill but nevertheless, they were shoes that had to be filled.

The Norway that King Harald reigns over is far more questioning of the monarchy than anytime during King Olav's reign. Even in the egalitarian Scandinavian region, Norwegians are vehemently assertive when it comes to their monarchy and how its members conduct both their public and private lives. Certainly, public debate about national institutions is often healthy but republicanism in Norway has undoubtedly increased over the past decade.

One of the difficulties faced by King Harald is juggling the public's demand for an approachable royal family and, at the same time, keeping an element of mysticism that is an essential of monarchy. For example, when his son the Crown Prince Haakon, asked to be able to marry a single mother (the now Crown Princess Mette-Marit) public opinion was divided. On one hand, some argued the young prince was simply entering a relationship structured like that of thousands of other Norwegians, while the other believed Haakon was taking the 'common touch' too far.

In the past, up to 52% of Norwegians welcomed suggestions for a debate on the throne of Norway but even last year, as the political left set their agenda toward working to establish a republic, Norwegians on the whole greeted the news with ambivalence. As happens in monarchies, the birth of a new heir, Princess Ingrid Alexandra gave the monarchy a boost.

King Harald is unquestionably aware the continuation of the monarchy is not as certain as it was under his father. It appears Norwegians have lost some of the enthusiasm they once held for the monarchy, although their eagerness to embrace any form of republican system is even lower. It will be interesting to see how Harald's granddaughter and heir, Ingrid Alexandra, arouses public curiosity as she grows through childhood and most importantly, the strength of the bond that evolves between her and those of her generation.

The Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg faces none of the problems of his Norwegian counterpart. Like Denmark, Luxembourg's royal family is very much tied to the country's identity. A beautiful place that is sadly not featured regularly enough on travel itineraries, Luxembourg's throne is as strong as the ancient battlements that once guarded the nation's capital, Luxembourg city.

One of the younger monarchs in Europe, Henri came to the throne upon the abdication of his father, Jean, in 2000. Staunchly Catholic and very family oriented, the Luxembourg royal family have seldom faced public scrutiny. Henri's wife, the engaging Maria Teresa purportedly had an icy relationship with her late mother-in-law, Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte but apart from that alleged situation the family enjoys tremendous popularity with their countrymen.

Today's European monarchs wield far less power in government than did their ancestors but this should really be viewed as a positive change, not just for the countries but the monarchs themselves. Freed from the obligation to actually run their governments, each has an extraordinary opportunity to deal with the varied domestic issues their nations face. And, contrary to their forebears, they are no longer symbols of military might and power but in the twenty-first century, more the humanitarian face of national identity.

What is interesting, is realizing that each has their own distinct idea of how best to conduct their role and manage the challenges faced in their office and by the country, according to their personality. Elizabeth II thinks carefully about a situation before reacting - perhaps to prevent the possibility of overreacting, while Margrethe II appears to always be prepared for any situation along with a carefully thought out plan of action. Juan Carlos asserts a fatherly strength where needed and a demonstrative sense of pride toward his fellow Spaniards. Albert of the Belgians projects a benevolent understanding of human frailties and the importance of understanding and accepting of the differences of others, while Beatrix of The Netherlands never forgets for a minute the immense dignity of her office. -

The ultimate symbol of a monarchy may well be the Crown but how the wearer balances it, as it slips and slides over time, is equally important.            

- Gioffredo