I’m not sure a jacket made of gold is a good look at a time when twenty percent of the population lives in poverty.
Some might say these visuals are tone deaf. It might have resonated with his subjects if he had forgone such opulence during this time of high inflation and uncertainty.
Perhaps this thought might have crossed his mind: “You know what? I’m a modern king. Let me wear vestments made of wool, and donate the difference to my local food bank.”
I do understand these are hand-me-downs previously worn by his predecessors. We’ve all been there. I too have been forced to wear hand-me-downs from my siblings.
Think my eldest brother’s green jeans and trenchcoat. They weren’t made of gold silk and exotic brocade though, and I wasn’t head of state during a period of deep austerity.
If anything, my trampish look served to downplay the fact I lived in a great big house in the affluent suburbs. I’d like to think nobody ever realised I was the son of the managing partner at the region’s foremost firm of solicitors.
Granted, it would be rather difficult for the King to play the game that way. But he could at least pretend to find his stupendous wealth a little embarrassing. I used to ask my dad to drop me off a few streets away from school, so nobody saw me climbing out of a royal blue seven-series BMW.
Not saying he should leave his golden carriage at home on the day and take a cab instead. But maybe tone things down a little. Give us an inkling that you understand these are tough times for many in your nation and commonwealth.
If it really is common wealth, maybe you should spread it around a bit. And I don’t just mean giving us an extra day off work. Do something meaningful.
Last modified: 30 April 2023