Deputy Director, James Somerville-Meikle, writes:
The King has become something of a regular visitor to Parliament this year.
It seems like an age ago that he delivered the Queen’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament back in May when he was Prince of Wales.
One of his first acts as King was to receive condolences from MPs and peers in Westminster Hall, and His Majesty was back in Parliament this week to unveil a plaque to mark where his mother lay in state.
As well as being Head of State, King Charles is also due to inherit the title “Defender of the Faith” at his Coronation on 6 May next year, although there are reports that a clause will be added to recognise that he serves all religious faiths and not just the Church of England.
His visit to the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London, meeting with witnesses of Christian persecution, and a day in Luton which saw him open a Gurdwara temple and listen to singing from pupils at Cardinal Newman Catholic School, are some recent examples of this approach in action.
It’s an encouraging start to his reign, and something that hopefully gives all people – whatever their faith – cause to say, God Save The King!