The United Kingdom has entered a new era -- the reign of King Charles III. The new King is the oldest monarch to be crowned in the thousand years history of the British royals. King Charles was heir to the throne from the tender age of four, he has waited over 70 years to become king. But as the Prince of Wales, Charles was very active and had established the Prince's Trust all the way back in 1976, an initiative which has helped many thousands of young people from diverse backgrounds to gain access to education and vocational training.
Many young people from minority groups have benefited from his projects and work. Very much like the late Queen Elizabeth II, his life has always been dedicated to public service. King Charles III is most definitely well prepared for the job of the head of state for not only the UK but also 13 other commonwealth realms.
On May 6 at Westminster Abbey the coronation ceremony took place, following the ancient traditions and processes established from the time of William the Conqueror of the year 1066. The crown jewels were all on full display at the Church. The St Edward's crown, which is only used for coronations, was placed on King Charles' head by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The King's wife, the Duchess of Cornwall Camilla, was crowned as his Queen.
It was a lavish event, with heads of states and leaders from all around the world in attendance. However, in comparison to his mother's coronation it was far more of an intimate event with only 2,000 people compared to 8,000 at the Queen's coronation.
King Charles wanted his coronation to represent the modern British society. The ceremony was very diverse and included faith leaders from all religions and the King dedicated a section of the coronation to meeting the minority faith leaders. There were Gospel singers from the Black Christian community to female priests and of course the Hindu PM Rishi Sunak reading from the Bible.
The coronation was truly a wonderful display of the British multicultural society. The new King, it seems, may have wanted to give a very strong signal to the world that the royal family will lead with a view to promoting and encouraging diversity and inclusiveness.
King Charles III is now the head of the commonwealth, and Bangladesh as a member will most likely be one of the country's he may visit in the future soon. Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was in attendance at the coronation, she was greeted very warmly by King Charles and UK PM Rishi Sunak. The British PM expressed a great deal of admiration for her successful fiscal policy during Covid and for the phenomenal economic growth and stability of Bangladesh. Rishi Sunak even described Sheikh Hasins as an inspiration to himself and his family.
The UK, at present, is facing an unprecedented economic and cost of living crisis, and Bangladesh in comparison is doing exceptionally well. Many Western countries comment on the stability and resilience of Bangladesh and how it has become a role model. The UK has clearly been impressed by the growth of Bangladesh and the progress it has made over the years. The positive relations between the two nations have been partly achieved through constructive diplomatic ties and partnership, but Sheikh Hasina's humanitarian support to the Rohingya and her stand taken on building the Padma Bridge have no doubt made the most impact on the world stage for Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina attended the late Queen's funeral and she was one of the leaders who were interviewed by the BBC. Her interview was seen widely and her emotional recalling of her memories with the late Queen, touched many British people's hearts.
The late Queen and King Charles not only have had a positive relationship with Sheikh Hasina, they also have a very strong relationship with the Bangladeshi community in the UK and have recognized many people from the community through the royal honours system for their contribution to British society and all over the world.
I was very fortunate to have met the new King upon receiving my MBE honour for my services to the deprived people of London. I found King Charles to be the most compassionate and kind person, who clearly has dedicated his life to the pursuit of service to humanity.
Bangladesh and the UK have an affinity with each other right now, as both countries in their own way are pursuing a journey of empathy and inclusiveness for its people. PM Sheikh Hasina and King Charles III clearly are the champions to establish the rights of the disadvantaged, minority communities, women, and the youth. Both are dedicated to service to the people. It is clear that the reign of King Charles III will be a new era of a strong friendship and bond between our two great nations.
Sehreen Selim Ripon MBE is Chairman, Shaheed Captain Mansur Ali Foundation.
