Sir Keir, Sir King

Last week, Sir Keir Starmer, the man who commands a majority in the House of Commons, was driven to Buckingham Palace to meet His Majesty the King. Charles III asked Sir Keir to form a new government in his name, which he has duly done. Each week, monarch and Prime Minister will meet. The latter can inform the king of what is happening, and seek counsel from the one man who will never seek his job. The two are likely to get on well, on the basis of shared environmental concerns and other issues. Although Charles has been reigning for nearly two years now, he still seems like a new king to those who of us who knew nothing but the late, great Elizabeth. Their relative inexperience may also bind the two together.

This likely alliance is surprising in some respects. One was keen to tell the world that his father was a humble ‘tool maker’, whereas the other comes from a long line of royals and aristocrats. A young, left-wing Keir once called for the abolition of the monarchy; in 2014 he accepted a knighthood and may now find in this once-despised royal family a more faithful and trusty friend than his Cabinet will ever provide.  

Charles III is not Jesus Christ and falls short of what we might expect of a Christian king, yet there is a parallel here between the new PM and the King, and the believer and Christ. The great God whom we once despised, neglected or denied, proves to be a more faithful friend and loving companion than any on earth. As we now operate in His name and for His glory, we may also expect and receive His aid and support.  

Image by RGY23 from Pixabay