Keir Starmer, the leader of Britain’s Labour Party, has come a long way from his days as a young human rights lawyer advocating for the abolition of the monarchy. Nearly 20 years ago, he expressed his skepticism about receiving the title of Queen’s Counsel, given his anti-monarchy stance. However, as he has matured in his career, he has disavowed those earlier statements and even received a knighthood from Prince Charles in 2014.
Now, with polls suggesting that Mr. Starmer may become the next prime minister of the United Kingdom, experts predict that he may find common ground with the king on various social and political issues. From climate change to housing to immigration, Mr. Starmer’s progressive politics align closely with Charles’s long-held views, despite the king’s constitutional limitations on involvement in politics.
If elected, Mr. Starmer plans to hold weekly meetings with Charles, fostering a potentially fruitful relationship between the two leaders. Scholars believe that Charles would appreciate the stability that a Labour government could bring after the tumultuous aftermath of Brexit and the revolving door of Conservative prime ministers.
On issues such as asylum seekers and climate policy, Mr. Starmer’s proposed policies diverge from those of the current Conservative government, potentially aligning more closely with Charles’s views. With a focus on social issues and a commitment to the rule of law, Mr. Starmer’s leadership style may offer a refreshing change for the king, who has faced criticism for his outspokenness on certain political matters.
As the possibility of a Labour government under Mr. Starmer looms, the relationship between the monarchy and the government could see a shift towards greater harmony and collaboration. Despite Mr. Starmer’s past anti-monarchy sentiments, his evolution as a leader and his commitment to progressive policies may pave the way for a new era of cooperation between the two institutions.
