Building Britain: The Coronation of King Charles iii
#Week18 sees the prospect one of the most momentous public occasions of our generation, the coronation of a British Monarch, the country is brought into a state of reflection. With her majesty the Queen’s passing back in September 2022, Charles iii took over not only the weight of expectation from the United Kingdom, but a huge £36.5 billion empire. From this, the largest portion of the inheritance is real estate – valuing at £19.8 billion.
The Royal portfolio ranges in value from the largest - Buckingham Palace - valued at £3.89 billion, to his most modest residence Highgrove House, Gloucestershire, valued at £31 million, which was first purchased in 1980 for £860,000.
Throughout a somewhat turbulent time as heir to the British throne, the King made no secret of his interest in architecture and the built environment – often courting controversy in the process. From his description of a proposed extension to the National Gallery as “a monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much loved and elegant friend”, to his role in shaping Qatari Diar’s plans for Chelsea Barracks (and the ensuing legal challenge with the Candy brothers), he has rarely been afraid to share his views. During his time as Prince, Charles produced his own magazines and books which illustrated his preference for classical design, including developing his own architectural institute.
Aside from his occasional dismissal of some modern aspects of architecture, his influence has been put to good use, notably with the development of Poundbury in Dorset, which is seen by many as an exemplar of considerate and sustainable development. The Prince’s Foundation has also championed heritage-led regeneration projects.
The Royal family stands arguably as Britain’s largest recognizable trait, one of the country’s USPs you could say, and the influence they have on our classical architecture and preservation of buildings has not gone without acknowledgement. His Majesty himself was Patron of the National Trust's Centenary in 1995, before agreeing to be the President of the organisation, succeeding Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
The protection and preservation of the old that battles with the acceptance of the new is a theme that isn’t going away anytime soon – despite the 30+ year old Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 - and one could argue this is a more valuable life lesson to all of us, especially in current years with every change Britain has undergone to leverage its historic buildings to the benefit of new generations.
All this comes as the British economy is forecast to see a boost of £8.01bn over the Coronation weekend, with consumers spending £3.22bn more than a typical May bank holiday (£4.80bn). God save the King!