Enlarge image
King Charles at the Proclamation at St James Palace in London
Photo:
Victoria Jones/AP
For a long time Charles was controversial in the British population.
This had mainly to do with his breakup with Diana.
But in recent years - also thanks to a PR campaign by the British royal family - the son and successor of the late Queen Elizabeth II has managed to gain popularity.
Now Charles could have turned many people against himself at a magnificent ceremony in which he was proclaimed British king.
In a video circulating on Twitter, the monarch can be seen frantically instructing staff at St James's Palace in London to put away inkwells and his pen box.
"Imagine respecting someone who treats another human being this way," reads one comment.
Another user put the words in Charles's mouth: »The servant has to clear my desk for me.
I can't be expected to put things away.«
"Looks really heavy"
In fact, Charles is standing directly in front of the desk, waving his hands and gesturing the objects to the side.
A second video shows him apparently asking a palace employee to remove his pen case from the table.
The king grimaces at this.
"To be honest, it looks really heavy too," scoffs one user.
The centuries-old tradition of the proclamation was broadcast live on television for the first time, which made the recordings possible.
Before the so-called Accession Council, which included Prime Minister Liz Truss and her predecessors Boris Johnson, Theresa May and Tony Blair, King Charles promised that he would follow his mother's "inspirational example" and serve until the end of his life.
Prince William, the new heir to the throne, and Queen (Queen Consort) Camilla also signed the proclamation.
Although Charles automatically became her successor on the Queen's death on Thursday, centuries-old tradition dictates that he has yet to be formally proclaimed king by the Accession Council.
Shortly thereafter, the proclamation was repeated to the public on the balcony of St James's Palace.
Gun salutes followed across the UK in honor of the new monarch.
But the British are not mourning the Queen and celebrating the monarchy everywhere these days.
After the death of Elizabeth II, there were also malicious reactions and even jubilation.
hba/AFP