The weight of kingship

 

Recently, Queen Elizabeth II, monarch of thirteen sovereign states, passed out of this world. She was succeeded by her son, who has now become King Charles III. The question may arise in some people’s minds as to whether this is the best way of organising who should be the Head of State of a country.

Monarchy has traditionally meant that power or authority have been transferred to younger members of the same family. Throughout the world, such hereditary monarchy has mostly been replaced by republican forms of government, but in practice, although mankind has experimented with many political systems, rule by one family line frequently reappears. Within recent decades, power has been inherited within the family by communist leaders, dictators, prime ministers, and even directly-elected presidents! However, there is an argument for the head of state to be a completely non-political figure, so that they can be a focus of unity for the whole nation.

Bahá’u’lláh’s message concerns the unity of humanity, and He ordained the foundation of an elected world body known as the Universal House of Justice. Its function is to enact laws at a planetary level and its members should regard themselves as “the trustees of all who dwell on earth”. Within the Bahá’í community, similar bodies also exist at local and national levels. Because of this system, it might be thought that Bahá’ís expect monarchy to be completely replaced at this stage of social evolution, and yet the opposite is in fact the case. However, a different kind of monarchy is envisaged to that which was current in the 19^th century at the time of Bahá’u’lláh: “One of the signs of the maturity of the world is that no one will accept to bear the weight of kingship. Kingship will remain with none willing to bear alone its weight.  That day will be the day whereon wisdom will be manifested among mankind”. In other words, having sole responsibility for the welfare of an entire nation will be recognised as too much of a burden for one person and the responsibility will need to be shared.

It is clear from the quotation above that Bahá’u’lláh envisaged monarchy of a different type, rather than the historic pattern of absolute monarchy. Among the things He wrote in one of His letters to Queen Victoria was this: “We have also heard that thou hast entrusted the reins of counsel into the hands of the representatives of the people.  Thou, indeed, hast done well, for thereby the foundations of the edifice of thine affairs will be strengthened, and the hearts of all that are beneath thy shadow, whether high or low, will be tranquillised.”

He also suggested to others that Britain was a good working model of a country which had combined democracy with monarchy. “The system of government which the British people have adopted in London appeareth to be good, for it is adorned with the light of both kingship and of the consultation of the people.”

Bahá’u’lláh explained how He saw advantages to humanity in monarchy as well as in an elected government: “Although a republican form of government profiteth all the peoples of the world, yet the majesty of kingship is one of the signs of God.  We do not wish that the countries of the world should remain deprived thereof.  If the sagacious combine the two forms into one, great will be their reward in the presence of God.”

A monarch, therefore, can be seen as a symbol of the majesty and power of God. As a symbol of God in this sense, the monarch should also reflect the qualities of God by showing a concern for justice, for the poor and the disadvantaged. Bahá’u’lláh addressed one monarch with the following words: “Thou art God’s shadow on earth.  Strive, therefore, to act in such a manner as befitteth so eminent, so august a station.”

Someone who holds such a respected position could easily fall prey to feelings of superiority. It takes a noble person to remain humble and to realise that it is the office which is exalted, not the individual. This is perhaps why Bahá’u’lláh said, “A just king enjoyeth nearer access unto God than anyone.” A monarch whose duties are performed in the right spirit will be an example of selfless service and dedication and a true representative of the nation which he or she serves. Many see the late Queen Elizabeth as such an example.

It is not possible at this stage to foresee exactly how monarchy will develop and integrate with the elected representatives of the people. It may, however, be similar to the British example already mentioned. As mankind as a whole comes of age, we will need new structures and institutions to reflect our new mature status and to ensure the peace and well-being of the entire planet. Charles III, the new Head of State for several countries, seems determined that he will evolve his own combination of forward-looking ideas with traditional ceremony. A good example is that, because of historical accident, the British monarch has to swear to be the “Defender of the Faith”. This, in its historical context, clearly meant the Church of England, one of the major Christian denominations. However, Charles has repeatedly made it plain that he wishes to extend this vision and to be the “Defender of Faiths”. His pronouncements on the subject show that religious tolerance and understanding are very important to him. He does not wish to accept the role of kingship without developing it, and he has no wish to be an absolute monarch and to therefore bear the weight of kingship on his shoulders only. May God bless him in his efforts to be a unifying monarch.