Home
+
Published : 30 Apr 2026, 03:17 PM
If you’re looking for a masterclass in diplomacy then at this moment, there’s no need to listen to politicians, but look somewhere else -- the English royalty!
If you are one of those who can’t think of a use for an institution which is all about taciturn answers, astonishing privilege and a life detached from reality then the current king proves how much Britain needs what many often pejoratively and erroneously call an “anachronism”.
There is a saying - don’t fix what ain’t broken.
At a moment which can be called critical, the king has emerged as the quintessential charismatic figure on a mission to mend the fences.
And, boy, has he done it with class!
Whether it will have an impact in the long run is a separate issue, but at this moment, everyone has to admit, King Charles has nailed it.
But this visit to the US is also about proving that despite the recent embarrassment over other members of the royal family, particularly the unsavoury saga involving his younger brother, in the interest of the nation, the institution can play a crucial role.
One must listen to the King’s speech, at the US Congress and also at the gala dinner, to see how sophistication blended with the perfect use of language can send messages without offending.
As 14th century writer Geoffrey Chaucer is believed to have said: “Many a truth is spoken in Jest!”
There’s of course a later version of this aphorism by the master of wit, Oscar Wilde: “If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they will kill you!”
The ‘Panache’ in the Language
In a radio talk show, one commentator said, when royalty speaks with authority using the beautiful language, people listen and they listen attentively.
Without going into deeper layers of the political implications of the king’s comments, let’s look at the speeches made by King Charles III from the aspect of language.
Under an avalanche of rant and raves, topped with bluster and braggadocio that we are fed everyday on the countless TV channels, this has come as a soothing reprieve.
The acrimony in the body language, the vitriol laced remarks are missing.
Say amen to that!
Instead, there’s a smooth delivery of lines; yes, some do carry the platitudes but then, it never gets tedious because we know there’s humour on the way.
Needless to say, in these turbulent times with unrestrained verbal belligerence all around us, the world desperately needs some laughter.
The speeches, the way they were delivered, the composed, non-agitated manner in which the lines were spoken can be a lesson for all those leaders who regularly bludgeon us with their verbal onslaughts, commented Mahmudul Islam, a journalist and a keen follower of global events.
“There is a distinct difference between royalty and general politicians; the latter come to a position of power after dealing with people from diverse social layers and, therefore, their style, marked by charged language, is right for them; however, once in a while, when people from a different background speak with a purpose, the masses listen because that provides a refreshing change from what we are used to.”
Mahmud adds: “It’s human nature to be influenced by something which is out of the ordinary. Extraordinary and urbane are the words that one should use for the king’s speeches in the USA.”
Social observer Faizul Bari feels, in recent times, comments and observations from leaders across the globe often breach the borders of civility.
A decent level of restraint is always needed along with a dose of humour, adds Faizul.
Humour Always Touches the General People
When the late Queen Elizabeth emerged on a video clip with none other than 007 for a London Olympic opening sequence, she not only touched the hearts of sport fans, but also reached out to millions across the world.
That video with Daniel Craig was done with a serious expression but undeniably carried a light-hearted undertone - something which would have been unthinkable 50 years ago.
But she did it, won hearts and brought royalty closer to the people.
King Charles making jokes about the British doing some architectural restructuring of the White House in 1814, modestly reminding that if it had not been for the British, Americans would be speaking French, were delivered with the purpose of lightening the mood, despite the truth in the lines.
However, no one seemed to take offence because the humour was perfectly placed and presented with such charm.
Admit it, in the end, “charm” always matters!
It’s one of those intangible qualities which cannot be defined through hard core lines of traditional (ponderous) diplomacy.
That’s why the late US president Ronald Reagan is still remembered.
An actor turned politician, he knew what was needed to lighten the mood.
His Cold War related jokes, notably the ones involving him and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, are still the best.
President Barack Obama’s witty lines, aimed at members of the 70’s rock band Led Zeppelin, especially requesting the age-softened band members not to replicate their much-publicised wild antics of the youth days, are priceless.
King Charles has been heard to make light-hearted comments before but during his recent trip, he has delivered lines which will bolster his appeal globally.
The assessments of his speeches are all positive, certainly adding to the royal cachet but let’s also not forget the people who wrote the lines for the King.
Hats off to the unheralded speech writers!
A perfectly scripted speech delivered with marked aplomb!
To end, here’s a line from Rudyard Kipling: “Words are the most powerful drug used by mankind!”
[Towheed Feroze is a former journalist!]
