Going away back to Saxon times, many of England’s monarchs had nicknames. From Alfred the Great to today’s Charles III, with the latter, as Prince of Wales already earning one as Charles the Woke.
Alfred reigned over Wessex from 871 to 899, and in being a strong warrior in battle against the Vikings earned his status. This contrasts with some European examples, ranging from Vlad the Impaler to Vladislaw the Elbow-High. Opposite to the latter was Edward I, that because of his height was called Longshanks.
Away back when, there was Ethelred the Unready. In Old English, “unraed” meant unwise counsel. Then there was Edward the Confessor, the only king to be canonized. Harold I was called “Harefoot” because of his speed and agility when hunting.
In literary circles such names are known as cognomens, and well-known has been Richard the Lionheart.
The dreadful King John was also called Soft-Sword due his military skills. Lackland recognized his loss of territory in France.
Not quite making it to the throne, Edward the Black Prince was the most successful leader during the Hundred Years War. Considered as both the model of chivalry as well as an outstanding knight.
Because both were 9-years old, Edward VI and Henry VI were the “Boy Kings”.
Less well known are the identities provided by their fiscal accounts. The infamous and demanding King John, had the clever plan of imprisoning the mistresses of Catholic priests. Confidant that the funds he could not obtain from their greed he would obtain from their lust.
Edward IV was considered as very handsome and when he kissed a widow for giving him more than he expected, it is said that she gave him more with hopes for another kiss.
Elizabeth I has been known as the Virgin Queen.
It is worth expanding on the two Princes of Wales as compulsive authoritarians
Of course, William the Conqueror was also known as the Bastard, due to his lineage. The epithet fits politically as he forced authoritarian feudalism upon England. Because of his red hair, his son was William Rufus.
And then there was Bloody Mary with the ultimate in animosity to freedom-loving Protestants.
Moving into the 1930s, both as Prince of Wales and as King, Edward VIII was fascinated by authoritarian Nazis.
Because of his now tiresome activism, which could continue during his reign Charles III, might be called Charles the Woke.
It is worth expanding on the two Princes of Wales as compulsive authoritarians.
In the 1920s, Edward became a celebrity admired around the world. A handsome, wealthy and dashing playboy. Indeed, a certain way of tying a tie is still called the “Windsor Knot”.
For reasons beyond explanation, he was a die-hard authoritarian and compelled to hob-knob with the Nazis.
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What can be done with Charles now?
His father George V was concerned and hoped that Edward would not become king, hoping it would pass to his second son. Which with some manipulations, “Bertie” became George VI.
Historian, Andrew Lownie, details the connections with the Nazis in his “Traitor King”. Published this year it is based upon both British and German files. No matter what Buckingham Palace or the government did, Edward would not listen to reason. And to get he and his wife out of sight was appointed as Governor of the Bahamas.
Quite likely, the powers-that-be manipulated the outrage that continued after the outbreak of war to a satisfactory conclusion.
What can be done with Charles now? His first address was well-written and delivered. Included a pointed message that he would not longer be attending to charities and causes that he had pursued. Was the Palace speaking, hoping for the best?
But this writer’s lengthy research of authoritarian movements and leaders observes that it is driven be compulsive rather than reasonable behavior. And the drive will run until social and political hardships prevail. Either individually, or collectively.
With this, it is likely that Charles will continue his habits as a political activist—out to do good no matter how much harm it causes.
However, one hopes that his unroyal and personal political ambitions are constrained.
Elizabeth II’s dedication to duty will have earned a wonderful nickname, that history has yet to assign.
Bob Hoye (BobHoye.com) has been researching investments for decades, which eventually included the history of financial and political markets. He considers now to be the most fascinating time for both since the Great Reformation of the 1600s. Bob casts a caustic eye on all promotions and, having a degree in geophysics, is severely critical of the audacity that a committee can “manage” not just the economy, but also the temperature of the nearest planet. He has had articles published in major financial journals and, as a speaker, has amused assemblies in a number of cities, from London to Zurich to Tokyo.
