This individual was the King of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from his mother's death until his abdication in the late twentieth century.
Power struggle with Urquhart[]
Following his succession as monarch, he was determined to play a more active role in government, encouraging ideas of liberalism which directly contrasted with the hard conservative policies of his Prime Minister, Francis Urquhart. For example, the King used his influence as monarch to promote the concept of economic equality, a reduction of homelessness, and a national respect for human dignity, while Urquhart believed in the idea that Brits should work for their position, and not be "lazy," as evidently requisite in his (Urquhart's) introduction of national service.
Urquhart's re-election and abdication[]
As Urquhart felt that having more legitimacy would allow him to depose the king, he called a general election in 1997. The issues raised by the monarch against government policy, chiefly on the topic of homelessness, continued to persist, causing the government to lose popularity by thirteen points in the opinion polls. The King additionally made a tour of the United Kingdom, especially in poverty-stricken or generally poorer areas in the north of England, such as Newcastle. The King was attacked on his tour by a group of terrorists, and saved by the British Army which Urquhart had sent to protect the King along the journey. Thus, popularity for Urquhart rose back, and he won the election.
The King, told by Francis Urquhart that he must abdicate, upon the latter's victory in the general election.
As Urquhart wanted to limit opposition, especially from an unelected and illegitimate body, he pressured the King into abdication, whereafter his son succeeded to the British throne.
Trivia[]
- The King appears to be based, judging by similarities in mannerisms, personal views and even voice, on Charles III, the current king of United Kingdom.
- His son appears to be based on Prince William, and The King's ex-wife is clearly based on Princess Diana.
- In the novel, it is the king himself who decides to abdicate against Urquhart's wishes and plans.
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