London bridge is down is the code phrase that triggers a series of actions by key stakeholders upon the passing of the UK Sovereign. As far as code phrases go, It is as poetic as they come. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II was indeed a bridge – she stood at the apex of one of Britain’s most trusted institutions. She delivered a certainty of sorts, a burden many of us do not have the capacity to carry. On every piece of UK currency, in every law and title, her name or image was adorned to assure the bearer of their rights and obligations in a modern and fast changing world. Here’s an example of the power of her image and words. The UK is an important global development actor and money market of consequence. Its diplomacy is felt across the world in the homes of billions. The Queen’s role in this regard has been immeasurable – you can’t deny her that. Reactions trailing the passing of Queen Elizabeth II may have been a mix of ‘understandably bitter’, ‘lacking in empathy’ and ‘meh’; but they register just how seismic her impact on the modern world has been. The global spotlight was thus again on British culture and history, and, wow, have we been witness to quite the drama. Three prime ministers in a quarter! With all this drama and political uncertainty, I expect UK politics to continue its somewhat insular, internally focused journey. This is where we see the advantages of having a monarchy of sorts – something that sits above mere politics. Britain’s foreign and trade policy appears to need a reset. And the merry-go-round politics we have seen at 10 Downing Street creates both a challenge and opportunity for the country’s latest Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and her new sovereign, His Majesty, King Charles III. We expect there will be announcements of Commonwealth tours, and we believe King Charles III will play a strong, constitutional role in helping reshape Britain’s image. But will he be a fresh, strong-enough but contemporary monarch?