King Charles III addressed the nation earlier this week on Wednesday (13 May), marking the start of the new parliamentary year.
While delivered by the ruling monarch, the speech is actually written by the government in order to share its policies and proposed legislation for the new parliamentary session.
Some Brits were left particularly vexed over the ‘irony’ of one part of Charles’ speech, in which he discussed the introduction of Digital ID – a subject that has been a largely controversial matter in the UK for some time now.
During his speech, the monarch announced: “My Ministers will also proceed with the introduction of Digital ID that will modernise how citizens interact with public services [Digital Access to Services Bill].”
The official government website claims that a new Digital ID scheme will ‘make it easier for people across the UK to use vital government services’.
“The roll-out will, in time, make it easier to apply for government and private sector services, such as helping renters to quickly prove their identity to landlords, improving access to welfare and other benefits, and making it easier for parents to apply for free childcare,” Gov.uk states.
“It will also be required for right-to-work checks to stop those with no right to be in the country from finding work. This is to send a clear message that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to work, deterring people from making dangerous journeys.”
It didn’t take long for fans to rush to social media to share their reactions to this part of the speech, with many pointing out the contrast of Charles’ traditional get-up while addressing quite modern topics.
One X user slammed: “Sorry, but you can’t chat about things like digital ID when dressed as if you’re living in the 16th century.”
A second seethed: “With all the things that are catastrophically going wrong in this country, with a huge cost of living crisis, and we’ve got this guy wearing a crown on his head talking about Digital ID.”
“Sitting on a gold throne and a crown made from stolen diamonds whilst people are choosing between food and rent #tacky,” hit out a third.
Another chimed in: “I have never seen a more ironic out-of-touch announcement. He sits there with his golden throne and crown, lecturing people on how he will monitor us via Digital ID.”
And a final X user echoed: “This is like a sci-fi novel with an old-world monarchy.”
