The king’s recorded television speech on Friday—his first public remarks since the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II—appeared to hit all the right buttons for all the right reasons.
Words matter in a crisis. And so do the timing, tone, pace, and purpose of the person who delivers them. Missteps can have damaging consequences by prolonging a crisis or making matters worse.
In the aftermath of the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, there were concerns and speculation about the future and role of the British monarchy, how the new King Charles III would conduct himself, and what his priorities will be.
The king’s recorded television speech on Friday—his first public remarks since the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II—appeared to hit all the right buttons for all the right reasons.
At the start of the speech, the king said, “Queen Elizabeth’s was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept, and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.”
What the king said and how he said it provides essential lessons for corporate leaders about communicating during a business crisis.
“Executives can use King Charles III’s thoughtful language choices, and his paced and confident delivery as a guide for crafting their own crisis communications statements,” public relations consultant Katie Waldron said via email.
“Today’s leaders can apply his transparency to their messaging [just] as he did regarding title changes within the monarchy and how his charities will function as he takes on his new role as King.
“Showing respect for Queen Elizabeth’s lifelong work while reassuring the public that he’ll carry out his duties as King in a similar manner are also key examples of ways leaders can honor predecessors and give stakeholders insight into future leadership plans,” Waldron pointed out.
