The coronation of Prince Charles as the new King of England is a major event not just in the UK, but also in countries where there are significant populations of South Asian communities. Countries such as the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia have large populations of South Asian immigrants and descendants who have developed unique perspectives on the monarchy and its future.
Many South Asian communities have a deep and complex relationship with the British monarchy, which dates back to colonial times. While some may view the monarchy as a symbol of British colonial oppression, others may see it as a cultural and historical connection to their homeland. However, the coronation of Prince Charles has raised various questions and expectations among the South Asian communities.
The Desi Buzz reached out to South Asians in the UK, Canada, Australia & New Zealand to know their views and expectations from their new Monarch HH King Charles III. This also articles gives a summary about the South Asian Community from the UK, Canada, Australia & New Zealand.
British South Asian Community – Expectations
In the UK, where the South Asian community is one of the largest ethnic minorities, the coronation of Prince Charles is likely to be viewed with mixed feelings.
Balvinder, Manchester said “I enjoyed the coronation ceremony. My expectations are very limited, I wish HH King Charles III on his new journey”
Ayesha, Luton said “As a kid growing up 1980’s I used to get excited to visit Buckingham Palace, but my children were excited to see the once-in-a-generation coronation ceremony. My family’s expectation is that the government and the new King try to resolve the issues faced by citizens such as inflation, education, and healthcare.”
Indika, Birmingham, said that “She wishes the new King and hopes the new monarchy would focus on issues at home”.
David, Bristol said, “Our family wishes to the new King and Queen, hope this leads to a positive turning point for the country”.
Fazlur. Oxford said, “King Charles III should focus on supporting policies on sustainable development and environment and should for a better UK and the World. Me and my family wish the new King & Queen”.
The South Asian community in the UK is one of the largest ethnic minority groups in the country, and it has a long and complex history with the British monarchy. According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2020, the South Asian community accounted for 7.5% of the UK population, which is approximately 5 million people. The majority of South Asians in the UK have Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi heritage.
The South Asian community has made significant contributions to the UK’s economy, culture, and society. South Asians own and operate many successful businesses, and they have made significant contributions to fields such as medicine, law, and politics. According to a report by the Confederation of British Industry, South Asians are twice as likely to start their own businesses compared to the general population in the UK.
Despite their contributions, the South Asian community in the UK still faces significant challenges. For instance, research has shown that South Asians are more likely to live in poverty compared to other ethnic groups, and they face higher rates of unemployment and discrimination. In addition, South Asian women in the UK are more likely to experience domestic violence compared to other women.
In terms of religion, the majority of South Asians in the UK are Muslim, Hindu, or Sikh. These religions have had a significant impact on the UK’s cultural landscape, and they have contributed to the country’s vibrant and diverse society.
Overall, the South Asian community in the UK is a significant and diverse group that has made significant contributions to the country’s economy, culture, and society. While they face significant challenges, they continue to play an important role in shaping the UK’s future.
While many South Asians have strong ties to the monarchy, there is also a growing sense of detachment among younger generations who are more focused on contemporary issues such as racism, inequality, and social justice. Nevertheless, there are likely to be celebrations and events in South Asian communities across the country to mark the coronation. In Canada, the South Asian community is the largest visible minority group, and the coronation of Prince Charles is likely to be viewed with a mix of curiosity and ambivalence.
Canadian South Asian Community – Expectations
Many South Asians in Canada are proud of their British heritage, but they also maintain a strong sense of Canadian identity. While the monarchy may hold some cultural significance for some, others may view it as an outdated institution that is no longer relevant to their lives.
Surya, Calgary said “For us, the crown is a ceremonious position, best wishes to the King & Queen”
A.Khan, Vancouver, said that “I was born and raised in the UK, and I moved to Canada, I think people in the UK are more emotional to the crown than in the Commonwealth. I hope the new King will help in working for global peace and prosperity”.
Perizad, Toronto said “I was lucky to see the late Queen, hope to see new King. I have no expectations from anyone.”
Mahendra, Montreal said, “15 days a month I am driving a truck, I just focus on my work. Singh is King. I wish the British people for their new King”.
Mahendra, Montreal said, “15 days a month I am driving a truck, I just focus on my work. Singh is King. I wish the British people for their new King”.
The South Asian community in Canada is one of the largest and fastest-growing ethnic minority groups in the country. According to the 2021 Census, the South Asian community accounted for 25% of Canada’s visible minority population, which is approximately 7 million people. The majority of South Asians in Canada have Indian, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan heritage.
The South Asian community in Canada has made significant contributions to the country’s economy, culture, and society. South Asians are well-represented in various fields, including medicine, law, engineering, and technology. According to a report by the Conference Board of Canada, the South Asian community is projected to become the largest visible minority group in Canada by 2031, with significant implications for the country’s economic growth.
Despite their contributions, the South Asian community in Canada still faces significant challenges. For instance, research has shown that South Asians are more likely to experience poverty compared to other ethnic groups, and they face higher rates of unemployment and discrimination. South Asian women in Canada are also more likely to experience domestic violence compared to other women.
In terms of religion, the majority of South Asians in Canada are either Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, or Christian. These religions have had a significant impact on the country’s cultural landscape, and they have contributed to Canada’s reputation as a multicultural society.
Overall, the South Asian community in Canada is a diverse and growing group that has made significant contributions to the country’s economy, culture, and society. While they face significant challenges, they continue to play an important role in shaping Canada’s future.
New Zealand South Asian Community – Expectations
In New Zealand, which has a significant population of South Asian immigrants and descendants, the coronation of Prince Charles is likely to be met with a mixture of excitement and indifference. While many South Asians in New Zealand may have a deep respect for the monarchy, others may view it as an outdated institution that is no longer relevant to their lives.
Dinesh, Auckland said ” I wish the British citizens for the new King, hope an era of peace is established of sustainably grown and prosperity”
R.Bano, Christchurch, said that “Watched the ceremony on Youtube. No expectations”.
Raju, Wellington said “No Expectations. Best wishes to the British people and the King.”
Harpreet, Hamilton said, “Because of the British empire, so many Sikhs were displaced, they live in so many countries, hope the new King works for World Peace”.
The South Asian community in New Zealand is a relatively small but growing ethnic minority group. According to the 2018 Census, the South Asian community accounted for 4.7% of New Zealand’s population, which is approximately 240,000 people. The majority of South Asians in New Zealand have Indian, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan heritage.
The South Asian community in New Zealand has made significant contributions to the country’s economy, culture, and society. South Asians are well-represented in various fields, including medicine, law, engineering, and technology. They have also made significant contributions to New Zealand’s food industry, with many successful South Asian-owned restaurants and food businesses.
Despite their contributions, the South Asian community in New Zealand still faces significant challenges. For instance, research has shown that South Asians are more likely to experience poverty compared to other ethnic groups, and they face higher rates of unemployment and discrimination. South Asian women in New Zealand are also more likely to experience domestic violence compared to other women.
In terms of religion, the majority of South Asians in New Zealand are either Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, or Christian. These religions have had a significant impact on the country’s cultural landscape, and they have contributed to New Zealand’s reputation as a multicultural society.
Overall, the South Asian community in New Zealand is a small but growing group that has made significant contributions to the country’s economy, culture, and society. While they face significant challenges, they continue to play an important role in shaping New Zealand’s future.
Australian South Asian Community – Expectations
Similarly, in Australia, where the South Asian community is one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups, the coronation of Prince Charles is likely to be viewed with mixed feelings.
Dewi, Melbourne said that “Our ancestors suffered because of the British Empire, we had to fight back for our freedom”.
While some may view it as an important cultural event, others may view it as an anachronistic relic of the country’s colonial past. In conclusion, the coronation of Prince Charles as the new King of England is likely to be viewed with a range of emotions and expectations among the South Asian communities in the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. While the monarchy may hold cultural significance for some, others may view it as an outdated institution that is no longer relevant to their lives. Nevertheless, the coronation is a significant event that will be watched closely by South Asian communities around the world.
Malik, Adelaide said “British Empire’s divide and rule policy has created so much of unrest in the world. I hope the new King will try to heal the wounds, wish him luck.”
Prakash, Sydney said “It was a nice display of pomp and royalty. No Expectations. Best Wishes to the King”
Dewi, Melbourne said that “Our ancestors suffered because of the British Empire, we had to fight back for our freedom”.
Malik, Adelaide said “British Empire’s divide and rule policy has created so much of unrest in the world. I hope the new King will try to heal the wounds, wish him luck.”
Badal, Perth said, “I am a descendent of Indians who the British took to Fiji to work on the farms, over generations we have lost connection with our families. Hope the new King work for peace”.
Badal, Perth said, “I am a descendent of Indians who the British took to Fiji to work on the farms, over generations we have lost connection with our families. Hope the new King work for peace”.
The South Asian community in Australia is a diverse and growing ethnic minority group. According to the 2021 Census, the South Asian community accounted for 2.9% of Australia’s population, which is approximately 725,000 people. The majority of South Asians in Australia have Indian, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan heritage.
The South Asian community in Australia has made significant contributions to the country’s economy, culture, and society. South Asians are well-represented in various fields, including medicine, law, engineering, and technology. They have also made significant contributions to Australia’s food industry, with many successful South Asian-owned restaurants and food businesses.
Despite their contributions, the South Asian community in Australia still faces significant challenges. For instance, research has shown that South Asians are more likely to experience poverty compared to other ethnic groups, and they face higher rates of unemployment and discrimination. South Asian women in Australia are also more likely to experience domestic violence compared to other women.
In terms of religion, the majority of South Asians in Australia are either Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, or Christian. These religions have had a significant impact on the country’s cultural landscape, and they have contributed to Australia’s reputation as a multicultural society.
Overall, the South Asian community in Australia is a diverse and growing group that has made significant contributions to the country’s economy, culture, and society. While they face significant challenges, they continue to play an important role in shaping Australia’s future.
