The Fundamentals
The United Kingdom’s system of government has adapted over the centuries and formal power has steadily shifted from King to Parliament. It is true that real political authority now rests with elected representatives, and the Sovereign serves in a largely ceremonial capacity.
Despite these practical limitations, the Monarchy continues to provide the United Kingdom with enormous benefits that contribute to our country’s stability, continuity, national identity, and social cohesion. This page will seek to explore those advantages in a contemporary context.
We understand the following to be core benefits of constitutional monarchy:
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Continuity
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Independence
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Identity
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Unity
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Diplomacy
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Security
Continuity
“To be a King is dedication, patience and moderation, self-denial, statesmanship, national unity and, above all, having faith in one’s people. ”
The King holds a vigil beside the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II as it lies in state in Westminster Hall. Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/AP
The late Queen served as the United Kingdom’s head of state for seven decades. Her late Majesty’s unwavering constancy and commitment to duty proved immensely beneficial to the unity of our nation. And despite the rapid social and political changes that came to define her reign, she remained the one steadfast figure in whom the British people’s faith never faltered.
His Majesty The King brings to the task of sovereignty an equally profound quality: a deep-rooted love for his country, which has been consistently demonstrated through his lifelong dedication to duty. As the longest-serving heir apparent in British history—a position he held for 70 years—The King has provided long-term stability and predictability, offering consistency to government and the nation at large.
Independence
“The monarchy is a political referee, not a political player, and there is a lot of sense in choosing the referee by a different principle from the players. It lessens the danger that the referee might try to start playing.”
The King holds an Audience of Parliamentary opposition leaders in the 1844 Room, Buckingham Palace.
The Monarch, alone in the state, has the advantage of being in constant touch, both officially and socially, with political leaders across the spectrum.
By remaining detached from the partisan fray, The King is able to perform important ceremonial and constitutional duties – such as the State Opening of Parliament and the appointment of the prime minister – without being entangled in political discourse.
The King, unlike elected heads of state, can focus on the broader national interests rather than the demands of a political party or the whims of public opinion.
Identity
“Parliaments and Ministers pass, but she abides in lifelong duty, and she is to them as the oak in the forest is to the annual harvest in the field.”
The Imperial State Crown.
The Monarchy is like a golden thread, uniting us in the present with almost all stages of our past. The King occupies a crucial function in preserving our nation’s cultural heritage and identity by conducting state ceremonies, passing down centuries-old traditions, and serving as the living embodiment of the British state in all its capacities.
The Monarchy is intrinsically linked with the United Kingdom’s symbols, such as the Union Jack (commissioned and approved by King James I) and the Coat of Arms, which represent not only The King’s sovereignty but also the people of the nation and its long history. These symbols are widely recognised as representations of Britain across the globe and evoke a feeling of pride amongst all Britons.
Monarchs throughout history have left a lasting impact on the fabric of our nation and at times gave their names to entire periods of human history, with the Victorian era - for example - being synonymous with scientific and technological advancement.
The institution has played a central role in the cultural tapestry of the United Kingdom and its value goes beyond mere symbolism; it encompasses history, literature, art and music and it has shaped the storied history of our country and the world at large.
Unity
“I think it is a misconception to imagine that the monarchy exists in the interests of the monarch. It doesn’t. It exists in the interests of the people.”
Crowds gather along The Mall following the Coronation of The King and Queen
The Monarchy is woven into the fabric of our national story, with Kings and Queens embodying the history and polity of the nation for more than 1,000 years. The institution belongs to all Britons, regardless of their background or beliefs, and consequently maintains the affection of the people, support which no other national institution is afforded.
The Sovereign is able to transcend the latent divisions of society – whether they are ethnic, religious, or political – and can bridge these differences to foster a sense of national unity.
‘King and Country’ sustained the British people throughout two World Wars. The same immense popularity for the monarchy as a unifying force continues today. Each action of the Sovereign serves to create a common sentiment because he is a servant to his nation.
Diplomacy
“The Royal tour (of South Africa) gives reassurance that when it comes to flying the flag nobody does it quite as well as the royal family.”
The King raises a toast to the President of the French Republic during His Majesty’s State Visit, September 2023.
By the working of the British constitution, in the course of any reign, the Monarch is left with an experience of affairs and a knowledge of people which are unrivalled. The Sovereign and his family provide intrinsic support for the consolidation of friendly international relations.
The King has a well-established diplomatic acumen, with half a century of experience in international relations, including previous state visits and diplomatic engagements. These qualities give him the necessary skills and expertise to handle the most delicate diplomatic matters.
His Majesty approaches those diplomatic matters unencumbered by the baggage of party politics, creating an environment conducive to productive discussions and negotiations.
Security
“The monarchy’s most important constitutional function is simply to be there: by occupying the constitutional high ground, it denies access to more sinister forces; to a partisan or corrupt president, divisive of the nation; or even to a dictator. The Queen’s powers are a vital safeguard of democracy and liberty.”
The King, then Prince of Wales, conducts the State Opening of Parliament (2022).
The King, for all practical purposes, is the head of the nation; he is at the summit of the great hierarchy of those who are employed in the work of the state. He is not a tyrant, nor a meddler, he is simply the honorary manager of our enormous national concern.
These practical limitations mean that the scope for political intervention is restricted, but not unthinkable. Critics claim that the British sovereign is such an automaton that he is incapable of disturbing the political situation. If illustrations are called for of the value of the personal authority of the Sovereign, they are not difficult to give.
History is littered with examples of Monarchs wielding enormous influence during the epochal tides of history. It is only necessary to point to King George IV’s successful intrigue about the Catholic question in 1834. Or, Queen Victoria, who did not ask Gladstone’s advice in 1894 and had already decided to send for Lord Rosebery. Nor was it certain that King Edward VII asked Lord Salisbury’s advice in 1902, or again in 1908. There was an even more complicated situation in 1931, where the Labour government with no majority had resigned, and the nation was suffering a financial crisis; with a general election being out of the question, The King commissioned MacDonald to form a coalition, being much criticised for doing so, but this act was not unconstitutional.
These instances show how great the power for influence is which the Crown possesses under our constitution, a power which nothing but the wisdom and statesmanship of the Monarch keeps in abeyance. It proves beyond doubt that, although infrequent thanks to the harmony of our system, the Monarchy is the ultimate authority for the preservation of constitutional and political order.