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 an increasingly 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
Queen Elizabeth II was the United Kingdom’s head of state for seven decades. Her constancy was tremendously beneficial to the unity of our country and, despite the rapid social and political change which came to define her reign, she remained the one constant for which the faith of the British people never wavered. His Majesty The King brings to the task of sovereignty the greatest of all qualities: the quality of deep-rooted love for his country which he has consistently demonstrated through his life’s work and his commitment to do his duty. The King was the longest-serving heir apparent in British history, a position he held for 70 years, and his presence has provided long-term stability and a sense of predictability and consistency to government.
When Queen Elizabeth II died, succession was instantaneous: the British line of succession is set in law, ensuring a smooth and orderly transition of power from one generation to the next. This is not true of republics, where transitions of power are often marred by polarisation and uncertainty. The King’s long-established record of public service, combined with his ironclad commitments to upholding the United Kingdom’s constitutional principles, makes him a steady and dependable figure capable of navigating complex constitutional challenges.
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 King remains firmly above the partisan fray of politics which enables him 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. His Majesty is hence able to represent the entire nation rather than a particular political faction.
The importance of political neutrality extends also to international relations, where His Majesty can engage in diplomatic activities without political constraints which bolsters the United Kingdom’s reputation as a stable and dependable partner.
The King, unlike elected heads of state, is able to focus on 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 a golden thread uniting us in the present with almost all stages of our long past. The institution plays a vital role in preserving our nation’s cultural heritage and identity by participating in state ceremonies and traditions, and by serving as the living embodiment of British history.
The Monarchy is intertwined 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 monarch’s reign but also the sovereignty of the nation and its history. These symbols are widely recognised as representations of Britain across the globe and evoke a sense of pride and identity amongst Britons.
Monarchs such as William I, Richard I, Edward I, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Charles II, Victoria, and Elizabeth II have left a lasting impact on the fabric of our nation and gave their names to entire periods of 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 cultural 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 interwoven into 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 a special place in the hearts and minds of the people, support which no other national institution is afforded.
The Sovereign is able to transcend the latent divisions of society – whether they be ethnic, religious, or political – and can bridge these differences and foster a sense of national unity.
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.
The King is a symbol of continuity and tradition - the physical embodiment of the nation and a millennium of its history. Sovereigns reign far longer than presidential terms, giving them a unique capacity to build relationships with heads of state that transcend politics.
The King has a well-established diplomatic acumen, with decades of experience in international relations, including previous state visits and diplomatic engagements. These qualities give him the necessary skills and expertise to handle delicate diplomatic matters.
His Majesty approaches diplomatic matters without the baggage of politics, making it easier to engage in productive discussions and negotiations. Being above the noise of politics means personal relationships with world leaders are easier to form.
The King's global reputation, his historical and cultural connections, his personal qualities and his unique position above politics make him exceptionally well-placed to represent the United Kingdom abroad.
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).
Renowned constitutional theorist A.V. Dicey defined the royal prerogative as the “remaining portion of the Crown’s original authority” with a “residue of discretionary power left at any moment in the hands of the Crown.” The King’s constitutional prerogatives are the personal discretionary powers which remain in His Majesty’s hands, they include the right to advise, encourage and warn ministers in private; to appoint the prime minister and other ministers; to assent to legislation; to prorogue and dissolve parliament; and to act contrary to or without ministerial advice in extremis.
His Majesty serves as an adjudicator, an important “check and balance” on those who wield power in his name. The ultimate responsibility for the preservation of constitutional order in the United Kingdom rests with him above political, commercial and factional interests.