2.1 The role and powers of the monarch
3 min read•august 16, 2024
The monarch's role in the UK is a mix of tradition and modern reality. They're the symbolic , representing the nation at home and abroad. But their actual power is limited, with most duties being ceremonial.
The monarch's job has changed over time. They've gone from ruling directly to having a more hands-off role. Today, they mainly perform ceremonial duties and offer advice, while elected officials handle the real governing.
The Monarch's Constitutional Role
Symbolic Head of State
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- Monarch serves as Head of State embodying continuity and stability of the nation
- Acts as symbol of national unity representing UK in international affairs without direct political authority
- defines monarch's role as largely ceremonial with vested in elected government
- Represents continuity of the state across changes in government (coronation ceremonies, jubilee celebrations)
Legal and Constitutional Framework
- grants certain powers to monarch exercised on advice of government ministers
- Monarch's role governed by written laws and unwritten conventions forming part of UK's uncodified constitution
- Key constitutional documents outline monarch's powers (, )
- prevent monarch from refusing or acting against ministerial advice except in extreme circumstances
Formal and Ceremonial Duties of the Monarch
Government Formation and Legislative Process
- Formally appoints Prime Minister and other ministers typically based on outcome of general elections
- Gives Royal Assent to bills passed by Parliament transforming them into Acts of Parliament
- Delivers Queen's (or King's) Speech at outlining government's legislative agenda
- Dissolves Parliament before general elections (though now regulated by )
Diplomatic and Ceremonial Functions
- Serves as fostering relationships among 56 member nations
- Confers honors (knighthoods, peerages) and hosts state visits from foreign dignitaries
- Conducts royal tours to strengthen diplomatic ties (Commonwealth realms, state visits abroad)
- Acts as Supreme Governor of the Church of England appointing archbishops and bishops on advice of Prime Minister
- Attends national ceremonies and commemorations (, )
The Monarch's Political Influence
Constitutional Limitations and Neutrality
- Political power constrained by principle of constitutional monarchy requiring political neutrality
- Cannot vote or stand for election to maintain impartiality
- Refrains from public political statements or endorsements of parties/candidates
- Assets and finances subject to scrutiny (, revenues)
Informal Influence and Advisory Role
- Has right to be consulted, encourage, and warn government as articulated by
- Conducts weekly audiences with Prime Minister providing platform for confidential discussion and advice
- Influence largely informal based on experience rather than direct political intervention
- Can offer perspective from long-term involvement in state affairs (multiple prime ministerial terms, international relationships)
Role in Government Formation
- Guided by constitutional conventions in forming government particularly in cases of hung parliaments
- Consults with and senior politicians to determine viable government formation
- Historical examples of monarch's role in coalition negotiations (1974 , 2010 )
The Evolution of the Monarch's Role
Historical Transition
- Gradual transition from executive to constitutional monarchy accelerating in 20th and 21st centuries
- Reduced direct involvement in governance (no longer attending cabinet meetings, delegating more powers to counsellors of state)
- Adaptation to changing political landscape (, UK's changing role in global affairs)
Modern Adaptations and Challenges
- Increased media scrutiny and public opinion influencing monarchy's approach to public engagement and transparency
- Adoption of modern communication methods and social media to connect with public (Royal Family website, official social media accounts)
- Debates about relevance and cost of monarchy in democratic society shaping public discourse on institution's future
- Process of devolution affecting monarch's relationship with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (separate openings of devolved parliaments)
Recent Constitutional Impacts
- Constitutional reforms like Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 (now repealed) impacted some of monarch's traditional prerogatives
- reformed royal finances increasing transparency and accountability
- changed rules of succession (absolute primogeniture, removal of marriage restrictions)
Key Terms to Review (24)
Act of Settlement 1701: The Act of Settlement 1701 is a significant piece of legislation that established the rules of succession to the English throne, ensuring that only Protestant heirs could inherit. This act was a response to fears of Catholic succession and aimed to secure Protestant rule in England, which had important implications for the monarchy's role and powers, particularly in relation to the relationship between the monarch and Parliament.
Bill of Rights 1689: The Bill of Rights 1689 is a significant constitutional document in the UK that established key civil liberties and limited the powers of the monarchy following the Glorious Revolution. It reinforced the principle of parliamentary sovereignty and set the framework for modern democracy in Britain, establishing rights such as freedom from cruel and unusual punishment and the right to petition the monarch.
Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition: The Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition was a government formed in the United Kingdom after the 2010 general election, where no party achieved an outright majority. This coalition combined the Conservative Party, led by David Cameron, and the Liberal Democrats, led by Nick Clegg, in an effort to stabilize the government amidst economic challenges. The coalition represented a significant shift in British politics as it brought together two parties with differing ideologies to govern collaboratively.
Constitutional Conventions: Constitutional conventions are unwritten rules that govern the behavior of political actors within the UK political system. They play a crucial role in filling gaps where the law may be silent or ambiguous, ensuring the smooth functioning of government, particularly in areas like the executive's role and powers, the monarchy's duties, and how the UK constitution influences other countries.
Constitutional Monarchy: A constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch acts as the head of state within the parameters of a constitution, which can be written or unwritten. This system balances the ceremonial and traditional role of the monarchy with democratic principles, ensuring that the monarch's powers are limited by laws and a parliamentary framework.
Crown Estate: The Crown Estate is a collection of lands and assets owned by the reigning monarch in the United Kingdom, which is managed independently and generates income for the government. It plays a significant role in funding public services and is separate from the personal property of the monarch, reinforcing the distinction between the monarchy's private wealth and public responsibilities.
Devolution: Devolution refers to the transfer of powers and responsibilities from a central government to local or regional governments. This process has reshaped governance in various parts of the UK, allowing for greater autonomy and self-governance, impacting political dynamics and public policy across the regions.
Dissolution of parliament: The dissolution of parliament is the formal process by which a sitting parliament is terminated, leading to a general election. This process is a critical aspect of the political system, as it signals the end of the current legislative session and allows for the formation of a new parliament, reflecting changes in public opinion or political dynamics.
Executive power: Executive power refers to the authority and responsibility of the government to enforce laws, administer public policies, and conduct the affairs of the state. It encompasses a range of functions, including the execution of laws, administration of government agencies, and conduct of foreign affairs. The exercise of executive power is vital in shaping policy outcomes and ensuring the implementation of legislative intent, with its scope influenced by constitutional provisions and political dynamics.
Fixed-Term Parliaments Act: The Fixed-Term Parliaments Act 2011 established a system for setting fixed intervals between general elections in the UK, typically every five years. This law was intended to provide stability and predictability in the political system, reducing the Prime Minister's power to call snap elections at will. By creating a regular timetable for elections, it aimed to enhance democratic accountability and change the way parliamentary terms were determined, impacting both electoral strategy and the role of the Prime Minister.
Head of state: The head of state is the highest-ranking official in a sovereign state, representing the unity and integrity of the nation. In constitutional monarchies like the UK, the monarch serves as the head of state, embodying the historical traditions and ceremonial aspects of governance while functioning within a framework that often limits their powers in favor of elected representatives.
Head of the commonwealth: The head of the commonwealth is a symbolic and ceremonial position held by the monarch, representing the unity and cooperation of member countries within the Commonwealth of Nations. This role is crucial as it emphasizes shared values such as democracy, human rights, and economic development among diverse nations, reflecting a commitment to mutual support and collaboration.
Hung parliament: A hung parliament occurs when no single political party wins an outright majority of seats in the House of Commons after an election. This situation often leads to a coalition government or a minority government, as parties must negotiate to form a stable administration. The occurrence of a hung parliament highlights the complexity of the UK's electoral system and its impact on governance and party dynamics.
Privy Council: The Privy Council is a formal body of advisers to the Sovereign in the UK, composed mainly of senior politicians, typically members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. This body provides advice to the monarch, especially in areas of executive authority, and has historically played a significant role in governance, legislation, and judicial matters.
Queen's speech: The queen's speech is a formal address delivered by the reigning monarch during the State Opening of Parliament, outlining the government's agenda and proposed legislative measures for the upcoming parliamentary session. This speech serves as a crucial link between the Crown and the government, highlighting the monarch's role in the political process while primarily reflecting the views and plans of the ruling party.
Remembrance Sunday: Remembrance Sunday is a memorial day observed in the United Kingdom to honor the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces and civilians during conflicts, particularly in World War I and World War II. It occurs on the second Sunday of November and features ceremonies at war memorials, churches, and other public places, where people gather to remember those who lost their lives in service.
Royal Assent: Royal assent is the formal approval by the monarch that allows a bill passed by Parliament to become law. This process symbolizes the constitutional relationship between the Crown and Parliament, as it represents the final step in the legislative process after a bill has gone through several readings and debates. While royal assent has not been refused since the early 18th century, it plays a vital role in maintaining the constitutional conventions that govern the powers of the monarch and the operation of the government.
Royal prerogative: The royal prerogative refers to the powers and privileges historically held by the monarch, which can now be exercised by government ministers, particularly the Prime Minister. This includes a range of significant functions, such as issuing or revoking passports, granting honors, and conducting foreign affairs. While the monarchy is largely ceremonial today, the royal prerogative still plays a crucial role in the UK's political framework and governance.
Sovereign Grant: The Sovereign Grant is the funding mechanism by which the UK monarchy receives its annual budget, sourced from the profits of the Crown Estate. This system allows for a transparent and accountable method of financial support for the royal family, as it links their funding to a percentage of the estate's profits, which helps maintain the monarchy's role in contemporary society.
Sovereign Grant Act 2011: The Sovereign Grant Act 2011 is legislation that established a new financial framework for funding the British monarchy, replacing the previous Civil List system. This act ensures that the funding for the monarchy is transparent and directly linked to the profits generated by the Crown Estate, providing a percentage of those profits to support the official duties of the monarch and other members of the royal family.
State Opening of Parliament: The State Opening of Parliament is a ceremonial event marking the beginning of the parliamentary session in the UK, where the monarch delivers the Queen's Speech outlining the government's legislative agenda. This event symbolizes the relationship between the Crown and Parliament, illustrating the constitutional role of the monarchy in modern governance. The ceremony is rich in tradition and showcases various state functions, emphasizing the monarchy's ceremonial duties while reinforcing the democratic process.
Succession to the Crown Act 2013: The Succession to the Crown Act 2013 is a UK law that reformed the rules governing the line of succession to the British throne. This act ended the system of male-preference primogeniture, allowing the eldest child, regardless of gender, to inherit the throne. This change reflects modern values of gender equality and has significant implications for the royal family and the monarchy's future.
Trooping the Colour: Trooping the Colour is a ceremonial event held annually in the United Kingdom to mark the official birthday of the reigning monarch. This vibrant parade features regiments of the British Army, showcasing their flags or 'colours,' and serves to honor the monarchy while displaying military precision and discipline. The event symbolizes the connection between the Crown and the armed forces, emphasizing the ceremonial role of the monarch in British governance.
Walter Bagehot: Walter Bagehot was a 19th-century British journalist, essayist, and economist known for his influential work on the British constitution and the role of the monarchy. His writings emphasized the importance of the ceremonial functions of the monarchy and argued that the monarch's power is largely symbolic, serving to unify the state while actual political power resides with elected officials. Bagehot's ideas continue to shape the understanding of constitutional conventions and the monarchy's place within the UK's political framework.