The British Monarchy

1 – The monarchy: useful or useless in 21st century Britain? Illustrate with relevant examples?

It was once said that “The sun never sets on the British Empire”. The Royal Family played a huge international role and ruled the seas, but today it seems that times have changed due to multiple factors such as decolonisation and Brexit.

To what extent is the British Monarchy obsolete nowadays?

Queen Elizabeth II still has a lot a responsibilities and power. She is the source of all legislative power, head of the Armed Forces and head of the Commonwealth amongst other titles. She even appoints the Prime Minister and has weekly meetings with him as she takes on the role of advisor. She is the face of the British Monarchy and is fiercely defended by the people.

The Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association (Statute of Westminster 1931) of 54 states. Queen Elizabeth II is the head of this association and there are often Royal visits to these countries so as to reinforce their union. Indeed the Commonwealth has often been compared to a family. If we think back to 2019, Kate and Prince William’s relatable visit to Pakistan was a success as they honoured the countries traditions and highlighted the importance of the relationship.

Queen Elizabeth II has a lot of support, 69% of the British population think that they would be worse off without the monarchy. Furthermore, 3 billion people tuned in worldwide for the 2011 Royal wedding. In fact, the Royal Family is one of the few things holding “The special relationship” between the US and the UK together.

All in all, the monarchy still has a vast role to play. The Queen is very useful but it is perhaps the Royal Family which has become obsolete. In addition to this, only 22% of the British population back Charles as King which could have a huge effect on the popularity of the monarchy.

274 WORDS

...