The Queen and the power of the monarchy

THE QUEEN AND THE POWER OF THE

MONARCHY By Lily Curtis

The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has both strengthened a sense of pride in our monarchy as a key part of British culture, as well as reigniting the age old question of why the monarchy matters in a modern society.

Before 1688, the Monarchy played a much more crucial role in governing Britain and passing laws themselves. However, after the Glorious Revolution of 1688, the monarchy became constitutional which meant that Kings and Queens have been restricted over the years by certain laws.

Limits on the power of monarchy are much older than that, dating back to the Magna Carta of 1215. A constitutional monarchy means that while the sovereign is Head of State, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with a democratically elected Parliament. In light of this, many people would argue that there is little point in a royal family as they essentially have no power over legislation. One of the main arguments is that the taxpayer is spending an unnecessary amount of money on events such as royal weddings, coronations and other state affairs. There is also the question of the iniquity of a family having the wealth and power of the Windsors without actually having been elected into such a role, but from simply being born into it

In my personal opinion, I see the monarchy as vital to Britain and the country's culture. While the sovereign no longer has an active political or executive role, they are still extremely important as the figurehead of our country. The representational duties that the Queen and the royal family have undertaken over the past years have been a crucial part of foreign and domestic policy, and while the monarch may not have the power they once had, they still act as a focus for national identity, unity and pride.

The Queen, over her seventy years on the throne, played a fundamental role of providing stability and continuity, and for many, if not the majority of people across the globe, she has been a constant and consistent figure.

In His Majesty's address to the nation and the Commonwealth, King Charles stated:

"Queen Elizabeth's was a life well lived, a promise with destiny kept, and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today. "

While not actually being born to be Queen, as her uncle abdicated thus making her father King, Elizabeth II stepped into the role of monarch with grace and dexterity. While taking on the huge responsibility of being sovereign aged just 25, she was also mourning the death of her dear father at the same time.

During her seventy year reign, the Queen had become patron to many charities and organisations: over 500! Her Majesty did not just lend her name to these organisations but spent most of her working life supporting her patronages both in the UK and overseas. Even throughout lockdown, she kept up with her many charities via video-link which shows the incredible dedication which she kept up through her life. It can be said for certain that Elizabeth II was an extremely hard-worker; while most people in Britain retire at the age of 63, the Queen was working until even just the day before her death when she met the current Prime Minister, Liz Truss for the first time at Balmoral Castle.

There is no doubt that Elizabeth II has left the throne in safe hands with her beloved son King Charles II who is a keen environmentalist and has worked tirelessly during his royal life to bring awareness to the problem of climate change. His advocacy for such things illustrates his acknowledgement for the need for the monarchy to evolve and modernise as the country does too. While many might question the importance of a royal family with no real power, I believe that the significance of the monarchy and its traditions lie within its ability to connect Britain with our history. The monarchy and the royal family itself is a visual representation of Britain's past and gives us a recognisable link to figures in the past such as William the Conqueror, Richard the Lion-heart, Henry II and William III and Mary II. While you may not agree with the concept of monarchy, there is no doubt that the royal family act as custodians to our history.