From the history of monarchy

By the Middle Ages the monarchical system of government often based on the need for a strong ruler who could raise and command military forces to defend the country, had spread over Europe. European monarchies were dynastic, with the throne usually being passed on to the eldest son or nearest male descendant. Many medieval rulers obtained soldiers and weapons from the feudal lords and thus were dependent on the allegiance of the nobility to maintain their power. With the decline of feudalism and the rise of nation-states (a nation-state is a country in which the territory of both the nation and the state coincide), power became centralized in the hands of the sovereigns. At first these rulers were supported by the growing middle class, or bourgeoisie, who benefited from a strong central government that maintained order and provided a stable atmosphere in which trade could flourish. However, abuses of power, as well as growing dissatisfaction among the bourgeoisie, helped bring about the end of many absolute monarchies; revolutions in England in the 17^th century and in France in the 18^th century were major landmarks in the limitation of absolute power. The modern concept of a limited, constitutional monarchy arose slowly throughout much of Europe. During the 19^th century, parliamentary authority grew while royal power diminished. Many Western monarchies ceased to exist after World War I, including those in Russia, Germany, and Austria. Some constitutional monarchies still survive, primarily as symbols of national unity. Among the most enduring are those of Great Britain, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Belgium.

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4 The Queen’s role in the Commonwealth

As Head of the Commonwealth, The Queen’s role is symbolic and has no constitutional functions attached to it. The Monarch personally reinforces the links by which the Commonwealth joins people together from around the world. This is done mainly through: Commonwealth visits; regular contact with the Commonwealth Secretary General, his Secretariat and Heads of Government; acting as patron for Commonwealth cultural events.

During her reign, The Queen has visited every country in the Commonwealth and made many repeat visits. One third of the Queen’s total overseas visits are to Commonwealth countries. The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and other members of the Royal family also pay frequent visits to the Commonwealth.

A meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government is usually held once every two years, at locations throughout the Commonwealth. The Queen is normally present in the host country, during which she has a series of private meetings with the Commonwealth countries’ leaders. The Queen also attends a reception and dinner during the conference period at which she makes a speech.

Since 1977, Commonwealth Day is celebrated throughout the Commonwealth on the second Monday in March. To mark the day, The Queen broadcasts a Commonwealth Day message to the peoples of the Commonwealth as a whole. These messages are unique in that they are delivered on The Queen’s own responsibility, drafted without ministerial advice.

The Queen, though not being part of the machinery of government in the Commonwealth, has become a personal link and human symbol of the Commonwealth as an international organization.

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5 The future of the British monarchy?

“My guiding principles in life are to be

honest, genuine, thoughtful and caring”.

Prince William

These days there is an opinion that if the British monarchy is to survive into the next century, Prince William, the son of the Prince of Wales, seems to be its saviour. His country has expectations, which he has tried to fulfil, delivering excellent school work and displaying impeccable good manners. He is only too aware that the monarchy demands personal sacrifices. From an early age William has realized that the weight of historical inheritance can sometimes seem almost intolerable. But for William, the challenge in the years ahead will be to find a way of fulfilling his royal obligations while retaining a sense of personal freedom. Prince William denied rumours that he doesn’t want to inherit the throne. “It’s something I was born into and it’s my duty... It’s all about helping people and dedication and loyalty, which I hope I have – I know I have. I’ll take each step as it comes and deal with it as best as I can”.

It’s Interesting to Know

§ Prince William was the first heir to the British throne to be born in a hospital, and the first to attend nursery school.

§ The Prince can’t fly in the same plane as his father because an accident might take the lives of two future kings.

§ In his childhood after William slipped away from the security staff at Balmoral Castle for half an hour, he was given an electronic tracking bracelet.

§ At the age of eight Prince William was sent to a boarding school where he shared a room with four other boys. He spent five years there.

§ It was widely reported that Prince William was allowed to attend clubs and discos if he obeyed the following rules set down for him by The Queen:

ü No smoking, alcohol, or drugs.

ü No kissing girls in public.

ü Avoid being photographed by the media.

ü Arrive and leave with royal aides.

ü Be accompanied by detectives and a trustworthy friend.

ü Get permission to attend the party, and be home on time.

§ Prince William is around 6’4”, much taller than his father, who is around 5’10”. William is left-handed.

§ The prince began his four-year university course at the University of St Andrews in autumn 2001. At first he studied art history, but in April 2002 it was reported that he was thinking about pursuing a geography degree instead. William graduated on June 23, 2005. While a student he was registered under the name “William of Wales”, and kept a deliberately low profile.

§ After graduating from St Andrews, Prince William will reportedly spend time in Wales, learning to speak Welsh in preparation for his future role as Prince of Wales.

§ He is also planning to undertake a series of work experience placements in the UK, such as spending time with a financial institution in London, gaining an insight into international finance and commerce, learning more about land management on a country estate.

§ William shares his mother’s down-to-earth style. He has chosen to postpone using the title HRH (His Royal Highness) and prefers to be called simply William instead of Sir.

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6 Lord Chancellor – why is the post being scrapped?

The Lord Chancellor is a role which dates back to more than a thousand years in Britain. He is a Cabinet minister, the Head of the Judiciary and sits as a judge, and also presides over the House of Lords, sitting on the famous “woolsack”.

Prime Minister Tony Blair announced the change in his Cabinet. There has been criticism that it is just not right that a Cabinet minister should also sit as a judge. The government believes that the Lord Chancellor’s role is too wide.

By setting up a new Department of Constitutional Affairs, it should be possible to focus much more on establishing the best possible justice system, the government says. All judges would also be selected by an independent appointments’ commission, rather than by a politician Lord Chancellor.

Tony Blair’s ambitious scheme to scrap the oldest office in the land after the monarchy held over the centuries by saints, schemers and traitors has outraged traditionalists. Blair’s proposals spell the end of the line for the venerable and influential role of the Lord Chancellor which combines Speaker of parliament’s House of Lords with the duties of a chief justice and minister of justice.

Democratic reformers welcomed the changes, which pave the way for a Supreme Court in coming years. But they urged Blair to press ahead with further changes. “Now it is the time to seize the opportunity and bring in a written constitution for the United Kingdom, which the people of this country rightly deserve”, they announced. Critics said the changes were ill-conceived and appeared to have been sketched out on the back of an envelope.

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