British Monarchy

The oldest form of Government in the United Kingdom is Monarchy. In the system of Monarchy, the queen or a king is the head of the State. “The British monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy. This means that, while The Queen is Head of State, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament. Although the British Sovereign no longer has a political or executive role, he or she continues to play an important part in the life of the nation. ” (The British…)Apart from the defined State duties, the Queen has a formal role as “Head of Nation.

” She inspires the people, she is the focus of national identity, awards excellence to her citizens, and is known to extend support to the cherished ideals of voluntary and public service. She has the support of members of her immediate family for the functions she is obliged to perform. The Queen plays the sterling role to mould the national identity of the country. “In 1649, following the execution of King Charles I and the abolition of the monarchy, almost every piece of the existing English regalia was sold off or melted down.

Only four items of the ancient coronation regalia – 3 swords and the Coronation Spoon – were to find their way back into the collection after the restoration of the monarchy. ” (HM HER…. ) Queen Elizabeth was born in London on 21 April 1926. She is the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York. Princess Elizabeth took her education at home along with her younger sister Princess Margaret. Her father succeeded to the throne in 1936 and she became heir presumptive. Her interests are varied, like constitutional law and history, art, music, riding the horse, swimming and amateur theatricals. She is a Sea Ranger.

She married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten on 20th November 1947. They have four children. Prince Charles, now The Prince of Wales, was born in 1948. He is the Heir apparent to the throne. One of the colorful and important ceremonies relating to the British Monarchy is changing the guard. “The regular hand-over of guards in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace draws thousands of visitors to watch the soldiers and listen to the music. Known as Changing the Guard or Guard Mounting, the process involves a new guard exchanging duty with the old guard. ”(British…) The soldiers are drawn from five different regiments.

The guard changing is an important ceremony. The guards Band remains in attendance. Different types of songs are played. Thus ceremony normally takes place between 11 to 11. 30 a. m. Even though United Kingdom has the democratically elected Government, Monarchy commands lots of respect from the British citizens and they feel the need for Monarchy. The contributions of the Royal Family are important and they are well-respected. It does not interfere in politics, and it has the aura of national ‘identity. ’ Monarchy is an important part of British heritage. Those who plead for abolishing Monarchy are in hopeless minority.

The revenue from tourism, of those people who come to see the changing of the guard and much other royal pageantry, is substantial. “The monarch is not powerless, as is often thought. Here, for example, are all the things that her majesty’s ministers may do by means of an exercise of the Royal prerogative, without choosing to make themselves accountable to the Commons or to the voters: Make Orders in Council, Declare War, Make peace, Sign and ratify treaties, Grant pardons, Grant charters, Confer charters, Confer patronage appointments and Establish commissions etc.

”(Harris, 1992) “The names of British Royal residences are Buckingham Palace (Windsor Castle, Sand Ingham House), Balmorals Castle (Castle of Mey, Palace of Holy Roodhouse),St. James’s Palace (The Tower of London, Kensington Palace), and Hampton Court Palace (Banqueting House, Kew Palace). ” (Kings and…)All the properties are open to public, subject to timings. =========== References: The British Monarchy: History of the Monarchy Introductory page for the History of the Monarchy section. www. royal. gov. uk/OutPut/Page5. asp – 28k More results from www.

royal. gov. uk »Retrieved on July 24, 2008. HM HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II BRITISH MONARCHY THE ROYAL FAMILY… www. solarnavigator. net – HM Queen Elizabeth II and the history of the British monarchy palaces interests patronage and accession to the throne. www. solarnavigator. net/queen_elizabeth_her_royal_highness. htm – 56k -Retrieved on July 24, 2008 British Monarchy Official site for the British Monarchy. Includes the royal family tree, answers to frequently asked questions and articles about the crown jewels and other subjects. www. royal. gov.

uk –Retrieved on July 24, 2008 Harris, Craig: England Needs the Monarchy: October 24, 1992 … that the British monarchy has outlived … The monarchy is a large part of British heritage. … The monarchy can be found in all parts of British life. … www. craigsweb. com/monarchy. htm – Retrieved on July 24, 2008. Kings and Queens of Britain Details of the British Monarchy and the British Royal Family, the Kings and Queens of Britian, the Royal Regalia and the Royal Palaces and other Royal Residences www. british-towns. net/britain/monarchy. asp – Retrieved on July 24, 2008