Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, was announced dead at 96 years old on September 8. The queen’s death raises the question of what role the monarchy should play in Britain’s constitutional system.
The monarch and British parliament split their responsibilities over the U.K. The monarch is the head of state overseeing ceremonial duties, while the prime minister represents the legislature and judiciary. After the queen’s death, King Charles rightfully took the throne. Liz Truss, who was appointed by Queen Elizabeth II two days before her majesty’s death, is now the U.K. prime minister.
According to YouGov, an international research data and analytics group, the approval ratings of King Charles III show only 31% of people aged 18-24 want to keep the monarchy, and 41% think there should be an elected head of state.
In 1994, Prime Minister Liz Truss said in one of her early speeches, “We do not believe that people should be born to rule.” I believe that politicians change their minds to whatever gets them elected, so this shows that Prime Minister Liz Truss did not always agree with the monarchy.
According to TIME magazine, the British government would have to elect a new head of state if the monarchy was abolished.
With that knowledge, I feel the monarchy should not be abolished because parliament and the monarch have different duties and one cannot do their job without the other.
I also believe the monarchy is a vital tradition and origin for the royal family to learn about their ancestry. It would be like forcing someone to give up their heritage. People cannot choose what family they are born into; however, they can embrace who they are and have an opportunity to impact their country.
Moreover, the Royal family gives back to the British people in a big way through charities and their dedication to service. Judging by the large number of British people lining the streets for the queen’s funeral, it is clear that the monarchy is still popular.
Finally, in a strange way the British people have a complex relationship with the royal family. They will say negative things about them all day but if you really threaten to abolish the monarchy, there would be a huge public outcry. In the end, I believe the Royals are here to stay.
