Monarchical Principles in the Course of Time

Term Paper , 2015 , 9 Pages , Grade: 2,0

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

This essay aims to observe and explain monarchical principles, their manifestation, as well as the change they underwent throughout different epoques. Monarchical principles are the underlying assumptions of a monarch’s reign. Since there are distinctive governmental forms of a monarchy, they differ from each other in several aspects.

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2. Theoretical Framework
2.1. Tim Hames and Mark Leonard: Modernising the Monarchy
2.2. Adrian Harvey: Monarchy and Democracy: A Progressive Agenda

3. Analysis

4. Conclusion

Works Cited

1 Introduction

Monarchical principles are the underlying assumptions of a monarch’s reign. Since there are distinctive governmental forms of a monarchy, they differ from each other in several aspects. The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy and the Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II. The term ‘’constitutional monarchy’’ implies that the sovereign’s power is restricted through the constitution. Therefore, the Queen rather has a representative than an executive function, political decisions are made by the Parliament. The Queen is part of the governmental system but only in a formal sense. All actions are based on the advice of her ministers. Still, she is an important figure for the country and embodies the British monarchy. She reigns by the means of particular principles which influence the symbolic of monarchy.

First of all, she stands for stability, continuity and unity. The United Kingdom is a nation of opposites what may harbor the potential for conflicts. The political opinions are as different as people’s origin, since the UK experienced mass immigration in the 20th century. Queen Elizabeth II tries to mediate between people and to demonstrate cohesion among the nation. Because of her experience, people put trust in her and in the successor to the throne, since his or her life is aligned to the future position. Furthermore, the Queen represents certain morals people can identify with. Additionally, Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family function as role models for society. Their actions are absorbed as guidelines for manners and behavior. Besides, the Queen’s title as 'Defender of the Faith' indicates her close relation to the Church of England and the Church of Scotland. This is also connected to the representation of tradition and a conservative attitude. Lastly, secrecy and distance create a basis for a step out of the focus of the public and allow a partly secluded life (cf. ‘’British Monarchist League’’, 2014).

One might notice that monarchical principles are essential to maintain a certain significance of monarchy. This counts for the British people as well as for the Royal Family. The accompanying principles exist as long as the idea of a monarchical state emerged but in the course of time, political circumstances, needs and demands of the nation changed. Consequently, it is inevitable that the Royal Family had to adapt its conventions to new periods. Constitutional theorist Walter Bagehot (1867/ 1965 cited in Billig, 1992 p. 3) already predicted that monarchy had to transform once it loses its political power but is a renewal of monarchical principles identifiable? In the following, I will investigate further assumptions on this topic and take a closer look at the contemporary perception of the Royal Family and the monarchical system. Besides, I want to illustrate tensions between democratic norms and monarchy. First, I want to take a closer look at two works concerning this topic and compare their main aspects with each other. Afterwards, I will analyze the theories by comparing them and give a brief outlook in my conclusion.

2. Theoretical Framework

2.1. Tim Hames and Mark Leonard: Modernising the Monarchy

In their book, political scientists Tim Hames and Mark Leonard discuss a plan of measures for modernizing the monarchy in the United Kingdom. They declare that monarchy matters for national politics as well as for the population since it has a high significance for the general public. Hames and Leonard argue that circumstances have changed over time and therefore, monarchy has to change conversely. Often it is seen as a relic of old times and the authors state that ‘’there is no constitutional reason why Britain should retain the monarchy’’ (Hames & Leonard, 1998: 9). Still, they are aware of the fact that the majority of the British population wants to maintain the monarchy.

As the main problem of contemporary monarchy, Hames and Leonard identify the hybrid form of British monarchy. They declare that there are three different types of monarchies: one that serves as the state in a practical sense, one that relies on a quasi-religious authority and thus is above the state and the third one symbolizes the secular state. The monarchy in the United Kingdom shows characteristics of all three forms. Acting out all three approaches might lead to inefficiency and confusion. ‘’In a sense, the core problem for the monarchy is its schizophrenic identity’’ (Hames & Leonard, 1998: 16).

The authors recommend to focus on the symbolic character of the monarchy and to develop its position through it: ‘’ the political and religious roles are time-consuming and largely invisible, and therefore detract from the monarchy by limiting the time and energy the monarch can devote to symbolic roles’’ (Hames & Leonard, 1998: 17). An obstacle could be that the symbolic is often obsolete, e.g., the status of the Royal Family on the apex of society does not fit to modern British values. Furthermore, they criticize the Royal media presence which seems to them rather glamorous than accountable. They assume that the population longs for another kind of authority, one they are more connected with. Hames and Leonard also introduce a poll that represents this opinion: ‘’in a Guardian/ ICM poll in August 1998 […] over two thirds of those surveyed felt that the royal family is out of touch with ordinary people’’ (Hames & Leonard, 1998: 11). Another useful advice to change the monarchy’s current symbolism is to add more transparency to increase the Royal Family’s reliability: ‘’it is both right an inevitable that the public will come and seek not a monarchy based on magic or mystery but one that is held accountable’’ (ibid.).

The authors formulate a proposed amendment in which they declare that the Royal Family needs ‘’active symbolism’’ to retain monarchy’s popularity. In this case, ‘’active symbolism’’ is associated with Princess Diana’s actions. In fact, she used her position and the available resources to implement important products around the world and thus, was seen as a precious part of the Royal Family by public: ‘’she outlined the shape of an alternative monarchy based on what could be called active symbolism’’ (Hames & Leonard: 1998, 18).

Overall, the political scientists try to point out how serious the Royal Family should take their role as representatives of the nation. By limiting religious and political roles, monarchy can be centered on its symbolic status.

2.2. Adrian Harvey: Monarchy and Democracy: A Progressive Agenda

Adrian Harvey’s article aims to demonstrate the necessity of a constitutional reform in Britain which implies a change in the role of monarchy. He starts off by claiming British news are separated in royal news and political news though there should be an obvious connection. Thus, he questions the monarchy’s constitutional role: ‘’Reform of the monarchy must be a legitimate – indeed, it is a necessary- element in the programme of a progressive government.’’ and underlines the fact that the current situation is a burden for a British democratic development (Harvey 2008: 34).

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• College: Justus-Liebig-University Giessen (Anglistik)
• Course: The British Monarchy on Stage and Screen
• Grade: 2,0
• Author: Vanessa Haldner (Author)
• Publication Year: 2015
• Pages: 9
• Catalog Number: V379356
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668562707
• ISBN (Book): 9783668562714
• Language: English
• Tags: Monarchy, Great Britain, The Queen, Elizabeth II