Omar Bennett
The constitution of a country outlines the role of the monarchy in a constitutional monarchy. The United Kingdom's uncodified constitution, for instance, grants the monarch executive and legislative powers, albeit limited. Similarly, the Kingdom of Egypt established a democratic liberal constitutional regime under its 1923 constitution. Hawaii transitioned to a constitutional monarchy in 1840, and the Kingdom of Hungary was a constitutional monarchy from 1848–1849 and 1867–1918. The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which operated as a constitutional monarchy from its formation in 1569 until its dissolution in 1795, viewed itself as a republic led by a king.
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What You'll Learn
The King's role as head of state
The role of the King as head of state is a topic of frequent debate, particularly regarding when it is appropriate for a monarch to act. While the King is the head of state in the UK, he does not rule, and his powers are limited to substantial, if limited, legislative and executive powers. The ruling is done by his government, and the King is constitutionally obliged to follow the government's advice.
The King's main functions as head of state include appointing the Prime Minister and all other ministers, opening new sessions of parliament, and giving royal assent to bills passed by parliament, which signifies that they have become law. Additionally, the King chairs monthly meetings of the Privy Council, approves Orders in Council, and receives incoming and outgoing ambassadors. He also makes appointments, such as senior judges, but he acts on the advice of the government in doing so. The King has a weekly audience with the Prime Minister and receives daily boxes of state papers for his information and signature. He also meets regularly with senior officials.
The role of the King as head of state in a constitutional monarchy can vary depending on the country. In some countries, like Liechtenstein, Monaco, Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain, the constitution grants substantial discretionary powers to the sovereign. In contrast, in countries like the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, and others, the monarch's personal discretion in exercising authority is significantly limited.
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The King's power in constitutional monarchies
A constitutional monarchy, also known as a limited monarchy, parliamentary monarchy, or democratic monarchy, is a form of government in which the monarch's powers are limited by a constitution. The monarch acts as the head of state but does not have absolute power, as decision-making is shared with an elected parliament. The monarch's role is largely ceremonial and symbolic, performing representative and civic duties while refraining from direct political or executive involvement.
The extent of the king's power in a constitutional monarchy varies across different countries. In some nations, such as Liechtenstein, Monaco, Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Bhutan, the constitution grants substantial discretionary powers to the sovereign. The monarch in these countries wields significant authority and can actively participate in politics. For example, the Thai monarch is protected by lèse-majesté, which shields the image of the monarch and enables them to influence politics.
In contrast, other constitutional monarchies, including the United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Japan, significantly curb the monarch's personal discretion in exercising authority. While the monarch remains at the apex of the political and social hierarchy, their role is largely non-partisan and ceremonial. They act as a figurehead for national identity, unity, and pride, providing stability and continuity while refraining from direct political intervention.
Historically, the concept of constitutional monarchy evolved over time. In ancient times, the Hittites had a form of constitutional monarchy where the king shared authority with an assembly called the Panku. The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which existed from 1569 to 1795, functioned similarly to modern European constitutional monarchies, with the king serving as a figurehead and upholding the people's rights. The United Kingdom's democratic reforms further shaped the present-day concept of constitutional monarchy, where monarchs ceded power to elected parliaments and prime ministers.
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The King's public engagements
The King's role in the UK is that of a constitutional monarch, meaning he acts as a non-party political ceremonial head of state. While the King does not rule, he is responsible for various public engagements and holds significant, if limited, legislative and executive powers.
In 2023, the King carried out over 500 public engagements, including national occasions such as Remembrance Day and Trooping The Colour. The majority of these engagements, however, consist of visits to different parts of the UK to recognize and support the work of local public services and voluntary organizations. The King and the royal family are patrons of over 1,000 charities and organizations in the UK and the Commonwealth. These public engagements play a crucial role in showcasing support and appreciation for the efforts of these organizations and their contribution to society.
As the head of state, the King holds specific constitutional obligations, including appointing the Prime Minister and other ministers, opening new sessions of parliament, and providing royal assent to bills passed by parliament, thus signifying their enactment into law. The King also chairs monthly meetings of the Privy Council, approves Orders in Council, and receives incoming and outgoing ambassadors. He makes appointments, such as senior judges, based on the advice of the government.
The nature of the King's public engagements varies, from ceremonial and charitable events to more formal constitutional duties. These engagements contribute to the continuity of the constitutional monarchy and the fulfillment of its responsibilities towards the state and its people.
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The King's role in politics
The role of a king in politics depends on the country's form of government. In constitutional monarchies, the king typically serves as the head of state, but the extent of his discretionary powers varies. For instance, in countries like Liechtenstein, Monaco, Morocco, and Kuwait, the constitution grants the sovereign substantial discretionary powers. On the other hand, in countries like the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Belgium, the monarch's personal discretion in exercising authority is significantly limited.
In the UK, the king "reigns but does not rule." While he is the head of state, he is constitutionally obliged to follow the government's advice. His primary functions include appointing the Prime Minister and other ministers, opening new sessions of parliament, and providing royal assent to bills passed by parliament, thus making them law. The king also chairs monthly meetings of the Privy Council, approves Orders in Council, receives ambassadors, and makes appointments like senior judges, all while acting on the advice of the government. Additionally, the king has regular interactions with government officials, including weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, and he receives daily boxes of state papers for his signature and information.
Beyond these formal duties, the king also plays a significant ceremonial role. He carries out hundreds of public engagements, including national occasions like Remembrance Day and Trooping The Colour. Many of his appearances involve visits across the UK to recognize and support local public services and voluntary organizations. The king and the royal family are also patrons of numerous charities and organizations within the UK and the Commonwealth.
The role of the king in politics can be subject to debate, particularly regarding when it is appropriate for the monarch to act. Some argue that the neutrality of the crown should be maintained, while others advocate for the concept of an "interventionist monarch" to check potential illegal actions by politicians. This dynamic can be observed in Thailand, where the monarch is afforded certain powers under the constitution, including lèse-majesté, which protects the image of the monarch and enables him to play a role in politics.
It is worth noting that some countries have transitioned away from constitutional monarchies. For example, Egypt, which was a constitutional monarchy for a significant period, transitioned to a republic after the 1952 Free Officers Movement coup. Similarly, Portugal was a constitutional monarchy from 1822 to 1828 and again from 1834 to 1910, when it became a republic following a military coup.
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The King's relationship with the government
The relationship between the King and the government in the UK is one where the King reigns but does not rule. The role of ruling is carried out by the government, of which the King is the ceremonial head. As head of state, the King is constitutionally bound to follow the advice of the government.
The UK constitution affords the monarch legislative and executive powers, albeit limited. The King carries out a variety of public engagements, including national occasions like Remembrance Day and Trooping the Colour, as well as visits to local organisations and public services. The King also gives an annual broadcast on Christmas Day, recognising and supporting the work of these organisations.
The King is also the head of state of 14 other Commonwealth realms, including Australia, Canada, Jamaica, and New Zealand. These are mostly former British colonies and dependencies. The US Constitution also makes reference to a king, stating that no person holding an office of profit or trust shall accept any gift or title from any king without the consent of Congress.
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Frequently asked questions
The King is the head of state and carries out public engagements, including national occasions and visits to different parts of the country. He also acts as a ceremonial figurehead and is obliged to follow the government's advice. The King appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers, opens new sessions of parliament, and gives royal assent to bills passed by parliament.
Some countries with a constitutional monarchy include the United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Bhutan, and Thailand.
In an absolute monarchy, the monarch has substantial discretionary powers and rules as well as reigns. In contrast, a constitutional monarchy grants limited powers to the monarch, who reigns but does not rule, as the ruling power lies with the government.
