Why Monarchy Survives in UK?( Complete article )

Why Monarchy Survives in UK?

(Complete article)

 

Queen Elizbeth

For centuries, the British monarchy has been an essential part of the nation’s culture and history. As England’s oldest secular institution, it is intertwined with the nation’s identity and political culture. Britians are satisfied with this version of monarchy. Ther is a strong democratic system along side this symbolic monarchy. All most all europeon nations have abandoned monarchy. Britain’s monarchy is still the most expensive to maintain in Europe. According to  Prospect/YouGov poll only 13 per cent Britians have objection on it and majority of the population is satisfied with this.The question arises  that why still United Kingdom  is going on with this.

 

Reasons for survival of monarchy:

In a modern democracy, many have questioned the legitimacy of the monarchy. Such a concern is logical, but the institution performs many important roles for the nation. Some of the reasons for survival of UK monarchy are enlisted below.

Unity Of the Nation:

A great role which monarchy is palaying in UK is the unity of the nation. The different nations under the flag of UK consider their self as one entity under the entitlement of Queen. As seen during the wedding cermony of Prince William and Kates the whole nation took a wide interest in it. They enjoyed it as a common proud.

The British Sovereign can be seen as having two roles: Head of State, and 'Head of the Nation. As in Pakistan President is the symbol of united federation in the same way in UK monarch is a person showing the unity of the state.

 

 

Symbolic In Nature:

UK”s monarchy is highly symbolic in nature. Crown occupies a hereditary post as England’s head of state. It is a symbolic position, delicately balanced between governmental representation and participation. As with all symbols, however, the significant meaning of this position exemplifies the government at its best. The monarchy acts as a unifying agent, with all government performed in its name. In difficult situations, such as war, this symbolism provides "a sense of duty for government and public

Common Pride:

All nations have elements of magic, myth and ceremony to their processes. These may reside in palaces and churches, museums and galleries, rituals and traditions. Hereditary monarchy is a spectacular embellishment, but in the same category. Its essence lies in encapsulating a nation’s continuity over time, which a family is uniquely positioned to do.

Psychological Buffer:

Royal Family

Monarchy constitutes a psychological buffer between the people and the power. That is not a bad thing in a time when corporate democracy has become the new dictatorship.

Constitutional Arrangements:

Britain’s constitutional arrangements have, over the past three hundred years, evolved into a sound means of combining republican principles with the continuity and symbolism that can only be provided by a monarchy.

 

 

Conventions:

 

It has long been established in the uncodified Constitution of the United Kingdom that political power is ultimately exercised by the Parliament of the United Kingdom, of which the Sovereign is a non-partisan component, along with the House of Lords and the House of Commons, and by the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Thus, as the modern British monarchy is a constitutional one, the Sovereign's role is in practice limited to non-partisan functions (such as being the fount of honour).

In practice, political power is exercised today through Parliament and by the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The sovereign also holds the title of Supreme Governor of the established Church of England.

The constitution of UK is un written and convention ridden. There are different conventions. Different rights which constitutuon gives to monarch are not practiced by him as convention. For example from last hundred years monarch has not dismissed any prime minister. Because of these conventions monarchy doesnot come in confrontration with democracy. Hence both system are running along side successfully.

Role In Public:

Lady Diana during her visit at Shukat Khanum Cancer Hospital

In addition to a monarch's constitutional duties, The King/Queen and the royal family all have an important role to play in public. As a national figurehead, the monarch and its royal family provides a focus for identity, offers recognition of achievement of all kinds, and supports the ideals of public and charitable work.
The Queen recognizes excellence and achievement. This takes place in many ways: through Royal visits which provide a 'seal of approval' to a charity or community; through the award of honors and prizes to outstanding individuals; and through messages sent to those celebrating special birthdays or wedding anniversaries.

The Queen and the Royal Family also play an important part in the public and voluntary sector. Through involvement with hundreds of charities, military units and other organizations, they promote the ideal of service to others.

Kate Middleton

Glorious Past:

Britian once has ruled a large part of the world. She was owner of different colonies around the world. Once it was said that UK kingdom never experience a sunset. Monarchy is a symbol of this glorious past. People see it as a relics of their magnificent past. They like this set up and emotionally attached to it.

Conclusion:

 

 

 

UK monarchy is symbolic in nature. It provides a sense of pride and unity. People of UK are emotionally bound to it. They consider royal members respectable and honorable. Monarchy is not in confrontation with democracy. So it is facing no severe criticism in the country and running successfully.