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1.
The most complained about event in BBC history got me thinking about the monarchy
What passes for the “national discussion” about the Crown is stuck in the 50s
Don’t assume the Crown can—or should—just carry on as it has been after Elizabeth II https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/essays/roadmap-to-a-republic-prince-philip-queen-future-of-the-monarchy-reform
The most complained about event in BBC history got me thinking about the monarchy
What passes for the “national discussion” about the Crown is stuck in the 50s
Don’t assume the Crown can—or should—just carry on as it has been after Elizabeth II https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/essays/roadmap-to-a-republic-prince-philip-queen-future-of-the-monarchy-reform
2.
When Elizabeth took to the throne:
All the African colonies were still Empire
At her coronation most guests were aristocrats in the Lords where ALL seats were hereditary.
Oh, except those for bishops in a CoE which still christened about two-thirds of babies (now 1 in 10)
When Elizabeth took to the throne:
All the African colonies were still Empire
At her coronation most guests were aristocrats in the Lords where ALL seats were hereditary.
Oh, except those for bishops in a CoE which still christened about two-thirds of babies (now 1 in 10)
3.
Even fans of pageantry should want it adjusted to fit a post-imperial, post-aristocratic & post-Anglican society.
The deeper question is—or should be—whether we actually want the Crown to pass from a trusted old lady who always holds back to a son who brims with opinions
Even fans of pageantry should want it adjusted to fit a post-imperial, post-aristocratic & post-Anglican society.
The deeper question is—or should be—whether we actually want the Crown to pass from a trusted old lady who always holds back to a son who brims with opinions
4.
I try & give the argument for the status quo a fair hearing
- 4 of the top 5 spots on the Economist Intelligence Unit democracy rankings go to monarchies
- Royal prerogatives are now amenable to judicial review, so not the lawless zone they once were
I try & give the argument for the status quo a fair hearing
- 4 of the top 5 spots on the Economist Intelligence Unit democracy rankings go to monarchies
- Royal prerogatives are now amenable to judicial review, so not the lawless zone they once were
5.
But because some things are better it doesn't mean it's all good enough
Only 2 years ago Crown powers were used to close down parliament
We got through that crisis for two reasons ...
First, a Supreme Court brave enough to strike down Johnson's coup ...
But because some things are better it doesn't mean it's all good enough
Only 2 years ago Crown powers were used to close down parliament
We got through that crisis for two reasons ...
First, a Supreme Court brave enough to strike down Johnson's coup ...
6.
Second: a fluke of the right personnel on the Crown
Having sat on her hands for 70 years, Elizabeth could submit to the PM’s outrageous “advice” without being seen to take his side
With anyone else, failure stand up for the constitution would have looked like a choice
Second: a fluke of the right personnel on the Crown
Having sat on her hands for 70 years, Elizabeth could submit to the PM’s outrageous “advice” without being seen to take his side
With anyone else, failure stand up for the constitution would have looked like a choice
7.
At one point in the Brexit crisis, it looked like an effort by MPs to avoid a No-Deal Brexit could run aground on a constitutional obscurity called Queen's Consent
Only a bizarre ruling by the Speaker avoided that
Another fluke!
At one point in the Brexit crisis, it looked like an effort by MPs to avoid a No-Deal Brexit could run aground on a constitutional obscurity called Queen's Consent
Only a bizarre ruling by the Speaker avoided that
Another fluke!
8.
At another point, it was briefed the monarch would be “advised” to refuse the (separate) Royal Assent that every Bill needs to become law
That would have been the first such refusal since Queen Anne held back her quill from the Scottish Militia Bill in 1708
At another point, it was briefed the monarch would be “advised” to refuse the (separate) Royal Assent that every Bill needs to become law
That would have been the first such refusal since Queen Anne held back her quill from the Scottish Militia Bill in 1708
9.
Change is needed—and even royalists should see that
Monarchies depend on popularity in democracy: the King of Spain had to step down in 2014; closer to home as Andrew's stock sunk he had to "resign"
Charles is on YouGov numbers FAR less popular than his mum—& more divisive
Change is needed—and even royalists should see that
Monarchies depend on popularity in democracy: the King of Spain had to step down in 2014; closer to home as Andrew's stock sunk he had to "resign"
Charles is on YouGov numbers FAR less popular than his mum—& more divisive
10.
Our democracy needs “less Crown”
Sweden shows the way, having put parliament fully in charge in its 1974 constitutions
But plenty of other monarchies also have useful tips for modernising
Our democracy needs “less Crown”
Sweden shows the way, having put parliament fully in charge in its 1974 constitutions
But plenty of other monarchies also have useful tips for modernising
11.
And the King of Sweden has shown he can "speak for the nation" in tragedies etc just as well as HMQ
But indeed, so can the better presidents in Parliamentary systems
And sometimes (think Mary Robinson) they can do more creative work too
And the King of Sweden has shown he can "speak for the nation" in tragedies etc just as well as HMQ
But indeed, so can the better presidents in Parliamentary systems
And sometimes (think Mary Robinson) they can do more creative work too
12.
Some awkward privy counsellor could kick off the discussion by at the “Accession Council” that meets to proclaim the new King
Tony Benn used to fantasise about forcing a vote but with him gone, might someone else try the stunt?
Some awkward privy counsellor could kick off the discussion by at the “Accession Council” that meets to proclaim the new King
Tony Benn used to fantasise about forcing a vote but with him gone, might someone else try the stunt?
13.
And stunt it would be, but it is hardly as dastardly a trick as that pulled in 2019 when parliament was suspended in the Crown’s name!
And stunt it would be, but it is hardly as dastardly a trick as that pulled in 2019 when parliament was suspended in the Crown’s name!
14.
Huge thanks to the big brains who helped me on the constitutional stuff -- especially as they may disagree with my take
@cath_haddon Robert Hazzell @ConUnit_UCL @ProfTomkins @RobertCraig3 @GrahamSmith_ of @RepublicStaff + reporting of @robevansgdn
https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/essays/roadmap-to-a-republic-prince-philip-queen-future-of-the-monarchy-reform
Huge thanks to the big brains who helped me on the constitutional stuff -- especially as they may disagree with my take
@cath_haddon Robert Hazzell @ConUnit_UCL @ProfTomkins @RobertCraig3 @GrahamSmith_ of @RepublicStaff + reporting of @robevansgdn
https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/essays/roadmap-to-a-republic-prince-philip-queen-future-of-the-monarchy-reform
Sorry to get Robert's name wrong there -- spelled right in the article!
