McDougall Trust

Promoting public understanding
of electoral democracy

26 Apr 2023

NEW REPORT: The British Monarchy

In the run up to King Charles III’s coronation, the UCL Constitution Unit collaborated with UK in a Changing Europe, to release a major new report, The British Monarchy

The report explains what the monarchy does and how it does it, placing it within its wider historical and comparative context. This indispensable guide ahead of the coronation, features contributions from a dozen leading experts delving into a broad range of issues and topics.

Front cover of 'The British Monarchy' a report by UK in a Changing Europe and the Constitution Unit

Professor Robert Hazell (UCL Constitution Unit), editor of the report, said: “The monarchy is a source of endless fascination for the public and the media; but also subject to countless myths and misunderstandings. I was honoured to co-edit this report, in which 16 experts explode the myths and explore the paradoxes of modern monarchy.”

The report includes chapters on the significance of the coronation, the King’s constitutional and political roles, the ceremony’s religious significance, the funding of the Royal Family, the relationship between the media and the monarchy, public opinion, and the future of the British monarchy.

The report is released just days ahead of the coronation of King Charles III, the fortieth monarch to be crowned in Westminster Abbey since 1066. Given the high levels of interest in the monarchy since the death of Elizabeth II, the report will help to explain the role of the modern monarchy and its place in the UK’s constitutional system.

Read the report

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