The Monarchy

The Monarchy

By Estra Tõnisson

​YouGov survey

​Q1 2026

​§ In a monarchy, a king or queen is Head of State. The British monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy. This means that, while The Sovereign is Head of State, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament.

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§Although the British Sovereign no longer has a political or executive role, he or she continues to play an important part in the life of the nation.

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§As Head of State, The Monarch undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history. In addition to these State duties, The Monarch has a less formal role as 'Head of Nation'. The Sovereign acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal of voluntary service.

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§ In all these roles The Sovereign is supported by members of their immediate family.

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§ As Head of State, The King has to remain strictly neutral with respect to political matters, unable to vote or stand for election. But The King does have important ceremonial and formal roles in relation to the Government of the UK​ such as the summoning or dissolution of Parliament, the power to dismiss and appoint a prime minister, the power to grant Royal Assent to bills, making them valid laws.

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§ The King as Sovereign is Head of the Armed Forces, Commander-in- Chief, which means "ultimate authority" of the military, with officers and personnel swearing allegiance only to the monarch.

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The Role of
His Majesty The King

The Role of His Majesty The King

Head of
State

Head of
Nation

Head of the
Commonwealth

Head of the Church
of England

Head of the
Armed Forces

Constitutional
Responsibilities

Patron of
Charities

Next slides represent the Monarch's role and duties.

As Head of State, The Monarch undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history. In addition to these State duties, The Monarch has a less formal role as 'Head of Nation'. The Sovereign acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal of voluntary service. https://www.royal.uk/role-monarchy

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The King represents the United Kingdom when he travels abroad on official visits. He also hosts other world leaders when they
visit our country.

1. Head of State

Open Ended

His Majesty is also sovereign in 14 countries.
Can anyone name them?

.

•Antigua and Barbuda
•Australia
•The Bahamas
•Belize
•Canada
•Grenada
•Jamaica
•New Zealand
•Papua New Guinea
•Saint Kitts and Nevis
•Saint Lucia
•Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
•Solomon Islands
•Tuvalu
•United Kingdom

2. Head of Nation

The King also looks after one of the largest and most
important art collections in the world, comprising more
than a million paintings and objects.

A symbol of unity and
national identity.

He attends special events and gives national messages such as the annual Christmas broadcast. He takes part in traditions such as Trooping the Colour and Garter Day.

The King recognises the achievements of people and
gives honours for services to their community, their
professional work or other good causes.

3. Head of Commonwealth

The King is also the Head of the Commonwealth,
a voluntary organisation of 54 independent and
equal countries.

The King has visited many of the countries in the
Commonwealth.

​The Head of the Commonwealth, currently King Charles III, is recognised by the members of the Commonwealth of Nations as the "symbol of their free association" and serves as a leader. The Head of the Commonwealth does not, though, have any role in the governance of any Commonwealth state.

4. Head of the Church of England

He takes a direct interest, as a practicing Christian
himself, in the life and work of the Church.

The monarch has held this role ever since it was
founded by Henry VIII in the 1530s.

The spiritual leader of the Church is the Archbishop
of Canterbury and so The King’s role is mostly
ceremonial.

In the role of Head of the Church of England, he
also style takes an interest in all religions.

Match

Can you name the some of the countries of the
Commonwealth by their flags?

India

Canada

Australia

Jamaica

Botswana

• India

• Canada

• Australia

• Jamaica

• Botswana

​§In the United Kingdom, The Monarch's title includes the words 'Defender of the Faith'.  This means a specific role in both the Church of England and the Church of Scotland.

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§Although the monarch's authority over the Church of England is largely ceremonial, the position is still very relevant to the church and is mostly observed in a symbolic capacity.

The Supreme Governor formally appoints high-ranking members of the church on the advice of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who is in turn advised by church leaders.

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5. Head of the Armed Forces

His Majesty served in the forces himself, as did his
father and many other members of his immediate
family.

The King is the head of the Royal Navy, The British Army
and The Royal Air Force.

The King holds many military appointments and
honorary ranks.

​Captain General of the Royal Marines - the ceremonial head of the corps.

​The Commander-in-Chief of the UK Armed Forces

​Virumaa teataja 17.01.25

6. Constitutional Responsibilities

Every day The King receives a red box
containing important reports from his officials. He is often asked to sign these.

Laws passed by Parliament must also get The King’s stamp of approval.

The King also opens Parliament each year and has weekly meetings with the Prime Minister.

The King holds important meetings called the Privy Council.

7. Patron of Charities

In 2019, the Royal Family carried out
3,567 engagements, many of these
supporting the work of charities.

The King and members of the Royal
Family are patrons of more than 3,000
charities worldwide.
This gives The King and his family the
opportunity to connect with people who
serve and support their communities.

​Who belong to the royal family?

​Who will become the next monarch?

​What is the line of succession?

​https://jupiter.err.ee/1609578658/prints-edward-eestis

Poll

Do you think Britain should continue to have a monarchy in the future, or should it be replaced with an elected head of state?

• I would support the monarchy.

• I would support an elected head of state (President for example).