Modern monarchy. An oxymoron, perhaps? Not if you are Queen Elizabeth II, who has in recent times uttered this phrase in relation to how she wishes to forge our unique British monarchy for decades to come.
I commence this discussion over the backdrop of a new Nepalese republic being born out of South-East Asia last week, having dethroned their monarch, King Gyanendra, whose family had reigned for 240 years.
Furthermore, there have been murmurs closer to our own Monarchy, regarding a possible attempt at republicanism by the new Australian PM Kevin Rudd. One could even go as far as saying that Scotland’s preparation for an independence referendum will shake the foundations of what it means to have a monarchy in a Dis-United Non-Kingdom.
In this article you will find no rebuke of our current monarch, rather a staunch advocation will be presented, so if you are of republican leanings you may wish to avert your eyes.
Monarchy may be something of an ancient regime, perhaps not fit to govern its subjects after bloody revolutions in America and France, Russia and Germany. However, what I argue is that monarchy is enduring, resilient and unifying.
In the current climate of voter apathy and disgruntlement over politics, our constitutional monarchy can offer a safe shelter and something to rally around and believe in. Once upon a time, it was monarchs who found themselves at the mercy of a baying crowd chanting “off with their heads,” but thankfully such a Gaelic penchant for spilling regal blood never made it across the Channel.
It is now elected ministers who find themselves guilty of greed, corruption and vice, while this modern monarchy still towers over Britain.
In an age where the military is given a disservice, we should respect the very fact our Royal family have a fine record of military distinction and decades of service. The majority of MPs and their sons or daughters have never given Britain a true public service themselves.
Rather it is our monarchy that is engaged in battle, defending our Three Crossed Flag of Freedom. This article finds it ennobling to know our future King (William) has put himself up for the ultimate sacrifice for a nation which he will eventually rule over.
Time also features heavily in support for the Queen Elizabeth; she has witnessed first-hand the coming and goings of eight decades (most of them on the throne), and has seen the passing of eleven Prime Ministers.
Her seat in which to watch 20th century history unfold has been without parallel. This can give crucial insight to the PMs at the time, as she has lived through countless history-changing moments with a front row seat in power.
No politician can ever say they have dedicated so much of their life to public service, and this gives her the upper hand in worldly affairs. Her power may be diminished as an absolute monarch, but she is more than an old lady on the front of a coin.
I refrain from the term figure-head as it implies merely ceremonial functions; rather I believe she acts as a spearhead for this nation and should be seen in a diplomatic mould, keeping close ties with the Commonwealth and other nations.
I see Queen Elizabeth as a maternal figure, where the public don’t want a ‘people’s monarch’ who we see everyday walking down the street; monarchy should retain some of its allure and mystery. It is a creation where people can place all their positive ideals of human nature, their hopes and their dreams.
On a political note, our monarch still holds Royal Assent, which means she must give approval of all laws passed by her government. This is a powerful argument for maintaining this procedure as it protects against a tyrannical State looking to push through laws which the public may be unable to stop. The military is also under her command, not the Government’s control, therefore safe-guarding against extremist political parties.
Modern monarchy has already seen Princes William and Harry serving under the armed forces, with William recently wanting to join the Royal Navy and combat the drug trafficking in the Caribbean. What is more interesting is the Queen’s insistence on William’s girlfriend Kate Middleton securing a proper job, fostering the impression Kate won’t just live off the King-in-waiting like some useless tarty WAG, who has nothing better to do but preen herself and pen her name on a new ghastly fragrance.
If Britain’s monarchy is to survive it must adjust and adapt to the times, for which it happens to be developing quite a knack. When its citizens are weathering an economic downturn, holding grand balls and majestic ceremonies will foster the impression that it doesn’t know its people.
But while MPs make a fortune dodging tax, increasing their own salaries and battling to keep their expenditure under wraps, all this keeps the monarchy in a positive light.
In the modern liquid world we live in, it is refreshing to know some institutions are timeless and steadfast, up against anarchic terrorist attacks to rapid uprooting globalisation, we know we can be unashamedly white, black, Asian, Christian, Muslim or Hindu, but most of all British, all united under one entity who presides over us, paving the way for a 21st Century monarchy.
