Why Does England Still Have A Monarchy? Do We Need Them Anymore?

The monarchy of the United Kingdom undertake various diplomatic, ceremonial, official and representational duties.

• The current British monarch is Queen Elizabeth II
• The British monarchy has been an institution for over one thousand years.
• The Queen appoints the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
• The monarch acts as the commander-in-chief of the British armed forces.

Queen Elizabeth II governs under a constitutional monarchy - which means that the ultimate executive authority over the government is in the hands of the monarch, but these powers may only be used in conjunction with laws enacted in parliament. The monarch's Royal Prerogative powers are severely constrained by convention and precedent, and royal appointments are almost always made by elected politicians beforehand.

Why does England still have a monarchy?

Republicanism is becoming more popular in Britain as the monarchy no longer enjoys the unwavering support it used to have, although most people would prefer the current situation to an elected president. The Windsors generate a vast amount of income through tourism and are widely regarded as an asset to the country.

• The Royal Family and their estates are a popular tourist attraction.
• Some members of the Royal Family act as envoys for the country, promoting British interests abroad.
• The public have voiced their opinion over lavish events which make use of tax-payers' money, especially when public services are being reduced across the country.
• The majority of the British people would rather have a constitutional monarchy than an elected head of state.

Constitutional monarchies around the world:

• United Kingdom and the commonwealth realms (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Jamaica)
• Belgium
• Bhutan
• Bahrain
• Cambodia
• Denmark
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Liechtenstein
• Lesotho
• Luxembourg
• Malaysia
• Monaco
• Morocco
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Spain
• Swaziland
• Sweden
• Thailand