The British monarchy is one of the oldest in the world, captivating the imagination and attention of millions across the globe. From its medieval origins to its contemporary representations in the media, the British royal family embodies a rich historical heritage and modernity.In this article, we will delve into the fascinating history of the British monarchy, explaining its origins and transformations over the centuries.
The British monarchy begins with William the Conqueror, considered the first English monarch. In 1066, he conquered England during the Norman invasion and became king after the Battle of Hastings. In 1169, his great-grandson Henry II conquered Ireland and made his son the "Lord of Ireland." Later, Edward I conquered Wales and part of Scotland. The foundation of the kingdom and the monarchy can thus be traced back to the Middle Ages. The early dynasties, such as the Plantagenets, laid the groundwork for a powerful and centralized monarchy. This period was marked by dynastic conflicts, notably the Wars of the Roses, which pitted the houses of Lancaster and York against each other. It was not until the 15th century, with the rise of the Tudors, that the royal power began to strengthen, introducing cultural transformations under famous reigns such as those of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. The reign of the Stuart dynasty was a period of major turmoil, including the English Civil War, the execution of Charles I, and a brief republican period under Oliver Cromwell before the monarchy's restoration in 1660.
In the 18th century, the Hanoverian dynasty came to power, and the monarchy gradually transformed into a more parliamentary system, with the monarch's powers slowly diminishing. Subsequently, Queen Victoria's reign corresponded to a long period of stability, prosperity, and expansion of the British Empire. After the hardships experienced during the two world wars by the Windsors and the social transformations that followed, the modern constitutional monarchy was solidified: the monarch reigns but does not govern the country.
The British monarchy is a constitutional monarchy, which means the monarch performs mainly symbolic and ceremonial functions and represents the country, while the real power is held by the government and democratic institutions. The Parliament, consisting of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and the Prime Minister, are the ones who actually make decisions in the United Kingdom. The monarch has a formal role in the legislative process (royal assent to laws passed by Parliament), but this is now merely a formality. Today, there is a balance between monarchical tradition and democratic governance.
Let’s now look at the various symbols of the British monarchy and the traditions it maintains over time. It is a monarchy rich in symbols and traditions, distinguishing it from other monarchies around the world. The royal emblems, such as the crown, scepter, and orb, represent the continuity and legitimacy of royal power. Historic ceremonies like the coronation, royal weddings, and state funerals are significant events that attract worldwide attention. The Trooping the Colour, an annual military ceremony celebrating the monarch's birthday, is another notable tradition. These traditions and customs perpetuate an image of stability and grandeur for the British monarchy, strengthening its connection with the people.
The cultural influence of the British monarchy extends beyond the United Kingdom and spreads worldwide, shaping the global image of the UK. The monarchy is at the heart of the Commonwealth, an association of 54 countries sharing historical and cultural ties with the British Empire. The British monarch is the head of the Commonwealth and plays a symbolic role in uniting and maintaining continuity within these diverse countries. This international influence underscores the reach of the British monarchy and its unifying vision that transcends national borders.
The British monarchy, although deeply rooted in British tradition and the minds of its citizens due to its history, faces criticism today, to the point where some people question whether it is still legitimate in modern times. One of the main criticisms concerns the cost of maintaining the monarchy, with debates about the legitimacy of public spending on the royal family. Some argue that it is unacceptable to spend so much money on the monarchy when the same funds could be better used to improve living conditions for some citizens. Additionally, royal scandals have also contributed to eroding public trust in the monarchy: people feel that the monarch and the royal family no longer represent the UK population as it is today. Moreover, the apolitical role of the monarch is sometimes seen as anachronistic in an increasingly democratic and egalitarian society. Brexit and the independence movements in Scotland and Northern Ireland add further pressure, raising questions about national unity and identity.
In response to this criticism, the monarchy strives to modernize and remain relevant at a time when more and more people are questioning its legitimacy. However, despite the doubts, a large majority of Britons continue to support the monarchy, as it has been a symbol of the kingdom for centuries.