god save the queen

For the past 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II has been the monarch of Britain and 14 other countries. On September 8th, 2022, the death of Queen Elizabeth II was announced at Buckingham Palace. Her eldest son, and heir, Prince Charles, now King Charles III, will be crowned King of Britain and head of state of 14 other nations.

What is Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy?

Like most leaders in our world, Queen Elizabeth was loved by some, and not by others. She had a difficult job of preserving a multi-century long monarchy and her 70 years as queen shows her commitment to it. As well, she was considered a more modern queen who was traditional in specific aspects. Ultimately, her legacy differs depending on who you might ask, but she will be known as the longest-reigning British monarch and the longest-reigning female monarch in world history thus far. 

What power did the Queen have and will her successor continue to have the same power?

The monarchy’s modern power is limited despite its significant symbolic importance. For example, one of the queen’s final public duties was, “to accept the resignation of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister and to ask Liz Truss to assume the job in his stead.” (Rutgers, 2022) Currently, one of the major concerns is whether King Charles is up to the task of maintaining the monarchy's symbolic role in modern day Britain. 

What is the process for the transfer of power for the monarchy?

The moment Queen Elizabeth died, Prince Charles became the king. Over the last weeks, a series of rituals have been conducted to officially end the queen’s reign and mark the beginning of Charles’. “A formal proclamation of the new king in his capital is imminent, and this will be followed by a period of mourning in advance of the Queen’s state funeral; and then eventually by Charles’ coronation.” (Rutgers, 2022)

How will the change in the monarchy affect the relationship between the UK and other countries?

Over the years,many nations within the post-imperial Commonwealth have grown discontent with the British monarchy. After the queen’s death, there are increasing concerns that with the absence of an admirable monarch, many nations may choose to separate themselves from the monarchy and become more independent. Others are claiming there may be a political battle within Britain, as the monarchy is more of a national symbol and one that doesn’t often, “accurately reflect the complicated realities of the nation.” (Rutgers, 2022)